“You and only you, hold the key to access your joy!
Do not let depression dull your spark”.
Don’t you think you should take a moment and just be proud of yourself for having come so far? You have successfully survived the storms that came along, found your inner peace and here you are anxiously waiting for your next phase of life. Life never forgets to surprise us and has its own ride of ups and downs. Today, just take a moment to think of all the new decisions you firmly made this year, the happy moments you shared with your family, the caring souls who extended their love to cheer you up during your difficult times and the promises you made to yourself to achieve and cherish.
Most of the times, people tend to be upset because they forget to count their blessings. They dwell on their failures, resist from moving on and most importantly, fail to pursue the light that has guided so far to get through from all the heartbreaks. People hold on to the negativities that try to pull them down. But if they have that enough strength to put aside all the worries and just give life another chance to bloom, only then will they understand that the World is full of Opportunities. ‘Depression’ – Of late, there’s a lot revolving around this word, isn’t it? And some of us are already living with it!
What is depression?
Depression is a common medical illness that affects the way you feel, think, and act – majorly in a negative manner. What happens when you are depressed? A depressed individual often gets into a feeling of sadness or loses interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Consequently, it may decrease an individual’s ability to normally function at home or work. Often, you even fail to recognize that it’s depression that oneself or another loved one is going through. It is indeed the lack of awareness that is seen as a major reason for not understanding the symptoms of depression.
What are the symptoms of Depression?
- Having a depressed or sad mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Change in appetite with weight loss/gain
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Increased fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Difficulty in concentrating, thinking or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts
If you or your loved one is having any of the above symptoms, it is necessary to diagnose the individual for depression. At times, these symptoms may also occur due to thyroid problems or any other medical issues. Hence, it is important to rule out such medical conditions before diagnosing it for depression.
What may cause Depression?
- A chemical imbalance in the brain may lead to symptoms of depression
- Depression may also involve genetics, it can run in between families
- An environment that involves abuse, poverty, violence can make an individual vulnerable to depression
- Triggers of depression may also evolve from any stressful loss or incident
- An individual with low self-esteem is more likely to suffer from depression
According to Mr. Jay Shetty, an inspiring motivational speaker, “Swap – ‘Why is this happening to me?’ To ‘What is this trying to teach me?’ It will Change everything”. He firmly believes that the core to our balanced mental well-being depends on what we think and how we react to it.
Do not think – Talk about it!
Living with depression can be painful and isolating. Having someone around you who can understand your world can be a source of comfort. Talking about your feelings to someone close is definitely close to a first aid kind of treatment before you even choose to go for counseling. Remember, suppressing your thoughts can lead to dangerous consequences. At times, people battle with the fact that they are suffering from depression. According to WHO, 264 million people are suffering from depression. So you are not alone, there are millions sailing on the same boat as you are!
One of the most popular actresses in India, Mrs. Deepika Padukone has always voiced out about her own battle with depression. Isn’t it hard to believe that the current top actress in the Bollywood Industry felt Empty and Directionless at a point of time while she was building her career? Yes, she had anxiety and depression during her earlier days when she was establishing her credentials. She was also resistant like anyone would be to admit her condition. But later, accepted and underwent counseling because of which she was able to bounce back healthy and sound with proper care and support rendered by her family and counselor. She quoted during one of her interviews, “You are not alone. One in five people suffer depression. We have to help each other. It is okay to be vulnerable, to have moments of low, to share and to seek help. If your psychiatrist prescribes medication, it is okay to take it.”
Suicidal thoughts can be due to a prolonged state of depression and hopelessness. Many of us would have undergone such thoughts at some point in our lives. It’s quite natural to get depressed & lose hope at certain situations in life. No matter what, you should know that nothing is permanent & so is your situation! There are people you can talk with; there are professional counselors whom you can deal with to overcome depression. You can gain all that courage to face life; you can learn coping skills & you can just keep going!
Seek for Support – Depression can be treated
“Think about what you can do right now, not what you wish you had done before”, says Mr. Jay Shetty. He is an inspiration to those feeling lost. Though depression can make you feel hopeless, the good news is – depression is treatable! So, if you are depressed do not hesitate to seek support/help. From medication to therapy to healthy lifestyle changes, there are many options available to help you get out of depression. Initially, consulting a psychologist can help you diagnose the severity of your depression. Depending upon the type & intensity of depression, your psychologist will consult you for counseling sessions or may direct you to a therapist or a psychiatrist. If medical intervention is required, a psychiatrist will diagnose & prescribe anti-depressants. You can also try yoga which has a lot of relaxation techniques & can be a natural therapy to treat depression. Also, try to work on your social connections. It will help you stay protected. Recovery from any form of depression takes time and has its ups & downs. So stay calm & believe in your journey.
Remember, your life is precious than anything else! Depression is common and you are not alone. You can fight depression and can become stronger than never before. And yes, things change. So will your depression!