How to Know When Your Depression Is Lifting
By Space Coast Daily // November 16, 2021
Depression is a disease that affects millions of Americans daily and millions more globally. With more celebrities and public figures talking about their struggles with this and other mental disorders, it is less of a taboo subject. Better still, with more and more research available about treating depression, there is more hope for a cure than ever.
If you have depression, you know it’s a daily struggle, and there is not exactly a magical cure-all for your treatment. However, with access to the right tools, you may feel like your depressive fog is starting to retreat, which is terrific news!
Want to ensure you stay on the right path? Check out these five signs of how to know when your depression is lifting.
1. You Have a Better Self Image
Depression is a mental condition that affects your self-esteem.
This is especially common with young people, who already have a fragile ego due to the prevalence of hormonal changes, school bullying, and comparing themselves to others online.
But no matter your age, if you have depression, there are likely days when you feel embarrassed by your condition and wish you were anybody else besides this person going through these emotions.
However, after undergoing treatments prescribed by your doctor, from medications to therapy, you may feel like you’re returning to your pre-depressive self.
And with that, comes a renewal in how you see yourself.
If you’re finding that your self-esteem is on the mend, this is an enormous sign your depression is lifting. Keep up the great work!
2. You Have More Energy
One of the hallmark signs of depression is a lack of energy. When your depression is at its worst, you may struggle to get out of bed. And the idea of going about your “regular routine” is nightmarish.
But when your depression is lifting, you’ll discover that you have more energy.
It will be easier to get out of bed and do all the things you need to do.
This also brings us to our next point …
3. You’re More Engaged With People and Activities
This is a bit of an offshoot from the last topic. But one that is crucial enough to go into detail about.
Part of the ways in which depression zaps your energy concerns your feelings about being social. You may resist encountering people, even your closest family and friends. And you may also start to deplore all the activities you typically love.
Therefore, your depression may be lifted if you want to be more social and active once again. Embrace these feelings and do your best to return to your favorite activities when you feel ready to do so.
4. You Feel Less Anxious
Depression and anxiety go hand in hand. One of the things people who do not have depression don’t often grasp is how everyday activities can be a true uphill battle for someone with depression.
Anxiety is one of the strongest and longest-lasting side effects of depression.
When you start to feel less anxious about the prospect of doing something that usually triggers you, it’s safe to say your depression is lifting.
5. You’ve Found a Way to Cure Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Your depression can only get better after seeking help. It’s not easy, and it may be a long journey to full recovery, but there are plenty of treatment options out there.
But for some depression patients, the typical cures do not cut it and a doctor may diagnose you as having treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
If you have TRD, your depression may not lift by the typical means, such as by medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Oftentimes, you need to try all three of these things in a sort of Venn diagram of healing, with different types of treatments overlapping to improve your wellness.
For instance, research shows that adding psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to classic depression treatments, such as psychotherapy, can be the key to healing TRD.
To learn more about psilocybin and its effect on depression, check out this article by Veriheal.
And if you’ve found a way to cure your TRD, your mind and body will let you know. In addition to the factors we mentioned above, you’ll also recoup your appetite and sleep better. And who knows, you may even be smiling again!
Conclusion
Curing your depression is a lifelong process that often involves different types of treatment. But once you start to feel your depression is lifting, you know that all the work you’re putting into it is so worth it!
These are the ways to know for sure when your depression is lifting. Keep at it, and you will continue to be rewarded with a better self-image, a more energetic disposition, and an improved quality of life.
