What is the first step in self-care for depression?

First step is acknowledging that depression is a chronic medical illness and not just a momentary ac feeling. Since it's chronic, it's very important to seek professional help to find out different treatment options and working with therapists or doctors to decide what's best treatment for yourself. Some people are able to manage depression on their own, however, since depression can be so disabling, many people struggle to manage it with lack of proper support and treatment and fall back into the cycle of hopelessness and helplessness. Being on constant emotional roller coaster can take serious toll on our life. So seeking out help is the most bravest and important step in the self care

I think that the first step in self-care would be admitting that you are in fact depressed, and educating yourself on depression. You can educate yourself best by talking to a doctor or therapist.

It sounds like a cliche but, in my experience, realizing something is wrong is a really important first step. From there, you can begin to craft a plan of action that includes professional help, healthier lifestyle components, and a personal support network.

Sometimes self help is better for some people. Start trying to do things that make you happier and avoid people, situations, things, etc. that might put you in more of a depressed mood.

You've already taken it. You took the effort to come on here first of all and you are looking to find ways to accept & take care of yourself. Now, just try accept yourself the way you are. If you want to learn self-care, then you just learned a great big secret. - Accepting yourself! If you don't love yourself, it will be harder to find someone or rather believe someone when they love you

To learn to love yourself. Know that Depression doesn't make you any less of a person deserving of love. Learn to love yourself by doing things you enjoy, however, if you can't pull yourself to doing things, try and just accept yourself. Don't beat yourself up. Don't be mad at yourself if some days you can only wake up.

i believe the first step in self care would have to be admitting that you are depressed and that you need help. its ok to be nervous about reaching out. depression is tough and no one should have to go through it alone.

Spend some time every thinking about things in your life that make you happy, even the smallest things like the wind, or or trees can bring joy to your life and help lift you up.

Educate yourself about depression, sleep well, manage your diet and exercise daily. Start writing whatever you feel in a journal. Stick with the treatment plan you have adopted. Set goals for yourself.

Knowing what made you depressed in the first place and why. From that you could start evaluating yourself how to manage your depression