How to Stop Shame from Blocking Your Depression Recovery

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions across the world. In recent years, stigmas surrounding it have started to fade and weaken.

Unfortunately, they do still exist.

Sometimes, they even exist within ourselves, when we’re the ones struggling.

If you find yourself feeling shame or embarrassment over your depression, you’re certainly not alone. But, you also don’t need to feel that way. It could do even more damage to your mental health and could block your recovery.

Letting go of that shame can be easier said than done, but it’s not impossible.

So, how can you stop it from blocking your depression recovery?

Understand You’re Not Alone

Again, depression is an incredibly common mental health condition. It’s important to remind yourself of that.

When you recognize that millions of people across the globe are going through the same things you are, you’re less likely to feel ashamed of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Everyone experiences depression differently. People have different symptoms, and some can function with the condition better than others. But, the stigma is continuing to fade.

To remind yourself that you’re not alone, consider joining a support group with other people dealing with depression. Even joining forums online can make a big difference.

Talk to Someone You Trust

If you try to keep your depression to yourself, you’re more likely to keep negativity swirling around in your mind.

The hardest hurdle you’ll face is initially talking to someone about your depression. But, it could also be the most important hurdle.

Think about someone you trust and bring up your depression to them. Talk about how it makes you feel, how long you’ve been dealing with it, and how it impacts your life. You might talk to a friend, family member, partner, or even a co-worker you trust.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to a mental health professional. Doing so is one of the best ways to treat depression and manage your symptoms each day.

Be Kind to Yourself

If someone you love came up to you and told you they struggled with depression, what would you do?

Would you criticize them? Laugh at them? Tell them they should keep it to themselves? Probably not.

Unfortunately, many people who deal with depression don’t show that same compassion and kindness to themselves. The old saying about being your own worst enemy really rings true when you’re quick to find fault in your mental health.

When you criticize yourself for being depressed, it causes your shame to grow. You might be embarrassed by your own mental state, which will only make things worse. Strive to show the same compassion to yourself as you would to a loved one.

You Aren’t a “Stereotype”

Depression can impact anyone. While some people might be more susceptible to it than others, there isn’t an “ideal” candidate or stereotype when it comes to this condition.

Because of that, don’t label yourself as something negative just because you’re struggling.

Instead, acknowledge that you are, indeed, dealing with depression, and trying to recover. There is no shame in that. In fact, taking steps toward recovery is one of the strongest things you can do. It’s not always easy to reach out for help. So, if you have already started to talk to a therapist or even joined a group, you’re on the right path.

If you haven’t taken that step yet, it’s never too late.

Don’t let shame block you from your depression recovery. Recognize that you’re not alone, and feel free to reach out to me when you’re ready. Together, we can get to the root of your depression and work on ways to manage your symptoms each day.