Self-help program
3. TIPS FOR THE FUTURE
Moving forward
Hopefully, you found tools and exercises in this program that you found helpful. When feeling depressed, thoughts often revolve around negative past situations, and it can be difficult to think about the present moment or the future. In recovery, consciously bring your attention back to the present and gradually toward the future again.
Practice makes progress
As with learning any new skill, consistent practice is important when learning tools for managing depression. When you practice using these tools in easier situations first, they can gradually help you even in more difficult situations where emotions may start to take over.
Practice can be compared to learning to swim
First, you have to learn swimming techniques in shallow water, and then you strengthen your skills in a safe setting. Once you’ve developed the basics, you can also swim in more challenging settings, such as deeper water or in rougher weather.
Practice can be exhausting, especially in the beginning. That’s why it’s important to reward yourself in a way you’ll enjoy when you’ve practiced a particular skill, for example, for a week.
Think about what kind of reward would suit you. Examples of rewarding yourself include listening to your favorite music, reading a book, spending a relaxing evening, calling a friend, or giving yourself credit. The important thing is to find a way that works for you.
Sometimes depression can also lead to something positive
Depressive symptoms can significantly disrupt life and everyday functioning. Often, they may not seem to have any benefits at all.
However, once the most severe symptoms have subsided, many people may gain new and helpful perspectives. In the video (0:55), Chief Physician Suoma Saarni explains that, afterward, depression may increase a sense of gratitude and self-awareness.
In the following video (2:52), people who have experienced depression talk about what useful things they have learned through their mental health symptoms.
After working through their own difficult emotions, many have learned to recognize their own limits, develop self-compassion, and rediscover enjoyment in life.