What is Depression?
“Depression” refers to a mental illness that causes chronic, exaggerated feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Depression has many negative impacts on an individual and can lead to thoughts and behaviors such as suicide and self-harm.
What causes depression?
There are many potential causes of depression. Some of the most common include:
Life events — Sometimes we experience traumatic events in our lives that can cause us to feel depressed. However, this is not always the case. If you find yourself feeling depressed after a difficult life event, such as your boyfriend breaking up with you, this may simply be a normal reaction to an emotional shock. It is important that you do not overreact and allow yourself time to recover and mend in the face of tragedy.
Medical problems — While your doctor is treating your medical conditions, you’re at risk of becoming depressed. There are certain medications that can cause depression in some patients. If you suspect that your depression is due to illness, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what you are feeling so that they can help you.
Stress — Stress, both physical and emotional, can cause depression in susceptible individuals. This can be caused by situations in life or by too much responsibility.
Lack of sleep — Lack of sleep or being sleep deprived has been found to be a cause for depression in certain individuals.
Human relationships — Individuals can become depressed when they feel that their relationships are falling apart or when they feel that the people around them are making them unhappy. It is important for you to have faith in your relationships with others, but if you find yourself unhappy, talk to a friend or family member about the situation so that you can get help.
Genetics — People with a family history of depression are more likely to become depressed at some point in their lives. While this does not mean that you will be depressed, it can if you do not handle stressful situations well.
Diet — Some diets leave individuals feeling tired, lethargic, and drained. This can make it difficult to cope with the demands of life and lead to depression.
Drug abuse — Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to serious health problems and even death after prolonged use. Depression can also occur during active use of drugs, including cocaine, meth, and marijuana.
Regardless of its cause, depression is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, read on to learn how you can manage them.
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You’re not alone
Depression is very common, affecting nearly one in five people at some point during their lifetime. However, just because it’s common, doesn’t mean it should be swept under the rug.
Depression is treatable
If you think you’re experiencing depression, speak to an expert immediately. There are various ways to manage depression including medication and therapy. Speak to your doctor or contact a mental health professional to learn more about your treatment options. It is important that everyone reaches out for help if they are depressed so that they can get the help they need to begin living their lives again.
If you’re experiencing sadness that you can’t shake, feelings of hopelessness, or the inability to enjoy the things you usually love, make an appointment with your doctor or mental health professional to discuss depression. It’s important to take action early so you can recover sooner.
Depression is not easy to manage on your own
Knowledge is power. If you think that your depression might be due to grief or other factors that are short-term, learn how to manage your symptoms until they pass (and they will).
Health professionals with a lot of experience in treating depression can give you the tools you need to help yourself.
You may also want to keep a journal of your symptoms and changes in your mood. This is a great way to make a record of events, symptoms, and how you feel about them. You can use this information later when talking with your doctor or when filling out paperwork for school or work.
Some people have more difficulties handling depression than others. Excessive worrying, for example, can make depression worse. It’s important to know what is causing your symptoms and how you can cope with them.
Managing your depression is an important first step towards recovery. You will feel better if you seek professional help, manage your symptoms, and build new coping skills. Eventually you’ll see that life is worth living again after you’ve overcome the obstacles of depression.
Understanding the signs of depression
If you recognize that you’re suffering from depression, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are four major signs to look out for: 1) changes in your appetite; 2) changes in sleep; 3) changes in weight or body mass; and 4) other physical symptoms.
1) Changes in your appetite
Depression can lead to drastic changes in an individual’s appetite. Although, depression is called the “black dog” for a reason. You may find that you feel an intense aversion to food or experience physical sickness when you eat. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor.
2) Changes in sleep
People who are depressed may also have trouble sleeping. They may even reject the concept of sleeping altogether, resulting in insomnia or hyper-sensitivity to light. Staying awake all night, with nothing to do but watch the clock, is very common among people with depression.
3) Changes in weight or body mass
If you are experiencing an increase in body weight, not only are you putting on more pounds, but your appetite is out of control. People with depression often give up on fixing their diets. They are more likely to eat whatever they want without any regard for their calorie count or nutritional needs. You may feel excessive tiredness or exhausted all the time, especially if you have trouble sleeping.
4) Other physical symptoms
If you are experiencing any of these signs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. However, some people experience more of these symptoms on a regular basis on their own. They feel lethargic and tired all the time or have chronic pain that they can’t explain. Many people with depression also experience a loss of motivation and a lack of concentration at work or school.
It’s important to distinguish between depression and normal sadness. Depression can be serious, but it is not the same as the normal, low-grade sadness that most people experience in life. If you are feeling depressed, you may feel like nothing in your life makes sense. You may blame others for your problems and become easily frustrated without cause. If you are experiencing depression, it is important that you seek professional help. You do not have to go through this alone, and there are people who will listen and care about you. It is also important for you to make sure that your friends and family members know what’s going on with you, especially if you feel like they may be able to help.
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