When feeling depressed, to be able to get your everyday work done and to take care of yourself and your family, you may need help to do this. As you know, feeling very tired is common with depression and this is not your fault, it is due to your depression. It is treatable and your symptoms will get better. The expectation is that, as you recover, you will resume your normal activities and should get back to normal. There is every reason to hope that you will get better, although it may be hard to believe this now that you’re struggling
with the effects of depression, when you’re feeling down and helpless. It is a good idea to think of how you can get support from your relations. You may start to think about who, in your family, friends and community can help you in practical ways.
Do a careful review of all the important relationships in your life.
Consider who is in your family, any social support, romantic relationships, and work colleagues. Also consider both virtual and in person relationships. Consider your preferred social media platforms and virtual communities. What are your preferred apps or online communications? Who do you communicate with most often?
Have you found it difficult to think of people to include in your inventory? Is this because there are few people in your life, or the relationship you have does not feel important?
Consider the cost of social media on your mental health.
It is important that we consider both virtual and in-person relationships. You may like to consider the role of digital relationships in your interpersonal life. Are there any communication issues? Have you ever had a disagreement online? How did it go? Does your digital relations cause problems in your in-person relationship? Are you excessively preoccupied with social media? This may be some form of avoidance.
There are some advantages of social media. It can be used to initiate some conversations with distance relationships helping to prepare for one to one conversations or even in person social events. We will ask that you consider how the use of social media helps or hinders your mental well-being.
Using social media as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional distress can lead to avoidance and decreased self-care.
Comparison and Inadequacy
Some of the common ways that social media can hinder your mental wellbeing is by comparing your life to others’ curated highlight reels which may lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Unrealistic relationship expectations
Social media can create unrealistic expectations about relationships and partnerships which may serve to undermine the development of healthier and long lasting ones.
In IPT we will encourage you and support you to engage in offline activities that con offer opportunities to meet others activities that you may start to enjoy. For example meeting someone for exercise and other social activities.
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety and would you like to try a different therapy approach? IPT is evidence based therapy that has good effect with the treatment of anxiety and depression. Please complete an enquiry form on our website https://www.ictherapies.co.uk/contact/
