Depression is not simply feeling unhappy. It is a serious mental health condition that affects you not only emotionally but also how you think and how your body operates.
For many, depression means feeling emptiness, losing your interest in previous hobbies or finding an overwhelming shadow hanging over you whatever you do. It is not a weakness and not something you can overcome easily.
There are many causes of depression. Depression results from being affected by many different factors including genetics, social, psychological and biological.
Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, mainly in the areas used in controlling sleep, mood and eating.
Life events may also cause depression, such as the loss of a loved one, marriage problems or ongoing stress. Sometimes depression can be a long term process with no specific cause which can be strange and frightening for the individual.
Genetics can also cause depression in some people as individuals may be more prone to depression if other members of the family have suffered from depression.
Depression is not simply an issue of the low mood. It can also effect your sleeping, make you feel exhausted and even affect the way that your body works causing problems with headaches and digestion.
Often a lot of people observe that there has been a change in eating habits and that they are either eating much more or much less food than is their usual habit.
It is also easy for people to feel unable to concentrate on what is happening around them, problems remembering things and having difficulty making decisions and the day to day tasks become overwhelming.
You can feel like you are at fault and that you are no good. Some may find that they no longer have motivation to get up and go out as they did and nothing is enjoyable.
It is important to recognize these symptoms so you know if and when to ask for help.
If you feel persistently sad and you don’t have any energy or don’t feel like going out or doing things and are isolated then this might be depression.
Lack of interest and changing sleep or eating habits and concentration problems and hopeless feelings are another sign to look for. These may then be signals that you will need to ask for help and you will not manage on your own if you have had them for over two weeks.
Depression can be treated and managed successfully. Support from professionals is usually necessary.
Counselling, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people identify negative thought patterns and develops strategies to deal with such patterns.
Interpersonal therapy and mindfulness based cognitive therapy are also helpful, as is medication from a professional which can help to re-balance brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms.
The combination of therapy with changes to lifestyle can be very beneficial, such as exercising regularly, eating well and socialising.
Self-care practices are also important and useful in managing symptoms. A routine can maintain one’s equilibrium. Exercising on a regular basis and making social contacts can help people manage their symptoms.
Mindfulness techniques, meditation and journaling can assist with dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; rather it is proactive help for oneself.
It is important to obtain help if one is suffering from depression. A medical professional, counsellor or therapist can help offer an understanding, as well as a treatment option that is appropriate to one’s needs.
Support groups and online communities can assist by offering encouragement, as well as reducing feelings of isolation.
Overall, depression is a significant mental illness which affects millions of people throughout the world, yet it can be treated and managed with the correct help and strategies.
Understanding what to look for, seeking help and the practice of self-care are important parts of recovery.
Remember that suffering from depression doesn’t limit your capability; with proper help, the positive experiences such as motivation, hope and pleasure can be re-gained.
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