What is Depression?
Cause of depression:
Learn and Overcome
Depression is a very quiet, sweeping kind of mental illness which shows itself in millions of people around the world. Indeed, it is such a complex condition that sucks the color right out of life for all its victims who remain hopeless and, thus, cut off from their worlds. In this paper, let us try to dive into the world of depression along with its causes and symptoms and, most importantly, the ways it can be recovered.
*What is Depression?
A type of mood disorder, depression might be defined most briefly as an abnormally long time of sadness, emptiness, or almost complete lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. It's never just a bad day or a mood that comes and goes: depression may last for weeks, months, or even years.
*Cause of Depression*
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1. Genetics: Family history plays an important role.
2. Cerebral chemistry: imbalances of neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, etc.
3. Life circumstances: traumatic ones, loss, stressful conditions, etc.
4. Medical causes: chronic diseases, diseases, pain, side effect from administering medication
5. Social interactions triggers: social isolation and abandonment, peer pressure through social media.
*Affective Symptoms of Depression*
1. Feeling sad most of the time, hopelessness
2. You feel nothing is enjoyable
3. Gain or loss in appetite
4. Slumber disturbances, sleeping more or less than normal
5. Fatigue
6. Difficulty focusing
7. Pain, irritation
Types of Depression
1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
3. Postpartum Depression (PPD)
4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Breaking the Cycle
Recovery from depression does not occur in one direction. It can all of the following ways to heal for a depressed person
Professional help: Counseling/medications
Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercises, proper sleeping/waking schedules, proper eating
Support from family and friends: Communication with loved ones, support groups, or online forums
Self-care: Rest, mindfulness, and creative expression.
Education: Learning about depression; what triggers it, the impact of it, and its management.
Hope and Resilience
You dont have to suffer from depression. Thousands of people recovered their lives through proper support and strategies.
*Success Stories*
For instance, except for therapy Sarah, the mother of two empowered by therapy and groups of support after PPD claimed that John for example he was an entrepreneur who told that the best way to fight off MDD is via exercise and awareness however, Emily a student found that creative writing was her emotional release.
Conclusion
Depression casts a shadow, but that is not who you are. Once diagnosed, sought and the self-management tools in place, the individual is reminded of what they knew and was told all along they do have strength, resilience and reasons.
*Resources*
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
2. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
3. American Psychological Association (APA) Website: cannot be accessed at this time.
So, remember now, depression is not a sign of weakness but a sign that treatment is needed. So come out and let the healing journey take off.
Thanks for reading
By: Afshan Noreen
