• Question: If you had depression, what is something you could do to help it ? :)

    Asked by anon-249580 to SarahC, Paige, NathanK, Andrea on 4 Mar 2020. This question was also asked by anon-250148.
    • Photo: Nathan Kindred

      Nathan Kindred answered on 4 Mar 2020:

      Good question! The first thing to do would be to talk to your doctor about it and see what they think is best. In terms of things you could do outside of that though it’s always good to spend time with friends and family, and to try and do things that you enjoy or that help you relax.

    • Photo: Paige Chandler

      Paige Chandler answered on 4 Mar 2020:

      Hi sakurasodauwu,

      Depression can be a tricky business. The key is to see your doctor – they usually know what to do. Some people might need medication to help them get back on their feet, some people need a therapist to talk through their problems. Making sure you eat well, get enough sleep, and go outside once a day, can often be of help – although may not always be the whole solution.

      Never be afraid to talk to your parents/guardians, teachers, or doctor. There are lots of people who can help!

    • Photo: Andrea Kusec

      Andrea Kusec answered on 4 Mar 2020:

      Like Paige and Nathan already said, talking to your doctor, family, and teachers is an important step – lots of times it can feel like we’re alone when we feel down, but that’s almost always not the case. Doctors especially will be able to point you in the right direction of whatever support you might need. For self-management, one thing you could is make sure you spend time doing things you like. One theory of depression says that when people feel sad, the temptation is stay in bed all day and do nothing – even though this feels good in the short term, this makes it harder and harder for us to get back into our normal schedule. So one way to manage depression is to make sure you do something you enjoy on the regular when you feel down, as this gives us the energy to deal with the tough stuff in life. Of course, sometimes just talking to a friend about things can be a huge help too!

    • Photo: Sarah Clarke

      Sarah Clarke answered on 5 Mar 2020:

      Good question! Depression can be really variable and its really important to recognise it. There are lots of different things which can help with depression but I agree with what everyone else has said that your doctor is the best place to start. Talking with other people you trust can also be helpful as they can support you.

Comments

  • Photo: Jennifer

    Jennifer commented on :

    Definitely talk to someone. Anyone that you trust and that can help give you advice for your problems. I have actually spoken with a councellor very recently to talk through some stressful life events and it helped greatly. There are many free helplines that you can ring to speak to someone. Try one aimed at young people.

  • Photo: Toby

    Toby commented on :

    Good question. It takes great strength to identify when you are having difficulties like depression. Seeking help from your doctor is very important. There are many resources (talking to counsellor) and treatments available and your doctor would help find the right one for you.

    You friends and family/guardians can be a source of support and people are very keen to help with these things and they want you to get well ! Sleep, exercise and identifying things that may trigger low mood are important are import to well being.

    There are many successful and fantastic people (from Charles Dickens to Billie Eilish!) who have had depression, they often live with it and it doesnt define them but is another thing they need to manage.