What happens during a depressive episode?

A depressive episode is a period of time characterized by low mood, depleted energy levels and feelings of helplessness. These episodes can severely impact our emotions and impact our day-to-day lives. They often divert attention away from everyday routine or responsibilities and onto a flood of confusing and triggering thoughts that leave us feeling extremely drained and despondent. Leaning on the support of a peer counselor can help minimize the impact of a depressive episode and equip you with tools to help cope with the symptoms you may be facing.

Identify symptoms of a depressive episode with the help of a peer counselor

Occasional bouts of sadness is a part of being human but during a depressive episode when you feel intense and overwhelming emotions, you may experience a few more equally intense symptoms. If you decide to seek the support of an online peer counselor for depression, these are some of the symptoms they could help you identify and work through:

• Intense, unexplained bouts of sadness or unprompted feelings of insignificance and isolation
• Bouts of irritability, frustration, or out-of-character angry outbursts
• Fatigue or low energy levels, overwhelming lethargy, or physical exhaustion
• Noticeable changes in appetite or weight (overeating or not eating enough)
• Sudden changes in your sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or not enough, or generally disrupted sleep)
• A loss of interest in the things you normally enjoy (sex, socializing, sport or work)

How long do depressive episodes last?

Depressive episodes can vary in length, ranging from two weeks to eight months. We feel that the more positive intervention there is, the easier it is to climb out of the dark hole you’re in and back out into the sunlight with a renewed, empowered version of yourself. Peer counseling for depression is a comforting choice for many in discovering your inner compass and the confidence to deny this disorder from dictating your life.

The benefits of constructive support during depressive episodes

It’s important for you to have the right kind of support to help you develop ways to cope, whether it’s through cognitive behavioral therapy or enhanced mindfulness. Our peer counselors not only listen empathetically, they can also speak from their own experience in managing their own depression or episodes of emotional turmoil.

Chatting to a counselor of your choice can help real-life insight from individuals who have gone through similar experiences and discover what coping strategies best apply to you. Brian (one of our Peer Collective counselors) encourages the endorphin-rich benefits of exercise when going through a rough patch while Jazmin finds solace in reading.

When melancholy hits, you can count on peer support

Online peer counseling can help you wade through the emotional overwhelm of a depressive episode and even though there may be loads of peer counselors out there, we select only the top 3%.Get the best of the best with Peer Collective, and book your first free session in 4 easy steps.