Are you Suffering from Depression?

“Depression is so real and can affect anyone at any time in their lives”

Depression has no special face, age, race, or status. Anyone can suffer from depression at any stage in their lives.

Research has revealed that approximately 264 million people in the world suffer from some type of depression while approximately 40 million people in the United States make up a part of this statistic. Suffering from depression is more common than you think. Depression is so real and can affect anyone at any time in their lives. It is totally normal for you to feel sad, tired, or out of it sometimes based on a certain experience you're having. However, if you find yourself feeling like this day after day, week after week, or even for a month, chances are you might be suffering from some kind of depression.

What is Depression And Some Of Its Root Causes And Common Symptoms?

A practical definition for depression is a feeling of constant sadness, hopelessness, feeling demotivated, disinterested, and constantly feeling tired, having a lack of appetite, and in some cases practicing poor hygiene. You might not want to participate in activities that you usually enjoy doing, and or may not enjoy being around friends, family, or just people in general. If any of these feelings persist for more than 2 weeks you are more than likely suffering from depression. 

Common Symptoms of Depression

Depression is triggered by a slow production of new brain cells and poor connection between brain cells, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus which are responsible for mood regulation and information processing. That may be the scientific cause, however, there are other biological, social, and environmental causes for depression as well. Some of these are:

• Genetics - Yes! If you have a parent or siblings who struggle with depression chances you could be prone to suffering from depression as well.

• Stressful life experiences- If you are going through a lot of stress, this could trigger feelings of depression.

• Trauma- Experiencing any kind of traumatic event like the sudden loss of a loved one, a breakup, or even exposure to violence can cause depression.

• Having a baby- 15% of women suffer from postpartum depression after giving birth. It’s very important to seek help if you are feeling depressed after having your baby to prevent harm to the infant and or yourself. 

• Substance abuse and smoking-  Research has revealed that people who drink alcohol, use drugs and smoke are more at risk to suffer from depression as a result of the addictive nature of these practices. People who drink alcohol, take drugs, or smoke use these to relax and de-stress, when in fact what they are doing is temporarily relieving their stress but slip into depression whenever the effects of these substances wear off. This leads them to crave more, making them even more depressed.

• Poor sleep and dieting- Believe it or not, lack of rest and not eating a balanced diet can cause depression. Everyone needs sleep and proper nutrition for proper brain function. As you read before, lack of proper brain function is the scientific cause that leads to depression.

• Lack of exercise- Research has proven that people who practice regular exercise or movement are less likely to be depressed as exercise increases brain cell production and reduces stress.

• Changing of Seasons- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects some people when fall or winter comes around when it’s colder and there is less light. The depression tends to lift when the warmer seasons come around.

• Physical Illnesses- Some illnesses trigger depression such as severe head injuries, cancer, coronary heart diseases, and hyperthyroidism.

  
  

Different Types Of Depression 

“Depression is a serious mental disorder. It can lead to acts of violence and suicide. Seeking professional help is necessary if you are feeling extremely depressed”

There are several types of depression that you need to be aware of:

• Major depressive disorder is the most common and affects your overall mood and daily function.

• Perinatal may affect a woman before or after giving birth.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder causes severe depression, anxiety, and fatigue before menstruation.

• Persistent depressive disorder is a feeling of sadness and demotivation that occurs for most of the day.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is brought on by the change of season.

• Atypical depression refers to a type of depression that lifts when positive events occur.

  
  

6 Easy Steps For Overcoming Depression

Depression can leave you feeling very sad, hopeless, frustrated, and drained to the point where there is no desire or motivation to seek help or treatment and in more serious cases to live.

Though it is recommended that if you are suffering from extreme symptoms of depression you seek professional help immediately, there are simple things you can practice and access to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

• Try to identify what kind of depression you might be suffering from and become familiar with its symptoms. This could give you better self-awareness to control your moods, as you experience moments of highs and lows. For example if you are suffering from SAD you could try using this highly rated product Verilux HappyLight Luxe light therapy lamp to simulate natural daylight and help improve mood and sleep. Why this could help? Therapist-recommended, 10,000 lux UV‑free light with adjustable brightness and timer features as the light is priven to lift mood. Users often report feeling more energized and refreshed after 30 minutes of use.

  
  

• Though you may not feel like it, try to be around friends and family more. Open up to the ones you feel most comfortable sharing that you are suffering from depression and need their help and encouragement.

  
  

• Try exercising, going for nature walks, or cycling. Intentional movement helps to create healthy brain cells and balance which decreases stress and depressive symptoms.

  
  

• Try meditation and spirituality. Meditation is proven to declutter and relax the mind, decreasing depressive symptoms. Spirituality, on the other hand, creates a space for you to find peace, comfort, and safety in a higher power than yourself.

  
  

• Meet yourself where you are at. Understand that overcoming depression will not be an overnight fix. You might think suppressing the negative emotions you feel is doing the right thing, but this can lead to even more depression. Instead, allow yourself to go through the motions but not Indulge too much.

  
  

• Express emotions through journaling, poetry, art, or music. Begin healing by writing in this Mindfulness Journal for Depression, designed with CBT-based exercises and self-compassion prompts.

  Why it could help? Rooted in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, this journal offers daily prompts, body scans, and meditations to help users relate to difficult emotions and live in the moment .

  Though you may have little to zero interest, it could help to turn to an avenue of creative expression to overcome your depression. You could be the next Picasso or best-selling author thanks to your depression.

As you break free from depression, and fall back in love with yourself, you will appreciate life even more than before. As you move forward on your healing journey, please bear in mind that you are not alone and that there is help for treating depression no matter how severe it seems. However, if you or someone you know is suffering from severe symptoms of depression for more than a week, consult with your doctor right away, to get the help you need to be the healthiest version of yourself. I wish you all the best!

Let's continue to heal together. Shalom!-- Dr. Nickie Annn

Disclosure: As an Anazon associate I receive an incentive for any qualifying purchases.