Depression isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a real mental health issue with both psychological and biological factors. And it affects millions of people in the U.S. In this article we are going to talk about what depression is, what it feels like, and talk about how peer support can help.&nbsp;We are so happy you’re here and want to learn more about how peer support can help anyone who is living with or struggling with depression. Common treatments for depression, like therapy or medication, seem distant from the lived experience of depression. That’s why alternatives to depression treatments like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters">peer support</a> can be game-changing allies for people with depression.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What is depression?</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:750/524;height:auto;width:400px;" src="https://i0.wp.com/blog.peers.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-20-at-10.48.21-am.png?resize=750%2C524&amp;ssl=1" alt="" width="750" height="524">Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Depression is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9483000/">highly prevalent</a>: 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 teenagers experience depression.&nbsp;<h2>Depression symptoms</h2>Depression can cause a wide range of symptoms, and most commonly is known as “low mood.” There are many different ways people experience depression, so one symptom is not more important than any others. Let’s go in depth into a few common depression symptoms:<ul><li>Sadness – We all have felt sadness, but depression is a more intense, prolonged sadness. This occurs when you feel unhappy for most of the day, almost daily. </li><li>Emptiness – Emptiness is a hard feeling to put into words. It usually relates to feeling emotionally numb or that life has little meaning or purpose. </li><li>Fatigue – Lacking energy and motivation, feeling exhausted even after small activities or tasks. Feeling tired, but depression fatigue comes from an overall lack of energy that makes completing daily tasks difficult.</li><li>Difficulty concentrating – Trouble focusing or paying close attention to details, leading to silly mistakes more often. Concentration issues linked to depression make work or study extra challenging.</li><li>Changes in appetite- This could be either increased or decreased appetite, often with corresponding weight changes. If you’re feeling extra hungry or not hungry at all, both are normal depression symptoms</li><li>Changes in sleep – Sleep may be disrupted by difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much. Because sleep disruptions throw off your entire routine, they usually exacerbate other depression symptoms.</li></ul>Depression symptoms affect all components of life, such as school, work, family, and friendships. It can cause strain on relationships with loved ones because there is less energy and ability to invest in relationships. It can also affect the ability to focus, which impacts performance in work or school.&nbsp;If you are feeling this way, there are lots of options to help cope with depression symptoms. In this blog post, we are going to talk about how peer support can be an effective way to treat depression. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">Peer support</a> works best for those in need of connection and greater support. Let’s get into the details.&nbsp;<h2>What is Peer Support?</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">Professional peer support</a> is a type of mental health support that taps into people who have successfully overcome their mental health challenges. These people are trained to support those who are experiencing something similar. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters">Peer supporters </a>are real people with real experiences, just like you, who have been professionally trained to help you navigate life’s challenges. For people with depression, connecting with a peer supporter means having the possibility to be seen, heard, and supported by someone who truly understands first-hand what it feels like<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:636/636;height:auto;width:264px;" src="https://i0.wp.com/blog.peers.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-20-at-10.47.57-am.png?resize=636%2C636&amp;ssl=1" alt="" width="636" height="636">Meet Ari! Ari is a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters">peer supporter</a> who experiences first hand what it is like to live with depression. He recognized the power of connection and support through a mental health crisis, and turned that recognition into action. Ari uses his experience with depression to help others with similar experiences. You can read more about Ari <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters/ari-j?_gl=1*t1pexa*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTQ5MTg4NDEwLjE3MDEzNTg3NTU.*_ga_H5SXK15P1X*MTcwMTM1ODc1NC4xLjAuMTcwMTM1ODc1NC4wLjAuMA..#">here</a>!&nbsp;<h2>How can peer support help my depression?</h2>Now that we know what peer support is, let’s talk about a few ways it can specifically help with depression symptoms:<ul><li>Empathy and Understanding: Peer supporters relate to the feelings and experiences of those with depression- because they’ve felt those feelings too! This empathy and understanding creates a safe space for individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment.</li><li>Shared Experiences: Peer supporters often share their personal stories of depression and recovery, and offer hope and inspiration to those still struggling. These shared experiences help individuals understand that they can overcome their challenges.</li><li>Non-judgmental Support: You may feel a sense of shame or guilt about feelings of depression. Peer supporters offer non-judgmental support, which is incredibly liberating for those who are suffering. </li><li>Practical Coping Strategies: Peer supporters provide practical coping strategies and techniques that have worked for them personally. These strategies are tailored to an individual’s unique needs and preferences. </li><li>Bridging the Gap: Peer supporters help individuals compare what additional mental health treatment is right for them. They can provide advice on their experiences with the healthcare system, reducing barriers to access.</li><li>Sense of Community: Participating in peer support provides a sense of belonging and community. Social connection is increased between people with shared experiences, and a mutual trust is formed.</li></ul><h2>The science</h2>ScienceDirect published an article that shows just how important peer support is for depression. In a study called “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163834310001982?casa_token=dGkHfr93UjcAAAAA:IJUpleJgbY0fN3cv8cXAcgdFKHsh9hpiciZORoO21tJPE_BuFdVDYBVrRQp873OLxoh8-v25">Efficacy of Peer Support Interventions and Depression: A Meta Analysis</a>” the authors wanted to see if peer support had similar results to therapy on depression symptoms. The authors looked at articles from scientific journals and clinical trials that explained how psychotherapy and peer support could impact depression.The authors found that peer support was just as effective as therapy when treating depression symptoms. This is an amazing result- it tells us about the power of connection while healing from depression.&nbsp;And, there is more. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.jmir.org/2021/7/e25917/">In the Journal of Medical Internet Research</a>, an article titled”A Newly Developed Online Peer Support Community for Depression (Depression Connect)”, examined how peer support online impacts wellness outcomes.&nbsp;To conduct this research, the authors looked at online connections between people with depression that happened on the website DepressionConnect. This website is a platform specifically for people with depression. The authors found that support from others with depression led to greater belonging, emotional growth, and empowerment.&nbsp;<h2>Embracing hope</h2>Dealing with depression is tough, but finding someone who truly understands is incredibly comforting. The empathy, shared experiences, non-judgmental support, and practical strategies provided by peer supporters significantly helps your healing journey.&nbsp;Depression often leads to isolation, but peer support reminds you that you’re not alone and that recovery is possible.If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, consider peer support as part of your treatment plan. Remember, healing is possible, and the power of peer support is a beacon of hope on your path to recovery.<h4>Talk to someone who gets it- Browse 20+ Peer Supporters With Depression Experience</h4>To book with a peer supporter on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peers.net</a>, click on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters?topicsFilter=depression">this link </a>to find a peer supporter with experiences in depression. Feel free to browse other life experiences or identities so your experience with your peer supporter is as comfortable as possible.&nbsp;As we said in the beginning, finding a mental health care solution can take multiple tries. With <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peers.net</a>, you get your first session for $5 using the code “FIRSTSESH.”&nbsp;Depression can be treated in a lot of different ways. There are more alternatives available for you if you find that peer support doesn’t work for you. We’ve collected the most important resources to be well-informed on your options in our dedicated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.peers.net/resource-links/">resources page</a>. &nbsp;

Ally Linfoot

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