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Sometimes we feel hopeless when someone we care about is showing signs of serious distress, and we're not sure how to help them. We may be afraid of doing something wrong or making things worse. We must remain strong in order for them to regain hope.
Sometimes we feel hopeless when someone we care about is showing signs of serious distress, and we're not sure how to help them. We may be afraid of doing something wrong or making things worse. We must remain strong in order for them to regain hope.
You are not alone. There are many people who believe in you. Don't give up and continue to live. This website aims to promote awareness regarding the common signs and symptoms of depression, the warning signs when to seek help, the possible causes, and the measures the people around someone who is depressed can do.
You are not alone. There are many people who believe in you. Don't give up and continue to live. This website aims to promote awareness regarding the common signs and symptoms of depression, the warning signs when to seek help, the possible causes, and the measures the people around someone who is depressed can do.
What is meant by Depression?
What is meant by Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and emptiness. It is distinct from the mood swings that most people experience on a daily basis.
Depression can last for weeks, months, or even years. This can happen to anyone, regardless of age, and can severely damage a person's relationships, performance, and well-being. Not knowing the signs is a setback for all of us because we do not know if the person we care about the most is suffering from this condition.
What are the signs of depression?
What are the signs of depression?
The following are warning signs, self-harm and suicidal thoughts:
Behaving irrationally or partaking in danger
Discussing death or suicide
Making threats to hurt oneself or end one’s life
Suicidal attempt
The following are signs and symptoms of depression:
Isolating from others
Mood changes
Loss of appetite
Unexpected physical problems like headache and backpain.
Hopelessness
No interest or pleasure in activities
Anger and irritability
Difficulty sleeping (Insomnia)
Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Trouble in concentrating, thinking and making decisions
What should we do if we witness it?
What should we do if we witness it?
We must provide assurance and accurate information. It is critical to emphasize to the individual that they are not to blame, or much more importantly, assure them that they are not alone.
Depressed people should be accorded with the same dignity and respect as other patients because they, too, have a diagnosable and treatable illness.
Listen without criticizing or judging. Lending an ear without passing judgement may be tough. It entails attentive listening without interruption, and judgement.
Most of us don’t frequently employ this kind of listening we all have personal views about what we see and hear and it is normal to express such opinions. However, criticizing someone when they are receiving help for a mental health crisis is not helpful. You must provide a secure environment where the person may speak honestly without concern about criticism.
Causes of Depression
Causes of Depression
It is impossible to identify one particular cause for depression, as there are several different triggers. Here are some of the following:
Stressful events
Separation or being cut off from your love ones, conflicts, death, betrayal, financial difficulties, losses can trigger depression.
A trauma
Loss of a parent, an accident and childhood abuse, increase the risk of developing depression.
Alcohol and Smoking
Alcohol can be used as a form of "self-medication" for people suffering from depression. It can be tempting to drink something that will temporarily reduce your level of anxiety and trick your brain into becoming more carefree. However, alcohol abuse will worsen depressive symptoms and anxiety, leading you to drink even more. Smoking, on the other hand, is addictive, and addictive substances cause withdrawal symptoms or cravings. A common misconception about smoking is that alleviates stress and anxiety when in fact they are the cause of stress.
Medical problem
When a person is chronically ill, they become depressed. They believe that ending their lives is preferable to experiencing pain and suffering, and that there is no hope for them.
Types of Depression
Types of Depression
Major depression
The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are usually pleasurable. Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication.
Persistent depressive disorder
Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression refers to low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity of major depression. Many people with this type of depression type are able to function day to day, but feel low or joyless much of the time.
Bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder known as manic-depressive disease have episodes of depression. But they also go through periods of unusually high energy or activity. Manic symptoms look like the opposite of depression symptoms: grandiose ideas, unrealistically high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, thoughts and activity at higher speed, and ramped-up pursuit of pleasure including sex sprees, overspending, and risk taking.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
This type of depression emerges as days get shorter in the fall and winter. The mood change may result from alterations in the body's natural daily rhythms, in the eyes' sensitivity to light, or in how chemical messengers like serotonin and melatonin function.
Although women are at higher risk for general depression, they are also at risk for two different depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Perinatal depression
This type of depression includes major and minor depressive episodes that occur during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery (also known as postpartum depression). Perinatal depression affects up to one in seven women who give birth and can have devastating effects on the women, their infants, and their families.
PMDD
This type of depression is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Symptoms of PMDD usually begin shortly after ovulation and end once menstruation starts. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may reduce symptoms.
"There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds."
-Laurell K. Hamilton
Life is tough, but so are you. <3
Life is tough, but so are you. <3
Try these recommended supporting techniques if you are feeling depressed.
Encourage seeking professional help
Encourage seeking professional help
Many people are still hesitant to ask for help or talk about mental health difficulties due to the stigma and lack of information. Some people are ashamed to talk about it while others are simply unaware that they have a sickness. It takes a lot of courage for someone to say what they are feeling, but for you to be better, it is best if you would seek a psychiatrist or someone who can help you with. Try to reach out to a trusted relative, close friend or someone you can trust.
Engage in activities that make you feel happy
Engage in activities that make you feel happy
You gotta engage in activities that uplift and revitalize you if you want to overcome depression. This entails living a healthy lifestyle, gaining improved stress management skills, placing limits on your activities, and planning time for enjoyable activities.
Other Recommended Supporting Techniques:
Other Recommended Supporting Techniques:
Staying connected with family and friends
Joining support groups
Following a healthy diet and regular exercise
Practicing meditation and prayer
Keeping oneself informed and updated on mental health concerns
Prioritize sleep
Keep stress in check
Even if you don't feel like it, try to participate in social activities
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