Depression is a serious mental health condition and mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, loss, fear, and anger that disrupt daily life. Clinical depression is an invisible invader of one’s self. It is a serious mental illness and manifests as: feelings of utter sadness accompanied with bouts of… ...Read more
Depression is a serious mental health condition and mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, loss, fear, and anger that disrupt daily life. Clinical depression is an invisible invader of one’s self. It is a serious mental illness and manifests as:
feelings of utter sadness accompanied with bouts of sudden crying
hopelessness,
loss of interest, anger, guilt
frustration,
even irritability (especially in adolescents)
Physical and mental fatigue
disruptions in the normal sleep patterns
feelings of anxiety
numbed feelings
Loss of confidence & self-esteem
Changes in overall weight and in appetite
Lack of libido
Unexplained aches and pains
Impaired thinking and concentration powers
Thinking of suicide
Doing self-harm
These symptoms can last for weeks or months or years and interfere with daily life. The symptoms are not visible and unless the sufferer voices their pain, their malaise could go unnoticed and untreated for a long time. Causes of DepressionDepression is a complicated illness and its causes are not completely understood. From the studied cases and diagnosed, some of the factors that could lead to depression are:
Traumatic situations caused by a deep loss or intense stress. This also includes postnatal depression experienced by some women after the birth of their child.
Illnesses such as bipolar disorder
Genetics or psychological factors dating back to childhood
Long standing and/or life-threatening illnesses
Children can be affected due to the adverse conditions at home(parental disputes) or school (being bullied or peer pressure)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - caused by the low light in winter
Sometimes, there is no cause at all but the symptoms appear and create havoc
Treating DepressionTreating depression goes a long way in improving the quality of life. Depending on the severity of the depression, it can be treated through drugs and or through alternative therapies known as Talking Therapies.Some self-care method of controlling the severity of depression include:Exercise: Regular physical exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones and this can improve the mood.Diet: A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help. Avoid drinks, drugs and caffeine as they make the depression worse.Building bonds: Developing and strengthening relationships with family and friends help in keeping depression at bay.Remaining stress-free: Following a daily routine that promotes overall wellbeing and reduces stress is important in preventing and even managing depression.Going beyond the holistic approachLouise Hay, motivational leader and empowerment coach who has done pathbreaking work in supporting HIV/AIDS patients and their families, has said that, “Illness however mild or severe is an indicator of your emotional state, caused by your thoughts and focus.” According to her, the main cause of Depression is: Anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness. One way of healing this is through saying or writing affirmations. Doing this regularly can help to reduce the debilitating effects of this illness.Her affirmation for healing Depression is: I now go beyond other people’s fears and limitations. I create my own life. Other alternative therapies that have also given good results for treating this disorder are: Past Life Regression, Spiritual Counseling, Life Coach, Meditation, Access Bar, Emotional Freedom Technique, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Therapy, Homeopathy, Rebirthing, Pranic HealingRead less
