Sometimes, managing depression and relationships can feel impossible.
Socializing can be cumbersome when youre not sleeping, feel fatigued, or experiencing other symptoms of depression.
If youve ever felt similarly, youre definitely not alone.
Sometimes, managing depression and relationships can feel like the ultimate challenge.
But hopefully, one of these suggestions can help you feel better and maintain some social support.
Having depression can severely inhibit your ability to function.
You might lose interest in things you previously enjoyed, have zero energy, and have overwhelmingly negative feelings.
And unfortunately, these symptoms are ongoing and can be really difficult to manage on your own.
All of this said,finding help isnt an easy process.
Together, you might create goals and strategies that may help you feel better.
Consult with your doctor about taking medications that could help.
Pay attention to how youre sleeping.
Taking care of your basic needs is so important, Dr. Annunziato tells SELF.
Making sure youre getting sufficient sleep is so important, but I know thats much easier said than done.
The relationship between sleep and depression is complex, but its clear that the two are connected.
Studies show that about 75% of people with depression have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep4.
About 15% of people with depression have hypersomnia, meaning they feel overly tired even with adequate sleep.
Even under the best conditions,you may not sleep if youre ruminatingor having negative self-thoughts.
Or you might want to sleep to escape some of those feelings.
Sometimes getting good sleep feels outside of your control, no matter what you do.
Be intentional with your alone time.
If youre depressed, you might feel very exhausted.
Having alone time can give you time to recharge, Dr. Stern tells SELF.
Do you think spending the weekend by yourself will help refill your cup?
Or, if youre isolating for other reasons, talking to a therapist can help you manage that too.
View social interaction as a spectrum.
You might consider asking your friend if theyre cool with a takeout night at your place instead.
Or maybe you do a daily check-in with a friend to talk about your day.
Find your preferred method of communication.
Have you ever received a text and thought, Ill respond when I feel up to it?
And then you just never actually responded?
Make small overtures and be as honest as you comfortably can.
Oftentimes, its just harder to stay in touch when youre feeling depressed, and sometimes thats misinterpreted.
People may think youve changed in the friendship so then maybe their outreach to you changes, she says.
Theres always a chance the other person might not respond.
When that happens, its all too easy to feel guilty or blame yourself when youre depressed.
This is another scenario when seeing a therapist can be helpful.
Depression is incredibly painful, so venture to give yourself grace for however you may be feeling.
