How to Deal With Depression in Your Early 20s

Your 20s are often considered the “best years of your life”. But let’s be honest: depression in early 20s can hamper all the happy moments and time. Dealing with job pressure, relationships, financial stress, and health concerns can be overwhelming. Also, depression is not just a 20s thing; it can strike anyone, anytime.

According to the studies from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), people between the ages of 18 and 29 are most likely prone to depression. Early adulthood depression is, however, manageable with depression treatment for young adults. 

In this blog, we will break down the symptoms you might experience when you are depressed, why it happens, and how to deal with it with some effective tips. Also, learn about the anti-depression pills for a better recovery.

First, let’s know what depression is.

 

What is Depression?

Depression is not just you feeling sad for a few days; it’s a medical condition that affects the way you feel, think, and function. It can change every part of your life, including your mental, social, and even sexual health. You may feel hopeless, tired all the time, or experience loss of appetite or disrupted sleep patterns.

If you’ve been dealing with this for weeks or months and can’t get rid of it, then it’s early adulthood depression. You are not alone in this, and trust us, it’s okay to ask for help. 

 

What Causes Depression in Early 20s?

There’s not a single cause of depression; there could be many. But if you are suffering from early adulthood depression, here’s why it’s happening to you:

• Life transitions: Major transitions like starting college, landing your first job, and moving out can lead to emotional stress.
• Unrealistic expectations: Social media can sometimes portray an idealised version of success, leading to disappointment when faced with real-life challenges. 
• Financial trouble: Student loans, low-paying jobs, or unemployment can take a toll.
• Personal problems: Trouble with family, romantic partner, or loneliness can trigger depression.
• Physical health concerns: Medical conditions like erectile dysfunction can often create an environment of shame, anxiety, and eventually depression if not treated properly.
• Chemical imbalance: For a lot of people, it’s biological; serotonin and other chemical signals in your brain may not be balanced.

 

7 Tips to Deal With Depression in Your 20s

• Talk to someone you trust.

Confiding about your depression with someone you trust can really help to overcome it. Even when your thoughts try to control you, and you feel there’s nothing that can help, just try to talk. Good communication is the first step toward healing. Just be honest and start with something like: “I’m not okay, and I think I need help.”

You can also take online or in-person therapy. Therapy could be your safe space to unpack these emotions and learn how to manage them.

 

• Consider anti-depression medicines when needed

Antidepressants can be helpful when treatment and lifestyle changes aren’t working. Common options for depression treatment for young adults include:

• Duloxetine 30mg: One of the widely known antidepressant tablets improves mood and reduces anxiety. You can take this for moderate to severe depression.
• Seroquel 100mg: When standard anti-depression pills aren’t effective, this antipsychotic is often recommended. This one is used for complex cases.

Both antidepressant tablets have shown effectiveness in improving mental health in young adults.

 

• Move your body, even a little

Now, this may sound cliché, but regular exercise is a natural antidepressant. Home workout, weekend sport, or even a 30-minute walk can stimulate the feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine in the brain. 

 

• Sleep like it’s sacred

For a fresh start in the morning, your brain needs a reset from the previous day. And, how can you achieve that? By sleeping like a baby at night, because 8 hours of sleep is a must. Regular sleep enhances mood, concentration, and reduces depression symptoms in early 20s.

 

• Cut Back on Alcohol, Drugs, and Junk Food

Youngsters these days think the only way to flush out all the stress, sadness, and depression is by substance use. But this worsens the depression, and the same goes for the sugary, packed, and processed foods. Have a balanced meal. Include more veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and water in your diet. After all, you are what you eat.

 

• Socialize, even if you don’t feel like it

Isolating yourself is not the solution, which depression can often persuade you to. Spending time with your people can improve your mood, even when you are not feeling well. Try video calls, online gatherings, or quick meetings. Healing comes from connection. Connection is needed for healing. 

 

• Track your progress

The recovery phase is not easy. Be brave, gear up for the ups and downs. Some days, even getting up from bed feels like a win, and this is a win. Journalize your progress, use mood tracking apps, or simply label the day as “better” or “worse”. This can determine patterns and track your progress over time.

 

The Bottom Line

Depression in early 20s can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end. You are going through something, and help is available. Take the help of therapies, or antidepressants like Duloxetine 30mg and Seroquel 100mg, and just know that you are not alone.