Get Involved and Help Others to Treat Depression

Lately, I have written blogs about having a good support system, practicing positivity and knowing your dark thoughts / depression triggers. These are all important aspects of continued treatment for my depression. Another aspect of depression treatment is to try to get involved in a charity or cause. The obvious benefit of said involvement is to the benefactor. What makes this an important part of coping with depression is that we are exposed to the needs of others.

How to Help Others as You Treat Your Depression

Do Something You're Passionate About

This past weekend, I participated in the first annual RBC Run for the Kids in support of youth mental illness. This particular event helps families find support and assistance for their children burdened with mental illness. Events like this help to get the word out and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

This was a cause of particular importance to me. As someone who suffers from depression, I am passionate about this cause.

And that's the key. Find something you're passionate about and find out how you can help.

Donating money can be a simple and fulfilling way to start. There are so many charities that need funds. Still, many of us haven’t any money to spare.

How about donating blood? I donate as often as I can (I have low iron so it’s hit and miss for me). While I sit in the reclining chair at the blood donor clinic, I think about all those people my blood could help – and it makes me feel good. I am actually giving the gift of life.

If donating blood isn’t possible, then donate your time. For instance, because I can’t give blood as often as I would like, I volunteer my time as Chair of the local blood-donor committee where we work with Canadian Blood Services to plan blood drives in the area, print and distribute posters and sometimes, canvas donors. You could feed the homeless or work at an animal shelter, be a Big Brother or Big Sister or spend time with the elderly.

Along the lines of donating your time is participating in an event, such as I did this past weekend. Find a cause that speaks to you; something that really touches your heart. For me, that was the Run for the Kids. Take part in a marathon (walk/run) to raise money for cancer research. Ride your bike in support of MADD®. Swim to save dolphins.

Volunteerism and getting involved in a cause is vital to our communities. But it is also a vital component of coping with depression. It helps us to see the world from a different perspective. It helps us focus our minds on others rather than our own ongoing mental burdens.

There is no end to the needs out there. Start small. Start slow. You may be surprised by how fulfilling the experience can be and how quickly it can become something you look forward to.