Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental illness characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in life. Clinical depression impacts how you feel, think, and behave and can even lead to physical problems.

MDD can be especially difficult to manage. Depression can make it hard to stick to your treatment plan, follow through with commitments, and take care of yourself. It can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage MDD, promote your recovery, and improve your mental health. If you’re feeling depressive symptoms, reach out to your treatment team or a mental health professional for help.

How To get out of a depressive episode?

If you're feeling depressed, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. First, it's vital to understand that depression is a normal part of life. You may have experienced ups and downs before, during, and after treatment. It's also common to feel blue or down for a few days after ending a relationship, getting fired from a job, or experiencing another major life stressor.

Below, we share some tips to help you learn how to get out of a depressive episode.

Identify your triggers

What makes your depression worse? Is it certain people, places, or things? Once you know your triggers, you can uncover how you can avoid them or prepare to deal with them in a healthy way.

Find healthy coping mechanisms

Depression can make you turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using drugs or alcohol, overeating, or self-harming. Instead, find healthier ways to cope with your emotions, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend.

Exercise, for example, can help boost your mood and improve the length and quality of your sleep. It can also help you feel more confident and in control of your life.

It's also important that you make time for activities that make you happy. Doing things you enjoy can help reduce stress and lift your mood. Spend time with loved ones, take up a new hobby, or volunteer for a cause you care about.

Create a support system

Having supportive people in your life is vital for maintaining your recovery. Reach out to your loved ones, join a support group, or see a therapist.

Take care of yourself

Depression makes it hard to look after yourself, but it’s important to do things like eat healthy and get enough sleep. When you take care of yourself, you will be better equipped to manage your depression and stay on track with your recovery.

Eating a healthy diet full of quality foods can help improve your mood and energy levels. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.

Seek professional help

If you’re struggling to get out of depressive episodes, reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide you with the tools and support you need to get through this difficult time.

What Are Depression Symptoms?

Here are a few depression symptoms that you might encounter upon experiencing a major depressive episode:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Lost interest in activities or hobbies that you used to enjoy
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Altered sleep patterns
• Not looking after physical health
• Appetite changes or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

What Can You Do To Get Out of Depressive Episodes?

If you're feeling depressed, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. First, try to exercise regularly. Exercise can help boost your mood and improve the length and quality of your sleep. It can also help you feel more confident and in control of your life.

Second, eat a healthy diet. Eating good quality foods can help improve your mood and energy levels. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.

Third, make time for activities that make you happy. Doing things you enjoy can help reduce stress and lift your mood. Spend time with loved ones, take up a new hobby, or volunteer for a cause you care about.

Major depressive disorder is a common and treatable condition. With proper treatment, most people who experience depression will start to feel better within a few weeks, and coping skills can improve over time. If you're struggling to cope, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

How Can Attending a Support Group Help People With Depression in Recovery?

People in recovery often find that when they are experiencing depressive episodes, going to a support group can help with how to get out of the depressive episode.

There are a number of ways that going to a support group can help those who are struggling with depression. First and foremost, these groups can provide a sense of community and support. This is especially important for individuals who may feel isolated and alone in their battle against depression. Additionally, support groups can offer helpful information and resources about depression and recovery and how to get out of a depressive episode. They can also provide a space for open discussion about the challenges and struggles associated with depression. Ultimately, support groups can be an invaluable asset for anyone struggling with this mental illness.

Finding the Right Medication for Depression

There are lots of different types of medication that can be used to treat major depressive episodes. Some of the most common for people who are experiencing depression include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are a type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Common SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Another type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Common SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): These are an older type of antidepressant that work by affecting both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Common TCAs include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): These are another older type of antidepressant that work by inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters in the brain. Common MAOIs include tranylcypromine and phenelzine.
• Atypical antidepressants: These are a group of antidepressants that act on various neurotransmitters in the brain and include medications such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and trazodone (Desyrel).
• Antipsychotics: These are a group of medications that are typically used to treat psychosis but can also be effective in treating severe depression. Common antipsychotics include haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine).

Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication or combination of medications for your particular situation. It is important to remember that it might take several weeks for an antidepressant to reach its full effect, so you should be patient and keep taking the medication as prescribed even if you don't feel better right away.

Conclusion

When you suffer from depressive episodes in recovery, there are things you can do to reduce the chance of entering one, and speed up getting back to wellness. Often, it just takes building up a little momentum to help get the ball rolling, get you out of depression and back to life.

Have depressive episodes and cannot find a way out? Contact GIA Miami. Our team of wellness professionals can help.