There are plenty of blogs and videos out there about how to overcome depression (I've written a couple myself).But, what I rarely see is what contributes to...
There are plenty of blogs and videos out there about how to overcome depression (I've written a couple myself).
But, what I rarely see is what contributes to making depression worse.
This may seem odd, but I think it's time to switch things around.
For anyone going through depression, here are some things that actively deepen your depression.
Depression disrupts any routine you may have.
It keeps you from going to class or work, prevents you from exercising, seeing friends, and even getting out of bed.
If you want your depression to worsen, then a lack of regularity in your day is the way to start.
A loss of routine is great for making depression worse because it is simultaneously a loss of goal-setting.
Normally, getting up at the same time is a goal, as is going to class or work, as is any other part of your normal day.
Eliminate that routine, and you eliminate your goals, which is the same as making depression worse.
Here is another way of making depression worse.
Separate yourself from friends and family.
Being removed from other people prevents you from having fun, making meaningful connections, and instead, traps you.
Isolation also prevents you from receiving love and comfort from people who care about you and want to see you be well.
This is why it is so important to be open with your loved ones; without other people to help you see what life has to offer you're stuck with your own self-defeating thoughts.
This brings us to our last way of making depression worse.
"You are what you think."
This is particularly true of depression.
Just because you feel something, doesn't mean that feeling is right.
Our feelings are only right If we decide they are.
For instance, a common thought for people with depression is "nothing ever works out for me," or "I'm worthless." These thoughts become true by pouring energy into them.
Those thoughts begin with a feeling of sadness, disappointment, or discontent and then our minds wrongly interpret those feelings as incorrect thoughts about ourselves or the world.
Feeding into negative and self-defeating thoughts is a surefire way of making depression worse.
All those blogs about beating depression tend to say the same things over and over.
That's why this blog was aiming at presenting familiar information in a new way.
We've now discussed the 3 biggest things that contribute to making depression worse.
Lack of routine, isolation, and negative thinking are the biggest components of depression.
So, if you don't want your depression to get worse, do the opposite!
Structure your day, get around people who love you, and stop feeding into inaccurate thoughts about your emotions.
Therapy can help with many types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and depression related to life transitions or grief. Your therapist will tailor treatment to your specific needs.
What is the goal of depression counseling?
Living with depression can feel like walking through thick fog every day, where the world looks muted and it’s hard to find your way. The goal of counseling isn’t to instantly make the fog disappear. It’s to give you a powerful flashlight so you can find your path again. Depression counseling helps you better understand your symptoms of depression, identify what’s contributing to them, and learn healthier ways of coping.
We work together to help you understand what's behind the fog, rediscover your sense of purpose, and rebuild your life, one step at a time. We believe in your capacity to feel joy again.
How can counseling help me get my life back?
When you're dealing with depression, even the smallest tasks can feel like climbing a mountain. Counseling helps you build the skills and stamina to make that climb. Through evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), we help challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that reinforce depression.
We'll help you challenge the negative thought patterns that weigh you down and find ways to re-engage with your life. Treating depression is not about perfection; it’s about progress and learning how to support yourself with compassion.
Can therapy really help with depression?
Yes! Therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat depression. Research consistently shows that depression therapy—especially CBT—is effective for depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
We'll help you navigate the difficult emotions and challenge the unhelpful beliefs that are holding you back. You are not alone in this fight, and we'll be there to support you every step of the way.
What if I don't feel motivated to go to counseling?
We get it. Depression often drains motivation, energy, and hope. A lack of motivation is itself a common symptom of depression—not a failure. You don’t have to feel “ready” to start. Just showing up is enough. We’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels manageable.
