How Support Groups Can Help You Beat Depression

Don’t underestimate the worth of a good support group. A caring support group can help you get through life’s major challenges. But sometimes, you may find it challenging to find the support group that’s right for you.

As part of your treatment for depression, we offer a built-in support group. Here, the providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center explain more about the role of support groups in beating depression.

What is depression?

Are you really depressed enough to seek treatment? That may not be the right question. If you’re not feeling like yourself, or if you’ve got the blues you just can't shake off, treatment can help you feel better. 

Depression can present in many ways, but some of the common symptoms include:

• Lasting feelings of sadness or emptiness 
• Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness
• Lack of interest in activities or hobbies
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Low appetite or eating too much
• Irritability or restlessness
• Thoughts of suicide, in some cases

You don’t have to have all these symptoms to be considered depressed. If you’re unsure, you may want to schedule an appointment with the providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center for an evaluation.

How to treat depression

The good news is that treatment usually helps a lot with depression. However, what works to “fix” depression can vary a lot by individual. That’s why the providers at 2nd Chance work with each person to develop a customized treatment plan.

Your treatments usually consist of some or all of the following:

• Medications
• Lifestyle changes
• Individual counseling
• Support groups

Don’t be discouraged if the first type of medication you’re prescribed doesn’t provide full, effective relief. It’s not uncommon to have to try a couple of medicines or dosage adjustments until you find the right fit.

How support groups can help

Support groups are an important part of effective treatment for depression. Often, these support groups are facilitated by a group leader to make sure the discussion remains helpful and stays on track.

Some of the ways that support groups can assist your recovery include:

Understanding

One of the hardest aspects of depression is that it can make you feel like you’re all alone. But more people suffer from depression than you might realize. About 7.1% of Americans – that’s 17.3 million adults – deal with depression every year.

Having a support group to talk to lets you know that other people understand what you’re going through. You can talk honestly about your feelings and your life circumstances to people who won’t judge you for it. 

Friendship

People often become more isolated when they’re depressed. We don’t know if depression or isolation comes first, but they almost always go together.

When you’re in a support group, it provides a sense of camaraderie and friendship. You’ll form bonds with the other people in your support group, which may even last after you leave treatment.

If you don’t feel like you’re living your best life, it might be time to seek treatment for depression. Call the providers at any of 2nd Chance Treatment Center’s locations, or request an appointment online.