Learn to Fight Depression

Edited by Debbie, Maria Quinney, Marian Raquel F. Roncesvalles, Lynn and 2 others

Eye tear.jpg

Symptoms that a depressed person experiences may not seem that serious at first. Maybe they suffer from stomach trouble, being overly tired, or they might have chest pains. They may even find themselves waking up in the middle of the night for no reason. Maybe they are dealing with a change in eating habits - possibly eating less and losing weight, or eating more and gaining weight. I'm sure many people have experienced these things, and they can happen from time to time.

However, what if we have these problems all the time? We just may feel that we have no energy, and have lost all interest in life. Maybe we even will get feelings that we don't want to live anymore. Than we know something more serious is going on. Depressed people can find it difficult to act on the most simplest tasks each day, such as brushing their teeth, preparing a meal for themselves, or even getting dressed.

There are different kinds of depression Acute depression may last for weeks or months, and then go away. Things that will cause that to happen in our lives often include the death of a loved one, a divorce, or an illness. Chronic depression on the other hand, can last month after month.

Thinking positive.jpg

Research has shown that one cause of depression can be a chemical imbalance of the brain where there would be a lack of serotonin. Thankfully, doctors can prescribe medications to help their patients ease their depression. Sometimes, though, they are not effective.

Also there could be environmental causes or events that happened in a person's childhood that can cause depression. No matter what the cause, how can a person cope or fight against their depression? Trying to win the fight against it doesn't mean that we will never have a sad moment again. We will, but we can take steps to make things better. Drugs do not always help those who are depressed. Trying to think positively will help. What other things can help?

What is Depression?

Virtual.marian help sign depression.jpg

Melancholia is a silent cry for help. Some people think that depression, just like any other emotional state, will just go away after some time. Individuals who suffer from depression are often left to fend for themselves. These people are afraid to be misconstrued as crazy, dangerous, or inadequate. This is precisely the very same thinking that has kept women and men sufferers mum about the perils of depression. Contrary to popular belief, depression is not just plain mood deviations or temporary state of sadness - this is in fact a real health hazard and a medical condition that needs immediate treatment.

Normal people experience myriad emotions. It lingers in them and affects their day-to-day grind. Outbursts of happiness, sadness, fear, or anger can occur. Sadness in itself is not a psychological dysfunction especially if it is triggered by certain events in a person's life. Heartbreak could leave you sad or even moping for a few days or weeks but it does not always account for depression. However, there are certainly quite a few cases linked to relationship mishaps which lead to anxiety attacks or depression. Unlike the typical "blues" or sadness, depression persists for a much longer time and symptoms tend to aggravate over time. You cannot just snap out of depression in an instant. This is a common illness, which needs to be deciphered by a medical expert.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Virtual.marian depressed woman.jpg
  1. 1
    Persistent feeling of lowliness or sadness
    .
    This pertains to a constant, intense, and prolonged feeling of sadness which could be accompanied by crying spells.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  2. 2
    Lack or reduced interest in leisure activities or socialization
    .
    An individual who used to have active involvement in varied sports events may suddenly lose significant interest in these activities. A lot of clinical depression sufferers withdraw from usual activities and lack the desire or enthusiasm to go out or communicating with family, friends, and colleagues.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  3. 3
    Significant changes in appetite
    .
    One characteristic of a depressed individual is going to extremes such as either eating less than usual or more than usual, which are both considered hazardous to health.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  4. 4
    Restlessness and unusual daytime fatigue
    .
    Depression would hit the strongest during the daytime as people with this condition would appear anxious, agitated, and tired.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  5. 5
    Sleeping problems occur
    .
    Most individuals who are experiencing depressive symptoms either have trouble sleeping or do the exact opposite - sleep way too much.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  6. 6
    Morbid thoughts of committing suicide
    .
    This becomes apparent specifically with individuals who are experiencing severe depression. They will often blurt out declarations about killing themselves or the desire to die and end it all. It is wise to note that most suicidal individuals eventually make attempts - so take heed. Most often than not, when a clinically depressed person tells you that he is going to commit suicide, he really has plans to do it (and he might).
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  7. 7
    Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness or guilt
    .
    A depressed individual is often easily provoked or affected by certain words, actions, or untoward events. However, unlike normal people, they cannot just let things take their course; instead feelings grow in intensity and become highly volatile at some point. Most depressed individuals are unable to contain anger and frustrations and could potentially vent it in a dangerous way.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  8. 8
    Experiences difficulty concentrating performing tasks
    .
    Focusing on specific tasks or chores (even the simplest or routine ones) can be very challenging for someone who has clinical depression. Getting organized and solving problems proves to be very trying. Dealing with work, personal, and social pressure and demands can be overwhelming and could lead to worsening of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Degrees of Depression

