Is Depression a real thing?

Depression is a mood disorder that triggers an ongoing sadness and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It may also cause problems with memory, thinking, eating, and sleep.

It's normal for people to feel down about or grieve over challenging life events like losing their job or divorce. However, Depression is distinct because it is present daily for at least two weeks and has other signs and symptoms that are not sadness.

There are a variety of depression disorders. The most common type, major Depression, is usually called "depression." It's the most severe form of Depression.

 

Who does Depression affect?

Depression can strike anyone -both adults and children. Females and women who are assigned females when they were born have a higher risk of being depressed than men and those who were assigned males at birth.

Certain risk factors make it more likely to be diagnosed with Depression. For instance, the following diseases are associated with higher levels of Depression:

• Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
• Stroke.
• Multiple Sclerosis.
• Seizure disorders.
• Cancer.
• Macular degeneration
• Chronic Pain

 

Depression statistics in India –

The World Health Organisation says, "Narrowing the focus down to India, roughly, about 56 million Indians suffer from depression, and 38 million suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder."

Based on the World Health Organisation (WHO), Indian mental health workers are seriously under-staffed. There is a severe shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists compared to the number of patients with severe mental health problems.

Based on the international organization's figures, there are three psychiatrists and psychologists, each one million individuals. The organization has predicted that due to the spread of the disease and its influencing factors, the number of people with any mental disorder could be as high as 20 per cent within the country.

Furthermore, as per UNICEF reports that warned that the pandemic could affect the mental well-being and health of young and old for a long time, one out of seven children within the age range between 15 and 24 suffers from Depression or lacks interest in activities.

 

What are the signs of Depression?

The symptoms of Depression may vary depending on the kind and can vary from mild to severe. In general, symptoms include:

• Feeling extremely sad, depressed, or anxious. Children and adolescents suffering from Depression can be angry and not sad.
• Disliking things that were meant to bring happiness.
• The tendency to be easily frustrated or annoyed.
• Indulging too much or eating too little food can cause weight gain or loss.
• Sleeping problems ( insomnia) or excessive sleeping ( hypersomnia).
• Feeling tired or depleted.
• It is difficult to concentrate and make decisions or remember things.
• Feeling physical pains such as stomachache, headaches, or sexual issues.
• Feeling thoughts of self-harming or even suicide.

 

How do you diagnose Depression?

Healthcare professionals determine Depression based on knowledge of your medical history, symptoms, and your mental health background. They might determine that you suffer from a specific kind of Depression, like seasonal affective disorder or postpartum Depression, by the circumstances surrounding your symptoms.

To be diagnosed with Depression, you must show five depression-related symptoms daily, almost all the time, for at least two weeks.

Your physician may request medical tests, for example, blood tests, to determine whether any medical conditions can be causing your depressive symptoms.

Here are some ways that you can incorporate into your daily life to help manage your Depression –

 

Talk to a therapist –

Engaging with therapy is often a key element of successfully managing Depression. Psychotherapy focuses on helping clients adapt their lives to reduce stress and deal with stressful situations. One concern you could discuss is ways to boost your self-esteem, shift from negative thinking to positive thinking, and work on stress management.

 

Enhance your self-image -

People who suffer from Depression typically experience low self-esteem. Finding ways to feel more confident about themselves is essential to treatment. Focus your attention on your top strengths. It is also possible to adopt lifestyle changes to increase your self-esteem, like eating a balanced diet, working out regularly, and spending quality time with your friends who inspire you to feel confident about who you are.

 

Express Yourself in Writing -

Journaling is an excellent therapy that can help in managing Depression. It can reduce anxiety by being honest about your feelings, thoughts, and worries in your writing. Managing stress is an essential aspect of living a healthy life with Depression. Keep a completely honest private journal. Recording your thoughts and struggles with Depression can help you release your emotions. You'll be surprised by how you feel better when you write down your thoughts for a short amount of time every day.

 

Stay Involved -

If you're suffering from Depression, it could be as if you'd like to be cut off in a social setting and stay away from others or because of the lack of self-esteem or desire. "Social life is important," experts say. Make sure you are involved with your fellow friends. Social interactions can prevent you from falling further into deeper Depression and becoming lonely and isolated from your thoughts. Take a trip to the cinema, stroll, or connect with a trusted acquaintance -- it could boost your mood.

 

Celebrate your wins –

All goals deserve acknowledgement and celebration, and every achievement deserves to be celebrated. If you accomplish an objective, try your best to acknowledge it.

It's not always easy to feel like celebrations with cake and sprinkles of confetti, but acknowledging your achievements could be an extremely powerful weapon against the negative burden of Depression.

The experience of remembering a job that was done correctly can be particularly effective against negative talking and generalization.

 

Try some music therapy –

Research has shown that music is an excellent way to improve your mood and ease the symptoms associated with Depression. It can also aid you in feeling more positive feelings.

Music is especially effective in groups, such as a band or musical ensemble.

You could also reap some similar rewards by paying attention.

 

Try something new –

You use the same brain regions if you do the same thing repeatedly.

Research suggests that trying new things can be rewarding, improve your general well-being, and build your relationships with others.

Consider taking up a new sport, creative class, or cooking method to benefit from these advantages.

 

Start a new diet –

No magic formula can cure Depression. However, what you put into your body could significantly and substantially influence your feelings.

Many people can feel healthier and more energetic when they avoid sugar, preservatives, and processed food items.

If you're in a position to do so, you should consider consulting an experienced dietitian or doctor for advice.

 

Say 'No' to drugs and alcohol –

Substances like drugs or alcohol can cause feelings of sadness.

In contrast, individuals who are addicted may suffer signs that are a result of depressive symptoms.

You might want to consider cutting down or eliminating the use of alcohol and other drugs to treat your Depression.

 

Get plenty of sleep -

Sleep disorders are common among people suffering from Depression. It is possible that you are not sleeping well or over-sleep. Both can make Depression symptoms worse.

Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night. Do your best to adopt a habit of sleeping that is healthy.

Making sure you go to bed and awaken around the same hour every day can assist you in managing your schedule. The right amount of rest can aid in feeling more well-balanced and energetic throughout the day.

 

Seek medical help –

It may be beneficial to talk to an expert about the issues you're experiencing. A general physician may be able to refer you to a counsellor or other specialists.

They can evaluate your symptoms and assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. It could include a variety of alternatives, like treatment and medication.

Finding the right treatment for you can require some time, so you should be honest with your physician or healthcare professional regarding what's working and what's not. They'll help you determine the most effective option for you.

 

What can you do for yourself?

 

• Learn more about Depression. The better you comprehend the causes of Depression and how it affects people, and the ways to treat it more effectively, the better in a position to communicate with and support those you love.
• Take good care of yourself. Supporting someone with Depression can be difficult. Contact your family or friends for help and take steps to avoid being frustrated or exhausted. Find time for leisure, physical exercise, friendships, and spiritual rejuvenation.
• Last but not least, take your time. Depression symptoms do improve through treatment. However, it could take a while. Finding the right treatment could involve exploring multiple treatments or medications. For some, the symptoms improve quickly after beginning treatment. For others, it might take longer.

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