Online counselling or therapy, once known as an alternative therapy, has now become a normal practice ideal for both the clients as well as the therapists. It is appreciated for bridging the gap that traditional face to face therapy process has and given solution to multiple issues of face to face traditional therapy procedure such as convenience, accessibility, affordability and others.

Convenience

Online therapy is more convenient than traditional. This kind of therapy lessens the burden of setting up and fixing appointments that are common in traditional settings. It also helps the therapist to offer their services to more and more clients as appointments can be scheduled easily over 24 hours and increase the reach to a larger geographical region.

Online therapy is a more preferred choice for those individuals who feel uncomfortable in face to face session with an unknown person speaking about their problems and sufferings because of the social phobias, anxiety disorders, or agoraphobias.

Accessibility

Web or Online counselling is accessible easily for those who want to avail it. Online therapy overpowers the obstructions that may prevent someone from seeking help from a therapist.

For instance, people who reside in rural or remote areas or are physically disabled or those who cannot leave their home because of the children can easily access the online therapy services conveniently. For people who reside in such areas where there is no mental health clinics can get the benefit of online counselling.

Online counselling is also effective for encouraging children and teenagers for therapy sessions as they seem more comfortable using the internet for counselling. Anyone with access to the internet can use online therapy services conveniently. Sometimes if the therapist is not available they can also send an email with the perception like they are interacting with their therapist when writing the email.

Affordability

Web or Online counselling has been proved to be more economical for both the client and the therapist. Particularly for the therapists who cannot afford or are not willing to rent any commercial space to lower the overhead costs for capital, commuting property and administration processes when comparing with traditional counselling services.

Everyday life seems more challenging to a person dealing with depression. Be it socializing, meeting friends, going to work, or even just getting out of your bed may feel like a big struggle.

Here are a few things that you can do to deal with these symptoms of depression and improve your lifestyle.

1.      Have a Support Network

The most essential things you can do to help yourself with depression, except medication and therapy, is to have strong social support for yourself.

For a few, this may be like building stronger bonds with family or friends. Understanding that you can count on caring for loved ones will also help to go a long way towards improving your condition.

For others, their depression support circle can be the key. It can be a social group in your area or an online therapist who meets your needs and understands your concerns.

2.      Reduce Your Stress

When you stress about things, your body creates more of a hormone known as cortisol. For a short time, it can be a good thing as it helps you to deal with whatever is causing you the stress in life.

But in the long run, however, it can cause several harms for you, as well as depression. So reducing stress will reduce your risk of becoming depressed.

3.      Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Mood and sleep are closely related. As per studies people with major depressive disorder experience sleep disturbances.

Sometimes, you may feel you just can't fall asleep easily. Or possibly you may struggle to get out of bed in the morning as you feel exhausted most of the time.

Maintaining sleep hygiene is the key to improve the quality of your sleep.

Turn off your devices TV or mobiles at least an hour before you go to sleep. Dim light and try to read a book or use any other relaxing activity.

If you do work in bed, or even in your bedroom, it can cause you to connect your bed with stress, rather than comfort.

4.      Improve Your Eating Habits

There is a direct link between your diet and mental health. As per studies improving nutrition can save you and even treat your mental illness.

A lot of brain-essential nutrients can cure depression. For example, a study found that zinc deficiency can increase symptoms of depression. So improving your diet helps you to reduce your symptoms.

5.      Stop Negative Thoughts

Depression just not makes you feel low but also causes negative thinking. Changing negative thoughts, however, can help improve your mood.

6.      Beat Procrastination

The signs of depression, like fatigue and trouble, concentrating, make procrastination tempting.

Putting things off oils depression and can lead to feeling guilt, stress, and worried.

It is essential to fix goals and manage your time. Make short-term goals and effort hard to complete the priorities done first. Every job you complete successfully will help you break through the pattern of procrastination.

7.      Get a The grip on Your Everyday Responsibilities

Depression can make you find it challenging to complete household responsibilities, like doing the dishes or paying your bills.

But a load of paperwork or stack of un-cleaned dishes, and floors hid in dust or dirty clothes will only amplify your feelings of worthlessness.

So without making any delay, take control of your daily tasks. Start with small work first and one at a time. Getting up and moving will help you feel better in itself.

8.      Make Your Wellness Toolbox

A wellness toolbox can help you calm yourself when you feel down.

Think of things that make you happy. And when you feel down, try one of these activities.

Cuddling your pet, taking a warm bath, listening to favorite music, gardening, or reading a good book can be your tools to help feel good.

Create your own list of your favorite activities and try when you feel bad. 

If you are not able to help yourself and depression is making you feel suicidal thoughts, then its time to seek depression counseling professional help, talk to a therapist nearby, or on online counseling as soon as possible.