When dealing with depression, it can be even harder to cope when your friends and family are not supportive of you. Your symptoms can become worse when someone you’re close to makes cold or thoughtless comments or blames you for your symptoms. It’s time to learn how to manage that for the sake of your mental health.

Typically, people believe that they should surround themselves with people who are understanding of what they are going through or willing to try and understand. Although this is ideal, it is not always possible. In these situations, it is important to acknowledge the situation. Sometimes, you have to be your own cheerleader and understand that other people are struggling, too.

Understanding Yourself and Others

Eventually, people reach a point where they realize that not everyone understands what they are going through. There could be a certain reason for their behaviors that has nothing to do with you. Their behavior is likely ingrained in their mind or subconscious. Many people grew up believing that showing indications of mental health problems is a sign of weakness. It’s also pretty common to have encounters with people from a generation where mental health comes with more stigma than it does now.

Once you gain this new perspective, you have the small amount of responsibility that comes with the power of awareness. This means that you have to organize your relationships and know who you can depend on. If you notice that someone you are close with isn’t providing the support you need when you are feeling depressed, don’t become upset. Continue to love them, but stop looking for support in this specific area of your life.

At the end of it all, you must be your greatest supporter in your time of need. This support doesn’t happen overnight; it takes practice to be able to treat yourself with kindness and gentleness. Try speaking to yourself with a positive tone. Speaking to yourself with a negative tone only makes your symptoms worse.

Don’t Believe the Hype

There may be many stereotypes about people who deal with depression, such as that they’re lazy or that depression is a weakness. Depression is a medical illness. No matter what you might think, the concept that you’re asking for help purely to “get attention” is a myth. Depression can be a roller-coaster, especially when you are actively trying to get better. You have to constantly remind yourself of who you are, especially when you are lacking support. If you feel that none of this is working for you and people are still being negative in your life, it might be time to move on.

You may have people in your life who are supporting you but are also inconsiderate with their words or actions. Mean-spirited people can be hurtful, and you may have to cut them out of your life for the sake of your mental health. Some relationships can be very hard to end, especially when they are a family member. This is where you limit contact or find ways to cope with their comments. Although it won’t be easy, don’t be afraid to reduce the amount of contact with people that are hurting you.

Flipping the Negative Energy

There are plenty of occasions where negative emotions like anger can be used for your benefit. You can use the anger for something positive instead of holding it all in and beating yourself up. Go get exercise and fresh air. Smash up some ceramic tiles and use the pieces for a mosaic. Even angry cleaning your house is a productive use of anger.

By doing something physical, you can release your energy and emotions, establishing a healthy outlet for your negativity and anger. If you have people in your life who are showing you that they can’t be there for you, there could be more to the story. A friend or family member may not be able to support you because they are dealing with their own mental health problem.

They may be sympathetic to what you’re going through but unable to support you. If someone is too wrapped up in their own issues, it doesn’t mean they don’t care about you. It just means they can’t support you because their internal resources are simply used up while trying to care for themselves. Try to be patient, or even offer your support to that person if you can. Sometimes the best way to feel better is to help someone else.

Dealing with depression without a support system can be extremely difficult, but it’s not impossible. Try to gravitate to the people that are consistently showing you that they want to be there for you. Instead of focusing on who is not there for you, recognize the benefit of focusing your energy on yourself and the ones who are there for you. There are many healthy ways, even without formal exercise, to channel any negative energy that is holding you down. One such activity you can use for that energy is writing. Writing down your thoughts and feelings gives you the chance to see and re-examine your feelings later. If that has proven to not be enough for you, there are other options. Professionals like those at The Kimberly Center are waiting to help people just like you on your journey. We can help you and your family with your depression. Contact us at (855) 452-3683.