There are moments in time where life can get the best of you or even the people you love. It can be hard to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders. So hard, that you (or they) may feel like succumbing to the weight and hiding underneath it all. Unable to move or see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m here to tell you that you are not alone and there is HOPE!
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems if left unnoticed or untreated.
What Are The Signs?
Depression can bare its face at any time, in anyone. Here are a few telltale signs to help identify when you or someone else may be experiencing a depressive episode:
- Feeling like hope is lost
- Feeling worthless
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in things you used to like
- Eating too much/too little
- Changes in weight
- Unable to sleep
- Unable to concentrate
- No energy
- Irritability
- Headaches, or other pains in the body
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Low self-esteem
- Guilt
- Feelings of sadness that won’t go away
- Mood swings
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Thoughts of suicide
Who Can Be Affected?
If you have had some of the previously mentioned symptoms for more than two weeks (or have noticed them in someone close to you), you (or they) might be suffering from major depression disorder. Recognizing depression is essential to getting the right help as soon as possible.
Depression affects millions of people, but there are varying treatments available, from lifestyle changes to medications. Not everyone is the same, but no matter the path of treatment you choose, asking for professional help is the first step to getting back to feeling like yourself again.
Can It Be Treated?
As previously stated, depression can be treated. There are various forms of treatment available for you and your mental health professional to go over. Such as:
- Changing your diet
- Exercising at least 30 minutes a day
- Getting direct sunlight (with proper skincare precautions) for at least 15 – 20 minutes a day
- Meditate/Re-direct your thoughts to something positive
- Pick up a new hobby
- Make a routine
- Supplements (check-in with your doctor first)
- Try to have fun
Where Can You Find Help?
The first step in getting treatment for depression is making an appointment with your general practitioner. They can assist by recommending doctors in your area.
If you’re religious, ask your religious leader if they have counselors to recommend. Some people prefer faith-based counseling, which incorporates their religion into a treatment plan. In the same regard, if you are spiritual, you can research the benefits to “shadow work” or “divination” to take a deeper look into the underlying reasons you are experiencing depression.
You can also self check healthcare databases for therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. These databases can provide you with information such as certifications, accepted insurance providers, and reviews left by other people. Here are a few databases to start with:
The most important thing about depression is to remember that
Curious to know where your depression levels are currently? Take this free test to check.
