Antidepressants Aren’t Always Medications

Did you know that depression can be influenced by a loss of connection? Did you also know that antidepressants aren’t always medications?

Disconnection and Depression

What areas in your life are you feeling disconnect? Perhaps it’s at work or with people, maybe you feel disconnected from joy as you seek after achievements. It’s possible to disconnect from the past, especially if you have experienced traumatic events. Disconnect can also arise in the face of inequality. Maybe a lack of movement is disconnecting you from your body or the world around you.

Humans are social by nature. Survival in the past might look different than it does now, but that need for connection remains. Risks are still there, rejection can still occur, and fears don’t disappear, but you don’t have to face it alone. Reconnection can lead to feelings of security and togetherness. Vulnerability can lead to validation and belonging. Strong social support builds resiliency and can even improve your physical well-being.

Just like taking prescribed medication isn’t always easy or desirable, neither is the vulnerability required for connection. Humans are not perfect, therefore our ability to connect is not perfect. We make mistakes, we misunderstand, we don’t always get the outcome we’re looking for. Nowadays, humans rely on social media to connect, and although this feels like a quick fix, research indicates social media does not foster true connections. Social media may be a great starting point, but deeper connections require deeper human interactions. 

Connection and Depression

So how can you deepen your connections in life? Begin by exploring your values. When you or someone in your life is experiencing depression instead of thinking “What’s the matter with you?”, consider asking “What matters to you?”.

Maybe this question leads to eventually looking for a job that better aligns with your values, maybe you reevaluate your values altogether. You might begin to prioritize differently and spend more time connecting with nature or family and friends. Maybe you feel ready to explore the past and how it might be impacting you. Maybe reconnection occurs when you begin evaluating the impact of your thoughts and emotions.

Be patient with yourself in the process, we’re all doing the best we can with what we know, perhaps you now know something new that helps you along the way.

If you feel like you need extra support, our therapists in Utah and therapists in Arizona are ready to help you on your journey. To schedule your therapy appointment in Utah or for therapy in Arizona, call Wasatch Family Therapy at 801.944.4555 or click here!

More Helpful Articles From Sandy Therapist Kylee Owens

• In this post, Kylee describes how self-awareness can help you as a parent.

• Read this article for tools on how to break free from black-and-white thinking.