Breaking Free from the Darkness: Steps to Move Through Depression

Does this sound familiar? You start your day scrolling through your phone and come across a troubling news post. As you go about your day, you can’t shake it from your mind—your thoughts keep circling back, weighing you down. When you finally get home, you isolate yourself and find yourself depleted of any energy. 

 If this cycle feels all too familiar, you may be struggling with depression without even realizing it. But you’re not powerless—there are ways to break free from the despair spiral. Here’s how.

Steps to move out of Depression

1. Exercise

Depression may affect how your brain takes in and uses endorphins, contributing to depressive symptoms. Exercise can stimulate endorphin production, helping to elevate your mood and break the cycle of depressive spirals.

2. Routine

When daily chores feel overwhelming or you’re stressed about finding time to relax, it can leave you feeling out of control, fueling a downward spiral. Creating a routine helps bring structure to your day, making tasks more manageable and reducing stress, ultimately giving you a greater sense of control over your life.

3. Explore Hobbies

You may feel lost or as though your life has become stagnant, causing you to lose touch with your sense of identity. Exploring new hobbies can help you discover new things about yourself and reignite your passion for life. Finding new things to enjoy and having a sense of accomplishment can help you find fulfillment. 

Some hobbies that might be worth exploring are crocheting, painting, learning a new instrument, or simply walking. 

4. Celebrate your efforts

When you’re depressed, you may struggle to look for the positives in your life. Celebrating your small victories can help add a much-needed sense of positivity. Recognizing your victories no matter how ‘small’ they may seem can motivate you to keep making these victories. No achievement is too small, from getting a promotion at your job or just getting out of bed, either way, celebrating your effort can help you break free from cycles of despair, motivating you to keep moving forward.

5. Therapy

Regularly attending therapy often can equip you with coping mechanisms that can help you out of cycles of despair. A mental health professional can also help you get to the root of the causes of your depression, helping you understand why you may struggle with depression. This deeper understanding empowers you to break free from negative patterns and make meaningful improvements to your mental health.

Depression spirals can be overwhelming and disrupt your daily life. Attending therapy frequently can help you manage your depression and the cycles of despair it creates. If you’re struggling with your depression, reach out to Lifecare Wellness Counseling to book an appointment with a therapist and gain the support and strategies you need to take control of your mental health.