I’m really proud of a friend of mine who reached out about how she was feeling lately. I think a lot of people may relate, and wanted to pass my thoughts along—
If you find yourself struggling significantly with feeling down, depressed mood, or just not feeling excited about life right now, especially as the seasons change, reach out to someone.
•Reach out to a friend, a family member, someone safe. You need connection right now. Don’t be alone with it! It’s okay to take care of yourself in solitude, but often unfortunately depression leads us to isolating further, and it’s helpful to remember to reach for someone (even if it’s over text). There are hotlines on my website.
•Schedule with a therapist, and have them screen you for depression and to help you find ways to cope. They’ll also help you process the holistic aspects of your well-being (considering your whole context!) and work towards healing and relief as needed. Ask a friend for a rec, go through your insurance, or I have a find a therapist page on my website with lots of resources!
(ps: If you find a therapist you want to work with who doesn’t take your insurance — with the paperwork for a diagnosis and treatment code from your therapist called a “Superbill” you can potentially be reimbursed by your insurance company for several sessions.)
•Schedule a blood panel with your health care provider to look at any possible nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing. (Seek info about getting this covered by insurance). Seriously, you’d be so surprised at how often just taking vitamins you need can help support your mood. For example, vitamin d deficiencies present similar symptoms to depression. But please make informed choices with your doctor.
•Consider medication management. There’s *nothing* wrong with it! Talk to your health care team. Schedule with a psychiatrist.
•Be gentle on yourself and remember that this feeling and this season isn’t forever. ♥️ listen to your cues and what you’re needing, and remember that shame never helped anyone take better care of themselves. Radical self compassion is the response I want us to cultivate when we are struggling.