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The human body is not only made up of muscles, bones, and tissues, but we can describe it as an encapsulation of different systems like the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and skeletal systems, along with the capability of sensory perception, cognition, and emotional experiences. Our bodies are prone to diseases, and some are deadly. Scientists and doctors fight these diseases daily and find cures. It may take decades, but we could find a cure for many illnesses considered impossible to cure because they had hope.
Recently, the whole world witnessed Covid Virus. It not only shattered our medical system but also halted the world as a whole for days. It is not an exaggeration to say that nearly every second person has been infected with this deadly virus. Some have developed high symptoms; on the other hand, some recover faster with milder or no symptoms. We have also witnessed mass death records worldwide. It can take a while to process what you've been through and the impact this has had and may still be having on your life. Many people assume that this will be the end of the world; what makes us strong and believe is the hope given to us by professional doctors and scientists that they will find a cure to save humankind. We blindly trusted them, and that hope made us strong. It is exactly how your Depression can be cured.
If your negative feelings don't go away, are too much for you to cope with, or are stopping you from continuing your regular life, you may need to make some changes and get extra support. It's no be ashamed of. Recovery takes time to heal, and you must value your life more than anything. It may be difficult, and you might feel harsh on yourself or guilty. However, if something similar happens with your loved ones, then putting oneself in their place is totally different. The only thing we will do is drag them out of that depressive zone. Family & friends could play an impressive role in treating depression for their loved ones. Hope not only protects against suicide and negative, but also self-deprecatory thinking.
What is Depression? How can one say you are depressed?
Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a severe medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Hopefully, it is also treatable. Depression is a state of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and decrease your ability to function at work and at home. While people may be skeptical, there is life after Depression, and life can improve. Depression can occur due to many factors, and narrowing it down to one is impossible.
Some Depression symptoms vary from mild to severe are:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood when you're alone or even with people around.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed and had so much joy.
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Loss of energy even when you didn't do anything or increased fatigue.
You prefer to do things that are optional to life.
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless by believing others' opinions over your own or guilty for small things.
Difficulty in thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
Having thoughts of death or suicide, thinking it would end all your problems.
Why is there a reason for Depression?
It is essential to understand that recovery from Depression is a gradual process. It was pointed out that even though everything can look bleak while depressed, people mostly recover from Depression. Things tend to get better over time. Depression is among the most treatable mental disorders. 80% to 90% of depressed patients respond well to treatment. Almost all patients receive relief from their symptoms.'Doing nothing will not change anything except creating more misery and affecting your health. Many people who seek help from professionals hesitate at first. Still, once they get the help they need, they eventually accept that professional help is necessary to live a better life.
Even if the doctors cannot fully understand you or your experience with him is not satisfying, it doesn't mean you are hopeless. There will certainly be a professional who understands you and helps you with your Depression. It's always advisable to search for another option if you are not getting treatment from the first health professional you choose. Better to switch than quit. Apart from medication, you can seek other kinds of help, such as referrals or counseling.
There are a few things you can do to manage your mood.
1. Look after yourself
Simple lifestyle habits can significantly affect your mood. Do things that distract you from negative thoughts, such as:
Stick to a routine.
Do some exercise.
Cook your comfort food.
Get enough sleep.
Create new hobbies.
Pet an animal of your liking.
2. Connect with others
Reach out to your best friends, family, or experts. Stay connected with them and have daily conversations. Stay connected via text messages if you don't want to talk face-to-face.
3. Take part in meaningful activities.
People with Depression usually don't feel like doing things. A person suffering from Depression might have realized that what they loved to do before seems less appealing nowadays. In such a scenario, It is advisable not to lose hope; try to do small achievable activities that give a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
4. Keep a recovery journal
Try to write down everything during your recovery journey, the things that made you sad and the achievements you have made along the way.
Write down all the negative thoughts and feelings so that it serves as a reminder to 'step back' from them.
Conclusion
Talk to your doctor & counselors if you still feel down after a few weeks. The only way to combat and deal with it effectively is to get the help they need and be open about it. Be honest about your feelings, be open about the symptoms, and seek help.
Written By:
Deepa Vargur Srinivasan
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