How to Get Through a Depressive Episode

It's tough to get through a depressive episode. You may feel like you're stuck in a dark hole with no way out...

Depression
March 21, 2025

It's tough to get through a depressive episode.

You may feel like you're stuck in a dark hole with no way out.

The good news is that there are ways to get through depression and start feeling better again.

Here are some tips to help you start recovering from depression.

Recognize the Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

A depressive episode is characterized by

  • A persistent low mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness and despair
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Sleep problems
  • Decreased energy levels

It's important to be able to identify the symptoms of a depressive episode so that you can seek help early on.

This is an important step when learning how to get through a depressive episode.

a person lying on the ground next to a candle

Don't Try to Go Through it Alone - Seek Help From Others

If you're feeling depressed, it's important to reach out for help.

Talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

You should also tell your close friends and family about what you're going through.

They can provide support and understanding. Don't overlook your support group when learning how to get through a depressive episode.

Get Plenty of Rest and Exercise

When you're depressed, it's important to take care of your body.

Make sure you're getting enough sleep and exercise.

Exercise can help improve your mood and energy levels.

Eat a healthy diet. What you eat can also affect your mood.

Make sure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Taking care of yourself is an important step when getting through a depressive episode.

Take Medication as Prescribed by Your Doctor

If you're taking medication for depression, it's important to take it as prescribed.

Don't skip doses or stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

Depression can be a difficult condition to deal with, but there are ways to get through it.

If you're feeling depressed, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

You should also tell your close friends and family about what you're going through.

They can provide support and understanding.

a person rubbing the back of their neck

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs can make depression worse.

If you're struggling with depression, it's important to avoid alcohol and drugs.

Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you're having trouble stopping.

Set Realistic Goals

When you're depressed, it can be hard to get motivated.

Start by setting small, achievable goals.

For example, instead of saying you're going to exercise for an hour every day, start with 10 minutes.

Then gradually increase the amount of time you exercise as you start to feel better.

Participate in Activities You Enjoy

Doing things you enjoy can help improve your mood.

It's important to find activities that you really enjoy and make time for them in your life. Some activities could be:

• Reading

• Going for walks in nature

• Spending time with friends and family

• Playing with a pet

These are just a few ideas.

Explore your interests and identify what you can do to help yourself.

Depression can be a difficult condition to deal with, but there are ways to get through it.

Spend Time with People Who Make You Feel Good

Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

These could be friends, family, or even a therapist. Some things you could all do together are:

• Going for walks

• Talking and listening to each other

• Doing something fun

• Spending time in nature

Find things that you enjoy doing with others and make time for them in your life.

man sitting on a brick wall inside a building

Be Patient - Recovery Takes Time

Don't expect to snap out of it overnight.

Recovery from depression takes time.

Be patient with yourself and don't give up hope.

You can get through this.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you've been struggling with depression for a while and haven't been able to get better on your own, it might be time to seek professional help.

Therapy can be a great way to get started on the road to recovery.

Some types of therapy that could be helpful are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

• Psychodynamic Therapy

These are just a few examples. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what might be right for you.

If you're feeling depressed, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

FAQs

What should I do if I'm feeling depressed?

If you're feeling depressed, it's important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

What causes depression?

There is no single cause of depression. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

How can I tell if I'm depressed?

There are some common signs and symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or hopeless, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, sleep problems, and fatigue. But it's important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional to be sure.

What are some things I can do to help myself if I'm depressed?

There are a number of things you can do to help yourself if you're feeling depressed. Some things you could try are: talking to your doctor or mental health professional, spending time with people who make you feel good, participating in activities you enjoy, and setting realistic goals.

How long does it take to recover from depression?

There is no one answer to this question. Recovery from depression takes time. Be patient with yourself and don't give up hope. You can learn strategies on how to get through a depressive episode.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog should only be used for informational purposes.

Do not use the content in this blog post as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed professional.

Conclusion

If you're feeling depressed, there are things you can do to help yourself.

Talk to your doctor or mental health professional, set realistic goals, participate in activities you enjoy, spend time with people who make you feel good, and be patient with yourself.

Depression is a serious condition, but there are ways to get through it.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Depression

What can happen if I don't seek help for my depression?

Ignoring depression can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

How can I tell if my depression is serious enough to seek professional help?

If your symptoms of depression have been persistent and interfere with your daily life, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. It's also a good idea to get medical advice if you experience any thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder (a common one) that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.In this section, we will discuss the various types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.Gaining a deeper understanding of your depression is the first step in finding the right treatment and support.

What resources are available to help me cope with depression?

There are many helpful resources available, including support groups, online forums, books and websites dedicated to mental health and wellness. Connecting with other people struggling with the same issue can be especially beneficial. Additionally, talking to a trusted friend or family member can provide much-needed social support during difficult times.

Is medication a necessary part of treating depression?

While medication is not always required for managing depression, it can be beneficial in some cases. If you decide that medication is right for you, medications such as antidepressants work by balancing certain brain chemicals involved in regulating moods. Other options include mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs which may also prove helpful for certain individuals struggling with symptoms of depression.

I don't want to ruin the holidays for my family by being sad all the time. What can I do?

It's important to remember that you are allowed to grieve however you need to, and that doesn't mean you have to ruin the holidays for everyone else. If you need to take a break from holiday festivities, do so. Go for a walk, take a nap, watch a movie—whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. You can also try talking to your family about your grief ahead of time and asking for their understanding and support.