Depression is a common notion mostly misunderstood as sadness and we are told that- “its nothing you will be fine”. When we tell someone we’re not doing well and are always upset, they always respond with the same phrase: “Oh, you’ll be fine.” Being physically fit is not enough. Laziness is defined as a state of being sad, unhappy, or uninterested in anything. Going to a therapist is considered taboo, and you are labelled as insane if you do so. Mental illness can lead to serious health problems, so treating it should be a top priority. Mental health is important and it should be treated like any other disease.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Everyone experiences sadness or unhappiness from time to time, but these feelings normally pass. Depression (sometimes known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is not the same as other mood disorders. It can create severe symptoms that impact how you feel, think, and handle day-to-day tasks like sleeping, eating, and working. It’s a disease that can strike anyone at any age, regardless of ethnicity, income, culture, or education.
Depression can happen to 10 years old and to 70 years old there’s no such thing as oh you are a kid you are just upset. Giving advice and being an unqualified psychologist for your loved ones can affect their mental state more. Other mental problems and ailments, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain, can all contribute to depression. Depression can worsen these issues and vice versa. Medication for these disorders can sometimes create negative side effects, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms.
There are two common forms of depression-
- Major depression includes symptoms of depression most of the time for at least 2 weeks that typically interfere with one’s ability to work, sleep, study, and eat.
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), which often includes less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, typically for at least 2 years.
Some other forms of Depression include
- Perinatal depression occurs when a woman is depressed throughout her pregnancy or after giving birth (postpartum depression).
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood condition that appears and disappears with the seasons. It usually appears in the late fall and early winter and disappears in the spring and summer.
- Depression with psychotic symptoms is a severe form of depression characterized by psychotic symptoms such as delusions (disturbing, false fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that others do not see or hear).
Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression or manic-depressive illness) also experience depression.
Till now you know what Depression is and what are the types of depression
Now let’s discuss the symptoms and let’s do some introspection
Depression symptoms include-
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of irritability, frustration‚ or restlessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and that do not ease even with treatment
- Suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide.
If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks then contact them then don’t hesitate and visit a psychologist and get help before it’s too late.
To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad.
Depression is not a myth and it cant be treated by advice and sentences like you are fine its nothing. Depression is not anything it is serious. Stop listening to Instagram influencers who pretend to be psychologists and stop depending on youtube and google. If you feel something is wrong immediately contact a psychologist and get help before it’s too late.
Share your feelings and emotions with your loved ones and talk to them don’t feel lonely you are not alone share and talk to people you trust and start being active go for walks, work out or dance that will release happy hormones and boost your mood. Eat healthy food avoid alcohol and smoke, including medication not prescribed to you.
YOU WILL BE FINE- a common notion but a very dangerous one. We don’t want to be fine we want to be happy we want to be healthy physically and most importantly mentally. Mental health should be your topmost priority Next time if someone comes and tell you I am okay then listen to them instead of giving advice listen to what they are saying and understand because sometimes people want someone who will listen to them instead of saying you will be fine just take this thing out of your mind.
Yes, you will be alright but you need proper treatment and not internet advice. Get help before it’s too late and go to a therapist when you feel something is wrong. Depression is not a myth and requires attention if ignored can cost a life.