Joy and Depression
Even individuals who struggle with frequent depression can experience a life filled with joy and happiness. Depression is not an all-or-nothing disease, but it is something that regular therapy, personal monitoring, and a tailored treatment plan can keep in check. Learning to live with depression and identifying the signs of oncoming episodes will help you maintain happiness and joy in your life.
Depression Is an Illness
It is key to remember that depression is an illness, and just like having a family history of a physical illness, it is something that you will just need to be aware of and take care of throughout your life.
Suffering from depression can feel like a constant battle. It is also important to note that bouts of depression can reoccur, and individuals who have dealt with depression in the past have an increased likelihood of battling depression again. Don’t let this scare you, but awareness can help you combat depression.
Finding Joy with Therapy
Regularly scheduled therapy sessions are extremely important if you are suffering from depression. Sessions can help keep symptoms manageable and identify which triggers cause more severe episodes. Therapy also provides accountability, which is a key part of regulating and processing episodes of severe depression.
Being Present With Depression
Often depression can stem from feelings of inadequacy. The feeling that we are not good enough can make it difficult to see how anything is worthwhile. Finding joy after depression is not about achieving perfection. It is about getting through a day and being able to see positives and growth, not simply the negatives. In the past, oversleeping might have completely ruined your day before 7:00 am. There is still a full day ahead if you can learn how to move past these roadblocks. It is not about perfection but being able to get through daily issues without losing sight of the present or the future.
Finding and Holding Onto Hope
Depression does not mean you are always unhappy. Having a good day does not mean your depression has vanished, and having a bad day does not mean you can’t crack a smile or find moments of happiness. It is possible to experience a range of emotions. Working with a therapist can help you to see the hope through and beyond depression.
Celebrate Your Progress and Sucess
Living with depression can make you feel like your life is at a standstill. Give yourself grace and praise every step of the way. It could be remembering your meditating and breathing techniques, on days that you know will be stressful or extra busy. Just being aware that the day ahead will be difficult can prepare you to handle it with success, and that is a huge step forward. Journaling can also be a great tool to remind you of how far you have come. Making a point to write down your progress is a great way to reinforce this. If you are having a particularly tough time, go through and read all of the positives and be proud.
Celebrate Your Progress and Success
Recovering from depression can be a lifelong journey, and it’s important to remain vigilant to see warning signs if it is returning. Connect with someone from our team of therapists to find your joy as you work through and recover from depression.
