If you’ve just been diagnosed with depression, you might be feeling a range of emotions, from confusion and fear to isolation and helplessness. It’s normal to feel this way, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Check out a few tips on how to cope with your diagnosis below:

Accept your Diagnosis

First and foremost, it’s important to be accepting of your diagnosis. This is a hard thing to do, but it’s the first step on the road to recovery. Acknowledge that you’re not alone in this—millions of people suffer from depression every year.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. This can be from friends, family, or a therapist. Talk about your feelings and what you’re going through. It is often said that talking about your problems is the first step to solving them.

Finally, try to stay positive. Yes, depression can be incredibly tough to deal with, but remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. With time and patience, you can overcome this illness and start living a happy, productive life.

Try not to Tackle Everything at Once

When you’re first diagnosed with depression, it can feel like there’s a lot of things you need to do to get better. But it’s important to take things one step at a time and not pressure yourself. Focus on one or two goals at a time and gradually add more as you start to feel better. This way, you’ll be less overwhelmed and more likely to stick to your plan.

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, one of the best things you can do is seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your condition and give you tools to manage it.

If money is tight, ask your doctor or therapist for a list of low-cost or free resources in your area. There are also many online support groups for people with depression. Just knowing that you’re not alone can be a great comfort. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. We have also put together some mental health resources for your use on our website.

Join a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, one of the best things you can do is join a support group. This is a great way to meet other people who are going through the same thing as you, and to get advice and tips from people who have been in your position.

There are usually local support groups available, or you can join an online group. Either way, it’s a great way to connect with other people who understand what you’re going through, and to get advice on how to cope.

Take Care of Yourself Physically

Depression can take a toll on your body, both physically and mentally. So it’s important to take care of yourself both inside and out. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Eat healthy foods: Depression can lead to poor eating habits, so try to make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get regular exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood. A moderate amount of exercise is the key—too much can actually have the opposite effect.
• Try to get adequate sleep: Lack of sleep can make depression worse. Aim for 7–8 hours per night.
• Seek out social support: Depression can make you feel isolated, but it’s important to have supportive people in your life. Talking to others about how you’re feeling can be helpful.
• Seek professional help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like things are getting too tough to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance as you work through your depression.

Consider Therapy Options

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, one of your first steps should be to consider therapy options. There are many different types of therapy, and finding the right one for you can make a world of difference.

Some common therapies for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and medication. CBT helps you to identify and change negative thinking patterns that may be contributing to your depression. IPT helps you to identify and address problems in your relationships that may be causing or contributing to your depression. And medication can help to relieve symptoms of depression by changing the levels of serotonin in your brain.

It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all therapy, so it’s important to work with your doctor to find the right option for you. At Restore 360, we understand that everyone’s diagnosis is different. This is why we take the time to get to know and better understand our patients in order to come up with suitable treatment plans. Our therapists and psychologists are well-equipped to help with depression and other mental health issues. Schedule an appointment with us today online or call 484-373-2710. Our facility is located in the City Avenue district of Philadelphia and serves Philadelphia, Haverford, Havertown, and nearby communities.