It is not a surprise that many attorneys battle with depression; and suicide rates are at an all time high. The holidays can be a stressful time and it’s important to have a plan to tackle the next few weeks and beyond. You don’t have to wait until New Years to set goals and resolutions. Start today.

There are many ways to naturally handle depression; physically, mentally and emotionally. Depression affects the whole body – it does not just affect the emotions. Your metabolism slows, you may feel physically slower and of course your affect flattens or worse – depresses. Below are some options to help address the symptoms but as always determining the underlying cause of your depression is key. 

• Address your diet! Lower or eliminate sugar and yes that includes alcohol! This is the season for cookies, dining out, celebrating and drinking. So plan ahead. Eat a healthy meal before heading out to a celebration. Cut down on the alcohol – drink club soda w/a lime or just stick to water with a lemon. No one will be the wiser and you’ll feel better in the morning.
• Stick with your workouts! In your neck of the woods it may be cold, dark and damp. Head out anyway. Even if you don’t have the motivation to get in a whole workout head to the gym and walk the track. You’ll feel better that you did and you’ll be ready to tackle the rest of your day.
• Set a routine. Whether it’s a daily workout at 6am, a weekly golf game or a monthly Girls Night Out – make sure you have something to look forward to and that you attend!! A key sign of depression is “a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable”. If you find yourself canceling plans or not going out – schedule time with friends. They are there to be supportive.
• Add supplements. Check with your functional medicine physician before starting anything new, there are many supplements that can help address mood disorders or just “not feeling like yourself”. A few simple ones we use in our practice include SAMe, Vitamin D, Inositol and Vitamin B5. Depending on your current health status, medications, and geography you may notice an improvement in mental status within a few weeks when you add in the appropriate supplement.

Depression is a complex issue but a few steps can help you feel better physically and emotionally. If you find yourself in a rut no matter how deep – reach out for help. You’d be surprised how many friends, colleagues and associates are in the same boat. You are not alone in your struggle, the first step starts with acknowledgement that you don’t feel as good as you should and the road to improvement lies just ahead. If you don’t find the above suggestions to be beneficial – reach out and look for help. Whether it’s a support group, a life coach or individualized counseling there’s an answer for everyone! For additional resources feel free to contact us directly or visit: State and Local Lawyer Assistance Programs: tinyurl.com/oang22p