Coping Mechanisms for Depression

There are research-backed coping mechanisms one can use to help themselves. These coping mechanisms include: 

Surrounding Oneself with Supportive Friends and Family 

As human beings, we all thrive when surrounded by a sense of community and support. Because of this, leaning on family and friends who one trusts and feels supported by can be crucial to their health and wellbeing. 

It may not always be easy for a person experiencing depression to reach out to others for support, as depression typically causes one to withdraw socially causing relationships to suffer.  

A few steps a person can take to reach out to their supportive loved ones include: 

• Inviting friends or family members to spend face-to-face time together 
• Staying connected with one’s faith community 
• Opening up to a trusted loved one about their experience
• Attending social events as much as they can 
• Volunteering to help a charity  
• Giving loved ones a call or sending a text 
• Asking a trusted friend or family member to check in with them regularly. 
• Finding a workout companion to exercise with 
• Taking a class or joining a club in their community