Virtual.marian moderate depression woman.jpg

There is more to depression than meets the eye. Signs and symptoms of depression relatively vary from one person to another depending on multitude trigger factors. The type, frequency, and severity of these symptoms would then reveal the degree of depression that an individual experiences and how it affects a person's life in retrospect.

  1. 1
    Mild Depression - People who are suffering from this first stage of depression does not seem to notice that he or she has a medical condition, nor does anyone else
    .
    The individual is functional yet may feel some form of irritability, mood swings, and reduced enthusiasm for certain activities, but everything is tolerable and looks normal. The person can go by without necessary treatment or medication and can get better after some time.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • 2
    Moderate Depression - Individuals who have this degree of severity display more prominent characteristics of depression
    .
    They may often look sluggish, have poor posture and personal hygiene, have sad eyes, and be withdrawn and unproductive. Patients in this category are advised to take anti-depressant medications.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • 3
    Severe Depression - This is the category which needs immediate and expert psychiatric help
    .
    The daily normal functioning of an individual is entirely affected. He or she is unable to focus or concentrate on given tasks or simple daily routine. Many patients under this tab tend to be hallucinatory or delusional.
    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
  • Ways to Fight Depression

    1. 1
      Get out and socialize.
      Virtual.marian socialization.jpg
      You may not feel like being social with people when you are depressed, but you can receive help and encouragement from your friends
      .
      A support group is very important to be able to feel that you are not alone on your plight. You can move forward with your life when there are people who believe in you and push you to become better at your own pace. Just go out, mingle, and have fun.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    2. 2
      Discover new things.
      Virtual.marian man learning to cook.jpg
      Learn to crochet or play a musical instrument
      .
      Master the culinary skill. Learn a new language or a challenging contact sport. Do something that you have always wanted or maybe conquer your fear and feel entirely exhilarated at new conquests done highhandedly.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    3. 3
      Travel the world.
      Virtual.marian family vacation.jpg
      It definitely is high time to see the world in the company of friends and family
      .
      Dare to be bold, carefree, and adventurous as you go from one strange destination to another. You get to discover inner strengths and rediscover life's pure pleasures with getaways.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    4. 4
      Maintain an active lifestyle.
      Virtual.marian woman yoga.jpg
      Go to the gym or do routine workouts or yoga in your own home
      .
      This definitely helps as experts agree that daily exercises release endorphins in the brain that can reduce depression.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
    5. 5
      See a medical expert.
      Virtual.marian psychiatric visit.jpeg
      The first step toward combating depression is to admit and recognize that you have a problem
      .
      You are clinically depressed and you need expert help. A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can definitely help you deal with depressive symptoms and get you the best treatment options that fit your condition.
      Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

    Tips Tricks & Warnings

    • Seek therapy or help from your doctor if you have suicidal thoughts.
    • It's important to eat a healthy diet when struggling with depression.
    • Pour out your feelings to a friend to ease your suffering.

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

    Comments

    Article Info

    Categories : Health & Wellness

    Recent edits by: Eng, Lynn, Marian Raquel F. Roncesvalles

    Share this Article:

    Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,938 times.

    x

    Thank Our Volunteer Authors.

    Would you like to give back to the community by fixing a spelling mistake? Yes | No