Seek Depression Counseling to Help You Cope

Depression counseling is a useful tool for anyone living with depression. Mental health counselors typically give advice on how to cope with depression and other mental illnesses, which is helpful when you feel you've run out of ideas. I read articles and implement new depression coping mechanisms endlessly, but sometimes I cannot give myself the help I need. I've been in and out of counseling for ten years with a wide variety of counselors, and while I didn't always like the counselor, the act of seeking professional counseling kept me on my toes as I managed my depression.

Depression Counseling Stigma Can Prevent You from Seeking Help

A stigma surrounds counseling that says that seeking professional help means that you are broken. I have avoided counseling a couple of times because I did not want to acknowledge that I was broken. I was embarrassed by my brain and I felt self-conscious of my mental health, or lack thereof.

Other times I avoided counseling because I didn't think I was broken enough. I wasn't sure that my depression was a big enough issue, as if I was wasting my counselor's time with stories of sorrow and anger. The thing I learned is: If I want help with my depression, I should seek help. As long as my counselor gets paid, there shouldn't be an issue with taking time to work out my brain's kinks. Setting aside the counseling stigma and seeking depression help is an act of strength, no matter how broken I am.

View Depression Counseling as Regular Maintenance

Instead of viewing counseling as a way to undo damage that depression will cause, look at counseling as regular depression maintenance. Compare it to changing the oil in your car or mowing your lawn; Both actions are meant to prevent damage or loss of control.

Counseling is useful in managing depression because you are able to check in with a professional regarding your depression. You are preventing damage and loss of control by assessing your progress with a mental health professional, which is a healthy, smart move in the depression game.

Know When to Seek Counseling for Your Depression

While I recommend using counseling as regular brain maintenance, I know from experience that it can be tough to get to a counselor. Counseling is not always affordable, work hours can get in the way of making time for an appointment, and it can take a while to find the right counselor for you.

It is incredibly important to seek immediate professional help if your depression leads you to having suicidal thoughts or feeling suicidal, out of control, or dangerous to yourself or others. It is also important to check in regularly with your psychiatrist if you are taking prescription medication. And if you can't see a human counselor, take note of the hotlines and various clinics in your area. Have a plan for when your depression gets dangerous (I Need Mental Health Help: Where to Find Mental Health Help).

Depression Counseling and Finding the Right Counselor

For more about counselors and how to find the right counselor for you, watch this mental health video.

Depression is unspeakably tough to deal with and sometimes the best move is to seek counseling. With a mental health counselor's support and advice, coping with depression can be more manageable.