Talk it out- Mental health is also important-Depression causes, signs, symptoms and natural ways to treat it.
“Having depression is being in an abusive relationship with yourself.”
Have you ever felt depressed/anxiety or have you ever said to yourself that I am feeling depressed. Admit it. Every one of us has gone through negative thoughts once in a while. A thought of an unstable career or thought of married life issues or thought about children’s issues. Now, having these thoughts occasionally is fine and everybody experience it. But if you feel that way on nearly every day for a minimum of 2 weeks, then it’s the case of depression. Well, as per WHO, “Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.”
What is Depression- As per the American Psychiatric Association, “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.”
Depression is basically a mood disorder and you feel sadness along with a lack of interest in almost everything. You don’t like eating, sleeping, handling work. Basically, the things you earlier enjoy doing now seem dull. You don’t have an interest in pursuing a hobby or that dance class, which you earlier used to enjoy. Now these feelings, once in a while, are okay or you experiencing this with any single activity are fine. But, feeling the same mood disorder for almost everything and every time is depression.
Signs and Symptoms-
Lack of sleep
Feeling low or feeling sad
The feeling of hopelessness or worthless
Eating abnormally — Loss of appetite or overeating
Not able to concentrate
Feeling of restlessness
Feeling of Guilt
Fatigue or loss of energy
Lack of Sexual desire
Thoughts of Suicide
Feeling unworthy of anything
What causes Depression — Many times people think that chemical imbalance is the reason behind the Depression. Well, this is partly true. Chemicals are involved but they are not the only culprit. In addition to chemicals, a stressful lifestyle, medication, medical problems and faulty mood regulations by the brain are also a part of the process. It’s always a combination of these events that leads to depression.
How different categories of people perceive Depression- Well, Depression is also not constant. It is different for males, females, kids, and older people. More women are affected by depression than men. How different categories see the depression:-
1. Depression in Males — In males, depression can be because of work pressure, a stressful lifestyle and lack of interest at work. They feel angry most of the time and shout at a higher pitch. Consumption of alcohol or liquor can lead to worsening the situation by aggravating the feeling of low.
2. Depression in Females- In today’s times, women have more than ever responsibilities than men. They are equally participating in office work along with handling the home. So they do go through a lot of work pressure and a stressful lifestyle. Hormones imbalance also aggregates the sad situation.
3. Depression in kids — Today, the kids are more under stress because of ever-changing eating habits and lack of exercise in this digital time. Moreover, a feeling of losing parents also leads to depression and anxiety.
4. Depression in old age people- Elderly people tend to feel low and depressed because of medical conditions or the feeling of sadness. Due to the change in today’s lifestyle also leads to elder people alone most of the times.
Treatment of Depression — Mental health is also as important as physical health. It is very important to fight against Depression and try to overcome it.
1. Talk- One of the important things is talk. Talk to a family member or friend. It is very important. Once you start talking about it, you feel way better. Lots of emotions, when you come out will relieve you and you will feel less burdened. Moreover, talking about it will give you the strength to hold on your ground and fight back.
2. Meditation or Exercise- It’s very important that you meditate and exercise on a daily basis so that your mind can be restarted and your body feels positive energies. Going for long walks with music plugged in can really make a difference. So what are you waiting for? Pick up those shoes right now.
3. Try to take adequate sleep- One of the important ways to fight depression is by taking adequate sleep. A good sleep ensures a relaxed mind, a clear thought process, and positive energy. Whenever you feel negative and stressed, just go to sleep. When you wake up, you feel a lot better and with new energy.
4. Avoid alcohol or drugs — Alcohol and drugs can never be the answer to Depression Problem. Maybe when you are under the influence of alcohol you feel that everything is fine. But as soon as alcohol influences are over, the effects of depression will increase and a feeling of guilt will be there. So never try to solve this problem with alcohol or drugs.
5. Consult a psychiatrist, if necessary — Whenever you feel that things are getting beyond your control, better to consult a psychiatrist. It’s no harm and shame in seeking help from the specialist for depression treatment.
If you know someone finding with Depression, how can you help –
1. Listen — It is important to listen to them. Try to give them advice and help them in coming out of this situation. Encourage them to talk more about it.
2. Taking them out for a walk — It can also help a person fighting with depression. Change in the atmosphere, some physical activity, and a walk will definitely take their mind away from the negative thoughts.
3. Remind them that you love them and they are not alone- It’s always good to assure someone that you love them and they are not alone in this fight. It’s always good to show faith in their capabilities so that they can bounce back.
4. Never ignore words like ’suicide’ — Whenever, in your discussion, you hear the word ‘suicide’ be extra careful and talk them out of it. Talk to them about their family and the impact of their thoughts on family and friends.
5. Engage them in a hobby — Join a class together so that both of you can go and take an activity together. It can be anything from dance class to writing or acquiring new skills. This assures them to attend the classes and also helpful for you to learn something new.
6. Never ask them ‘why’ — Last but not least and the most important way to help someone fighting with depression is never asking a straight forward ‘why’. They have no answer to that. No one wants to go into depression. Try to understand the reasons behind it by talking.
There are helplines that can help and also can keep your identity discreet. If you know anyone going through Depression, help them out. Move a hand towards them. They need help and they might not know that. If we join together in this, we can take a lot of people out of Depression and can make their life beautiful again.
“Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can.” — Hillary Clinton”
