Depression can make you feel hopeless and alone. However, it’s important to know that there are many others going through the same thing, and that there are steps you can take to overcome it. Juneau, Alaska’s mental health expert, Sondra Sexton-Jones, provides the vital support individuals need to recover from a range of issues, including depression and anxiety.

Depression may feel impossible to beat, but that’s not the reality. To start, here are a few tips to alleviate your symptoms of depression:

• Seek Support From Family & Friends: Even if you think you’d rather be alone, it’s important to seek the support of friends, family, or other trusted individuals. Human interaction can have a positive effect on your mood, even if you don’t initially realize it. You might also consider joining a support group. 
• Engage In Social Activities: Again, it’s tempting to hole up in your room, but try to keep up with regular social activities and day-to-day life. This will help you remain engaged in the world around you and ensure you don’t slip farther into depression. Before you know it, you may enjoy these activities again.
• Exercise Regularly: Exercise has a profound neurological effect on the body, boosting feel-good hormones like endorphins, which help combat depression. It also regulates cortisol, which helps aid in stress management.
• Eat Healthy: Eating regularly and eating well can lend you a much-needed brain boost. Minimize your intake of processed sugar, which can send your emotions through a loop. Instead, fuel up on foods containing Vitamin B, like citrus fruit, leafy greens, eggs, chicken, and beans.
• Reach Out: Seek the support of a mental health professional. An expert can provide you the individualized support and care you need to live happy and well again.

Of course, no two people are alike, so there’s a range of other tactics to help reduce depression, including practicing relaxation techniques, caring for a pet, and writing in a journal. When combined with the support of regular therapy, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your health and overall wellness.

You don’t deserve to suffer any longer. For the most supportive therapy in Juneau, look no further than Sondra Sexton-Jones. From grief counseling and couples therapy to helping patients cope with a range of emotional and behavior disorders, Ms. Sexton-Jones will provide you with the compassionate and reputable care you need. To learn more, call (907) 586-3313 today or visit her website.