Coping with Depression: 5 Strategies

5 Strategies to Boost Self-Esteem & Coping with Depression

Depression and low self-esteem often go hand-in-hand. When an individual is suffering from symptoms of depression, it can be difficult to feel confident or value ourselves. This can make coping with depression extremely difficult and discouraging. If we don’t feel confident in ourselves, we most likely won’t feel confident to seek the help we need. A recent article by Psych Central discusses 5 strategies to help coping with depression and boost self-esteem.

Deborah Serani, Psy. D, a clinical psychologist states:

“Depression often distorts thinking, making a once confident person feel insecure, negative and self-loathing.”

Due to this, past positive or neutral thoughts become “I am incompetent,” “I suck at everything,” or “I hate myself.” While low self-esteem brought on by depression can be deeply rooted, there are ways that you can being coping with depression to rebuild confidence and positive self-esteem.

5 strategies to help coping with depression:

Deal with dysfunctional thinking. Research has shown that negative thinking is one of the main things responsible for setting off low self-esteem and depression. Depression corrodes judgment and thinking styles, which lead to destructive thoughts. A great way for coping with depression is to think critically about these thoughts. Ask yourself what evidence do you have that proves certain negative thoughts are true.
Seek positive support. Surrounding yourself with people who support you and appreciate your strengths can create a lot of benefits when coping with depression. Do things with people that build you up increases happiness and wellbeing, and helps you see the positive things about yourself.
Begin the day with a boost. Start your day with positive things, like websites, books, or calendars that are uplifting or inspire you. Starting your day with positivity can have incredible effects on your mood for the rest of the day.
Soothe yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself when coping with depression. If you are feeling stressed, nurturing yourself—even if it’s the last thing you think you deserve—can play a critical part in maintaining a path towards happiness.
Find and pursue your passions. Doing something you aren’t passionate about can be depressing for anyone. Having something you’re passionate about to pursue can significantly help coping with depression. Putting yourself in environments or experiences that bring you down is only going to continue to negatively affect your wellbeing.

If you or your child have run out of strategies to help coping with depression, it may be time to seek further help. There are multiple programs available to help symptoms of depression for youth.

Elevations RTC can help

Elevations RTC is a leading residential treatment center for teens, ages 13 to 18, grappling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and other emotional or behavioral issues. As a residential treatment center for teens, we try to go above and beyond other RTC’s by having not only one on-site psychiatrist, but two practitioners who see each student weekly. We also have an academic component that uses an accredited curriculum and licensed/credentialed teachers. With all of this, we strive to give each student the most efficient and beneficial experience possible.

For more information about Elevations RTC, please call today.