Seattle Christian Counseling Logo

  • ServicesRead about the expertise available
    • Individual ServicesAddress your personal concerns confidentially
      • Abandonment and Neglect
      • ADHD
      • Aging and Geriatric Issues
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Chemical Dependency
      • Coaching
      • Codependency
      • Counseling for Children
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • EMDR
      • Grief and Loss
      • Individual Counseling
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Lifespan Integration Therapy
      • Men’s Issues
      • OCD
      • Personal Development
      • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
      • Professional Development
      • Psychological Testing
      • Relationship Issues
      • Sex And Porn Addiction
      • Sexual Abuse
      • Spiritual Development
      • Trauma
      • Weight Loss
      • Women’s Issues
    • Christian Couples CounselingWork through challenges together
      • Couples Counseling
      • Premarital Counseling
      • Marriage Counseling
      • Marriage Intensive
    • Family CounselingEstablish the peaceful home you desire
      • Couples Counseling
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Counseling for Children
      • Family Counseling
    • Group CounselingBenefit from the support of others
      • Men’s Christian Recovery Groups
      • All Counseling Groups
    • Online Counseling
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Marriage Counseling
    • Sexual Addiction
  • LocationsChoose from our variety of office locations
    • Bellevue Office FrontBellevue
    • Bothell Office Front EntranceBothell
    • Edmonds Christian CounselingEdmonds
    • Everett Office Front EntranceEverett
    • Federal Way Office ParkingFederal Way
    • Hansville
    • Kent Office FrontKent
    • Kirkland OutsideKirkland
    • Lacey Christian CounselingLacey
    • Mill Creek OfficeMill Creek
    •  1Monroe
    • Oak Harbor Office OutsideOak Harbor
    • Poulsbo
    • Puyallup Christian CounselingPuyallup
    • Redmond OfficeRedmond
    • Seattle Downtown Christian CounselingSeattle Downtown
    • Seattle Greenlake OutsideSeattle Greenlake
    • Silverdale Office FrontSilverdale
    • Spokane OutsideSpokane
    • Spokane Valley Christian CounselingSpokane Valley
    • North Spokane Christian CounselingNorth Spokane
    • Tacoma Office EntranceTacoma
    • Vancouver
    •  1Online Counseling
  • CounselorsFind the best counselor for your needs
  • CareersBecome an affiliated Christian counselor
  • (206) 388-3929Please give us a call, we are here to help
header-image

Coping With Depression: Strategies that Work

Seattle Christian Counseling
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/coping-with-depression-strategies-that-work-3.jpg 1500 1000
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/seattle-greenlake-6-scaled.jpg
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-cropped-seattle-logo.png
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B
SEATTLE, WA 98115
United States
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B
SEATTLE, WA 98115
United States
Photo of Lisa Velin

Lisa Velin

Nov
2019
21

Coping With Depression: Strategies that Work

Lisa Velin

DepressionIndividual CounselingMen's IssuesWomen's Issues

“I know the things I should be doing, even things I know will make me feel better, but I cannot make myself do them.”

“People keep telling me – just stop thinking that way. But if I could stop, I would!”

“I do not feel well. I just feel tired all the time. Am I sick?”

Like us if you are enjoying this content.

“I want to jump on a plane and go someplace new.”

Coping With Depression: Strategies that Work“I’m hanging in there.”

The above are all statements a depressed person might say.

Life’s routines can get tiring. Same old thing every single day. When one is depressed, even weekends and time off can feel mundane. A depressed person may not be able to recall what makes them feel good or may stay so busy and distracted to avoid feeling at all, which can lead to irritability and exhaustion.

If you relate to any of these examples or feelings, you may be struggling with some level of depression.

Strategies for Coping with Depression

Here are a few strategies for coping with depression:

  • Even if you don’t feel like it, identify one trusted individual and let them know how you are feeling. Communicate what you may need as far as support.
Coping With Depression: Strategies that Work 2Imagine what would make you feel good. For example, maybe you want this person to text you on a daily or weekly basis. What would you like to receive? Perhaps a question or encouragement. This is a good step toward breaking the monotony of isolation that often accompanies depression.

  • Do a sensory exercise. Consider something that you enjoy seeing. It may be a sunset, a view of the horizon over the ocean, or a cute puppy. While you sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes and imagine what you would smell in that setting, what you would feel, what you would hear.

Would you have a cup of coffee in hand or be lying on your back? Bring in all your senses and breathe deeply. Imagine all the textures and sights and sounds. Really try to imagine yourself there. Spend at least 10 minutes doing this, a few times per day if possible. Log your feelings in a journal before and after each time you do this activity.

