This article will give us a brief knowledge and description about depression- it’s causes and treatment. Depression, the word which is used to define ‘sadness’ by every layman actually weighs a lot more than this one adjective. People have created and visualized so many stereotypical scenarios related to this psychological illness that bringing up the subject may contradict many people's mind. Due to recent events that occurred in our country we got to witness the true colours of mental illness aka ‘Depression’. Somehow the impact caused many people to realize that mental illness is not just any disease but a dangerous state that can lead the person towards death. Depression has its own face. Meaning, the state does not command the person to reflect same symptoms overtly (behavior that can be observed through others) but he/she may gather the guilt/pain inside that might question his/her self- esteem (worth). A smiling person may hide its true feelings deep down without letting others acknowledge his/her emotions and pain. That is why we advise others to think before speaking, we never know what word or sentence may affect the listener.
There can be many causes or number of factors that may lead to depression:-
Abuse: Any kind of abuse, Physical, Mental or Sexual.
Genetics: In some cases it has been found through family history.
Substance Abuse: Overuse of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco etc.
Trauma: Traumatic Life events which may lead to depression.
Conflicts: Prolonged relationship or family problems.
Expectations: Pressure generating from expectations of society.
Death: Loss of someone close to the person emotionally.
Technology: Over use of technology or social media platforms
Several risk factors in addition to mental health status of a person predict the likelihood of suicide. These can include age, gender, ethnicity, or race and recent serious life events. Teenagers and young adults are much at higher risk for suicide, as those who are over 70 years.
It can be prevented by being alert to some symptoms which include:-
Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
Withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities.
Violent actions, rebellious behavior, running away.
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Marked personality change.
Persistent boredom.
Difficulty in concentration.
Complaints about physical symptoms.
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
However, seeking timely help from a professional counsellor/psychologist can help prevent the likelihood of suicide. Depression is also linked to greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Such researches and evidences performed by ‘The Global Study’, published in JAMA Psychiatry, tracked 1,45,862 middle-aged participants from 21 countries and found a 20 per cent increase in cardiovascular events and death in people with four or more depressive symptoms (source: Outlook India).
We know talking helps. Letting your emotions out is a best way to feel calm and less burdened but are there any other ways and therapies to treat this illness?
Yes! There are many ways and treatments to manage this illness successfully. Through medications and other alternative therapies can help us in overcoming this problem.
Medication
The psychiatrist or healthcare provider may prescribe some medicines to control and treat psychological state but do remember that every medicine has its own potential risks.
Psychotherapy
Talking helps! It is indeed a beneficial and effective therapy to improve your state and thoughts. This therapy involves a mental health professional which listens to your condition and may help to overcome those huge walls that are surrounded among ourselves. For example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy OR Interpersonal therapy that can help you in:-
Adjusting to a problem or difficulties.
To know about the negative beliefs that resides within a person and help identifying those through replacing them with positive ones.
By accepting distress and coping mechanism to solve problems.
To know about the causes that lead through depression or other mental illness.
Ways of managing and resetting realistic goals.
Alternative Therapies or Self Help Measures
Ayurveda
Sometimes approving to be treated in a natural way is a best step chosen by the person. There are so many herbal medicines, oils and other Ayurvedic methods that can be used to treat ourselves through such phase. These days natural and herbal medications are seemed to gain more popularity than seeking therapies. People have started opting for natural essence and other holistic ways. Please note that every medicine has its own perks and disadvantages. The person may need to understand its full history and acceptance towards the subject in context to their body adaptation.
There are some of the supplements and herbal remedies people widely consider:
St. John’s wort
Ginseng
Chamomile
Lavender
Saffron
SAMe
5-HTP
Omega-3 fatty acids
Exercise/Yoga/Meditation
Another form of alternative therapy that helps to boost feel-good chemicals called endorphins which gives long term benefits. Bring yourself to engage in some kind of physical activity like a 10-15-minute walk or jogging or other aerobic activities. This will help diverting your mind towards doing something productive and energetic that may trigger the growth of new brain cells and connection.
Nutrition and Healthy Sleep
Eating healthy is an absolute must to keep your exhaustion state in a limit. You are what you eat! Do not deprive yourself without sleep. Less sleep may engage in irritability, moodiness, fatigue and loss of concentration that may worsen the symptoms of depression. 7-8 hours are enough to have proper sleep.
Try Something New
Instead of letting your mind go in opposite direction let it focus on your primal job or by trying out a new activity. Trust your instincts! The work will help you know about your creative side and will help you gain skills in divided attention (to perform two (or more) tasks at the same time) without any trouble. As mentioned earlier, any cognitive task (problem solving, understanding, logical thinking) alters the level of dopamine that is said to be a ‘pleasurable or enjoyable’.
Get yourself back on Track
No matter what illness brings you, accept the situation and get yourself a treatment. Opting a proper schedule will let you know the actual structure of life. Taking small steps will help to bring you back on the right track, along with optimistic vibes. There is a saying- ‘early morning rays makes an individual ready for its routine with a gleam of hope and prosperity.
Takeaway Message
Life is a beautiful and challenging abstract that is been provided to every human to conquer his/her dreams. It is a journey full of hardships, commitment, love and sorrow which a person travels through in his/her seven phases of live. There can be many obstacles that may ask us to stop ourselves and question the standards of living and lifestyle. Do remember that somewhere in your life there is someone who is waiting to see your smile and happiness whether be it your parents, relationship/marital partner, friends and family. Your existence matters! You matter! Don’t let the society outbreak your caliber. Speak to someone if you feel any difficulty in voicing out your thoughts.
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