If you are depressed, you might have the urge to isolate, meaning that you don't want to see your family and friends. This can be frustrating because being by yourself can result in your depression getting worse. This can make it harder for you to recover from your depression. However, getting through the urge to isolate can be very difficult. Here are some tips for not isolating while you are depressed.
1. Set Plans With People While You Are in Your Therapy Session
Your first step is to set plans with people while you are in your therapy session. You are likely going to use social media to set your plans, and you have all of the social media access you need through your phone. This is a great strategy if you find it difficult to get yourself to actually set plans with people. Write out the message and your plan ahead of time in a word processor and then copy and paste it into a chat box on your favorite social media site. Your therapist can watch you do this and hold you accountable.
The more you reach out to others, the more they will include you when they are making plans and many people find it easier to simply join someone else's plans, rather than deal with the stress of making their own.
2. Set a Quota
Set a quota of time that you need to spend socializing each week. This is good if you are having a hard time getting yourself to do social activities. If you set a goal for the amount of time you spend in the presence of other people, you can turn it into a game. For example, reward yourself every time that you go to happy hour with your colleagues and increase that reward slightly for every hour that you stay. You might allow yourself to watch one episode of Netflix for the hour that you go to hang out with your colleagues and then an additional episode every half hour you stay thereafter.
3. Hang Out in Public Places
If you can't find anyone to do things with, hang out in public places. Go to the library or gym. If you are in college, eat in the cafeteria rather than your room and do work in common areas. This will increase the chances that you will be able to strike up a conversation with someone and therefore use it to count towards your socializing quota mentioned above, as well as help ward off your depression.
For more information, talk to a company that specializes in anxiety and depression treatment.
Share7 September 2016
When I initially started the therapy process about 10 years ago, I didn't take the time to scout out the right counselor. Instead, I just went to the first counselor that my doctor recommended, and the experience was less than enjoyable. I realized that I might need to do a little research to find the right counselor for me, so I took the time to carefully evaluate my needs and research different clinics in my area. I was able to find an amazing counselor who really seemed to have it under control, and it was incredibly beneficial to see the difference that it made. This blog is all about finding the right counselor.
