Depression, is it temporary or something that should be treated by a health professional? Be aware of the signs and symptoms, no matter how depressed you are you can recover.
Most everyone at some point and time in their lives suffer depression of some sort. It can range from a minor problem to a major life-threatening illness. For many who seek treatment it can mean a whole new life for them.
With medical science getting closer to understand depression. Major depressions involve an imbalance of the chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. There are many things that can trigger this imbalance:
*Chronic stresses or a major event in your life
*Major illness can trigger depression
*Reaction to medications
*Genetics can sometimes make someone more susceptible to chemical inbalances.
*Loss of loved ones or loss of something very valuable to you.
Is it just sadness or is it Depression?
Here are a few symptoms that you may experience that could be an indicator that you are depressed. If you experience four of five of these for an extended period of time you may be depressed.
1. A lack of interest or pleasure in activities that you once enjoyed.
2. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
3. Low energy, fatigue, tired and sluggish.
4. Feeling restless or irritable and on edge.
5. Feeling worthless or guilty.
6. Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions that normally would not be a problem.
7. Thoughts of suicide.
8. Frequent backaches, neck pain, stomach problems.
9. Increase or decrease in appetite or unexplainable weight loss or gain.
10. Feeling of anxiety or sadness. Feeling of hopelessness.
Consider what might be causing or adding to your depression:
Grief
Grief is the natural process of healing that allows you to adjust to a loss or signifcant change. It can be expressed physically and emotionally and may have the same or similar symptoms of depression. Remember that grieving takes time and take as much time as needed.
*Cry if you want to. Let it all out. Crying is one of our natural stress relievers.
*Talk about it. The more you talk about your loss the better. Seek people that will listen to you. And let your friends know that it is ok to talk about it with you.
Sometimes friends just don't know what to say when it comes to death, they feel awkward and don't want to say anything that might upset you.
Check with your clergy at your church or read books on grief for support and encouragement.
No matter how depressed you are you can recover. Here are a few home-care tips that may help you to get out of your rut. For more serious depression home-care can add to the benefits of professional treatment.
Staying active leaves you less time time to dwell on things. Regular exercise can make you feel physically and mentally better. If it's just a good daily walk, fresh air and the time alone can clear your mind.
Laughter is the best medicine they say. Surround yourself with happy, upbeat people. Positive breeds positive and negative breeds negative.
Believe that this mood will pass and look for signs of it ending.
Boosting your self esteem. Try something new like a hobby or activity. Take a college class:
Knowledge is power for the mind. Again exercise will boost your self-esteem.
Again read books that may help you to get through this hurdle.
Know that if something in your life is just not working it may be a sign to try something new.
When Should You Call A Health Professional?
*If you are feeling suicidal.
*If you suspect you are very depressed.
*If your down time exceeds more than 2 weeks even after you have tried home treatment.
There are many things that can contribute to depression and combining both self-care and professional care may be the most effective.
Never be ashamed to ask for help. This could be a whole new way of life for you that you could be missing out on if you don't ask. The most common form of treatment combines counseling with medication.
Remember life is so wonderful and you deserve to benefit from what it offers.
Source: Pagewise