  • Go on a 20- or 30-minute mindfulness walk. As you walk, notice what you see. Really notice the sights and colors and variety around you. Spend at least 5 minutes taking in the sights. Then focus on what you hear, smell, feel, and taste. Spend a good 5 minutes on each sense.

As mentioned before, log what you feel before and after the walk. Then when you get back home, make yourself a good snack or cup of tea and relish that moment, celebrating the fact that you got out there and did something good for yourself.

  • Visit the counselor directory here on this website to find counselors who work with depression. Spend a few minutes reading profiles. Notice any phrases or faces that stand out to you. Write down your observations.

Coping With Depression: Strategies that Work 1Maybe even send an inquiry to one of the counselors. This does not have to mean you are committing to counseling at this time, but it is a baby step toward being proactive and reaching out if you decide you want to pursue counseling at some point in time.

Please know that these strategies for coping with depression are not shared in an effort to over-simplify what you are experiencing. They are meant to be strategies to practice over time that can truly change your brain and mood over the long haul. Depression, if left untreated, can become severe, both physically and emotionally. If you need help getting started, please consider contacting a Christian counselor today.

Photos:
“Woman in the Water”, Courtesy of Nicolas Moscarda, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “On the Bridge”, Courtesy of Jake Melara, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “On the Beach”, Courtesy of Tevin Trinh, Unsplash.com, CC0 License

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet it
  • ↑ Back to top
Photo of Lisa Velin
Schedule with Lisa
  • Appointment Info

  • Your Info

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Lisa Velin

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor
(206) 452-6727 lisav@seattlechristiancounseling.com

I’m a firm believer in the limitless possibilities for redemption through faith in Christ. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience in bilingual counseling, and helping people work through anxiety, depression, women’s issues, and trauma. I understand what it feels like to go through dark, seemingly hopeless times, but I know that everything God brings you through will shape you into all you are meant to become. Working with you is an honor, and I’m dedicated to helping you learn, heal, and grow as you work towards a future that is made new in Christ. Read more articles by Lisa »

Other articles that might interest you...

3 Therapeutic Tips for Parents -- Reflective Language (Part 1)
Seattle Christian Counseling

Why Children’s Counseling?

As you decorate a child’s room with art at their eye level, age-appropriate toys, and child-sized furniture, so children’s counseling...

continue reading »
Christian Pre-Marital Counseling and Conflict
Photo of Benjamin Deu

Benjamin Deu

Christian Pre-Marital Counseling and ...

Eyes Wide Open Ben Franklin advised those considering entering into matrimony, “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half-shut...

continue reading »
Seattle Christian Counseling 1
Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes

Adolescent Counseling

The culture that today’s adolescents are growing up in is vastly different than the culture their parents grew up in....

continue reading »

About Lisa

Photo of Lisa Velin

Lisa Velin, MA, LMHC

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor

I’m a firm believer in the limitless possibilities for redemption through faith in Christ. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience in bilingual counseling, and helping people work through anxiety, depression, women’s issues, and trauma. I understand what it feels like to go through dark, seemingly hopeless times, but I know that everything God brings you through will shape you into all you are meant to become. Working with you is an honor, and I’m dedicated to helping you learn, heal, and grow as you work towards a future that is made new in Christ. View Lisa's Profile

Recent articles by Lisa

  • Aug 21 · What is Group Therapy and What are the Benefits?
  • Apr 16 · Children of Divorce: How to Help Them Cope
  • Apr 15 · Hope in the Dark: A Reflection on Coronavirus and Easter
See all articles by Lisa »

Related Services

  • Depression
  • Individual Counseling
  • Men's Issues
  • Women's Issues

Lisa's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Seattle Greenlake office

    Seattle Greenlake

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (206) 388-3929
    6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B Seattle, WA 98115

    View Office Details
Seattle Christian Counseling Logo
Seattle Christian Counseling
Professional help with faith-based values
Welcome to Seattle Christian Counseling. We are an association of professional, independently licensed Christian counselors with more than 20 office locations throughout Washington state for your convenience, including the Seattle neighborhoods of Greenlake, Ballard, and Downtown Lower Queen Anne. We look forward to meeting you soon.
© 2025 Seattle Christian Counseling. All rights reserved.
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B, Seattle, WA 98115. Tel (206) 388-3929.
Facebook Twitter Online Counseling About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Feel free to contact us!
We are open for business. In person and online counseling are available now.