Combating Depression

Combating Depression

Depression refers to a wide range of mental health problems characterized by the absence of a positive affect (a loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things and experiences), low mood and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral symptoms. The identification of major depression is based not only on its severity but also on persistence, the presence of other symptoms, and the degree of functional and social impairment. Commonly, mood in a major depressive illness is unreactive to circumstance, remaining low throughout the course of each day.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

Behavioral and physical symptoms typically include tearfulness, irritability, social withdrawal, an exacerbation of pre-existing pains, a lack of libido, fatigue and diminished activity, although agitation is common and marked anxiety frequent. A loss of interest and enjoyment in everyday life, and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and that one deserves punishment are common, as are lowered self-esteem, loss of confidence, feelings of helplessness, loss of appetite, and decreased time spent sleeping.

Cognitive changes include poor concentration and reduced attention, pessimistic and recurrently negative thoughts about oneself, one’s past and the future, mental slowing and contemplation.

Combating Depression

Watch a Funny Movie or TV Show – This might seem overly simple, but if it gets you to laugh or smile that’s better than nothing. The very least that might do for you is become a welcomed distraction, but could very well invoke am emotional change and get you in a better mood.

Do Things You Like to Do – A lot of people who have fallen into a depression report no longer doing the activities that they once loved and enjoyed. Depression can cause you to be disinterested and may even leave you feeling lethargic and fatigued. The best way to combat that is to motivate yourself to get active, that’s going to get tough; but fight through it. Do something simple like cooking, reading, or even going for a walk.

Be Active – When you’re feeling mentally down your body tends to also physically be down as well. A good way to combat this mental block is to get moving. It has been shown that those who suffer from depression and are physically active report a mood enhancement directly afterwards, this is because of the release of endorphins that help to regulate your mood.

Accept Your Emotions – A lot of times those who deal with depression report feelings of emotional numbness, this is because these people tend to suppress their emotions; especially emotions perceived as bad. Anger is one of those emotions; embrace these feelings, it is normal to feel angry at times. Embracing emotions can help you to be more in tune to what your body is feeling and can help you to recognize the things that make you feel a certain way.

Get Social - Don’t isolate yourself, you may feel like being alone, or having complete silence; you may think you’re a burden for others. Don’t listen to these thoughts, your friends and family want to hear what you have to say; and this will help them understand what you’re going through. Simply engaging in conversation or going out into public is a great way to change your mood.

See a Therapist – There is nothing wrong with you, in fact it’s very strong to admit that you have a problem and have begun to seek help for it. This is a healthy step and talking to a therapist is a good way to have an open, judgment free conversation. These conversations can help to reveal the source of your depression, and give you professional advice on to how to deal with your feelings.

You’re not alone. Confidential help is available for free.                                                                          
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255
or Live Chat: http://chat.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx