How To Manage Depression

Depression can feel overwhelming, but let me emphasize that there is hope.

At our counseling practice, we believe that healing is possible, and we’re here to guide you through it. Our counselors focus on creating a safe, compassionate, and clinically driven approach that focuses on strengths, resilience, and well-being. If you’re ready to overcome your depression, we are here and ready to guide you in developing strategies to enhance your mental health and well-being.

Empowering Your Inner Voice

At Santos Counseling, we approach treatment with compassion. Your relationship with your mind and body is one of the most important connections in your life. Healing from depression isn’t just about changing behaviors—it’s about embracing self-love, confidence, and a positive mindset. Through empowering counseling and personal growth, you can cultivate a joyful, healthy approach to self-acceptance and self-love.

6 Ways To Reduce Depression

1. Take time off.

If you feel overwhelmed with work, family, yourself, or life in general – STOP. Give yourself self-care. Treat yourself to a mini vacation. These can be as simple as going to your room and cuddling in bed. Allow the time off to be a “reset button” that can help you feel in control and refreshed.

2. Build a strong support system.

During difficult times in yourself – it truly helps to have close friends or family to lean on. If you can find a sounding board – great. Utilize these individuals to help you express and verbalize your emotions in a healthy manner.

3. Write down the “Positive I statement”.

These statements can be utilized during the times in which you experience self-doubt, insecurities, low self-esteem, low self-confidence or lethargy. The statements can include:

• “I control my energy. I can make it through the whole day feeling happy and in control”.
• “I am not weak. I am not a burden. I am strong. I have so many people that love and care about me”.
• “I have friends, family, and co-workers who truly enjoy my company”.

4. Learn to remember your past accomplishments.

Life gets busy and you are likely going to get caught up in today’s feelings related to depression.

These feelings are powerful and are going to try “so hard” to take control over your health. Invest your time in reflecting on your life and how you have made small and large accomplishments. These past accomplishments can help boost your spirit and morale to overcome today’s obstacles.

5. Journal.

Write down or even record your thoughts. Releasing your thoughts on paper or audio can help take away that weight that you are feeling. Less weight means that you can have more control over life and symptoms.

6. Social media is a fun and creative way to help manage depression.

I personally love to use Pinterest. Through Pinterest, you can create boards that have everything you personally pick. Add quotes, videos, blogs, readings, or personal uplifting stories to your Pinterest board. During times you need support – go to your board and experience positive support.

One important recommendation to remember. Depression may require therapy and medication. I truly encourage you to invest your time and energy in yourself by working to understand your depressive symptoms and practicing the above recommendations aimed to manage your depressive symptoms.

How Counseling Can Help With Depression

Counseling is not just about addressing symptoms; it’s about creating a foundation for growth and healing. With your counselor, you can work on addressing the inner critical voice, improving self-compassion, learning how to get better sleep, and bringing contentment and fulfillment into your life. 

Transform Thought Patterns into Positive Affirmations

Counselors at Santos Counseling utilize varying clinical approaches. Some include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques to help people learn how to reframe negative beliefs into empowering self-talk. 

Reclaim Joy and Self-Love

Working with a trained counselor can help you learn how to creating a fulfilling life, cues, foster a judgement-free mindset, and nourishing a loving relationship with yourself and others. Counseling helps people learn how to break free from restrictive mindsets.

Embrace Confidence and Self-Acceptance

A positive mindset approach shifts the focus from appearance to strength, capability, and self-love. Therapists at Santos Counseling are here to help you redefine self-worth beyond physical looks, encouraging a mindset rooted in empowerment and appreciation.

Develop Emotional Strength and Coping Strategies

Therapy introduces healthy alternatives for managing stress and emotions. With your counselor you will have the opportunity to learn techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and journaling. These are effective tools for self-awareness and emotional resilience.