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Health & Fitness

The Therapist Takes Her Own Advice: Staving Off Depression

The specter of sadness has started pursuing me again.  I wake up planning my days around when I can get back in bed…a sure sign that something isn’t right.

The sadness is a visceral one.  It lives in my stomach leaving me feeling as if I’ve been punched.

Strangely, it has taken away my appetite.  I’ve always been that person who eats when I become depressed (much to my chagrin), but right now sadness is taking up so much space in my stomach that food has nowhere to go.

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So before this sadness turns into an episode of depression (an affliction that has plagued me since college), I decided to return to therapy.

This may be the first time that I’ve been able to recognize the beginnings of an episode of depression before it takes hold.  So many times in the past I’ve been blindsided.

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The depression would surreptitiously take up residence in my brain.  It sapped my energy and motivation, and left me guilt laden, tearful and painfully sad.  During those times all I wanted to do was sleep.  This time will be different because I’m not waiting to get help.

I know all to well the importance of treating depression quickly and aggressively.  The longer an episode lasts the more damage it does to the brain.  Also, if you have had an episode of depression in the past, you are very likely to have a recurrence.

That is why it’s important to proactively stave off future episodes.  Here are some tips that I use to keep depression at bay 7 Strategies to Start Healing the Damage of Depression.

I just returned from my first session with a kind, empathetic, insightful therapist.  Just as I strive to do with my clients, she gently reminded me of my strengths and blessings, and I feel better knowing that I will get the support I need.  I feel really good about reaching out for help.

In addition to seeing her, I will continue to meditate, exercise and eat well, and hopefully I will be able to avoid another episode of depression.


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