Depression is a very serious and increasingly common condition. Statistics show that the annual number of those suffering at least one major depressive episode is increasing. However depression can be prevented and treated when appropriate.
Depression is actually a mood disorder that causes a persistent sense of sadness and lack of interest in activities that once created a state of well-being. Depression influences a person's general condition and changes the way they feel, think or react.
There is no specific trigger for depression, but most of the time it can be installed as a result of major events, such as:
- Changing jobs
- Financial problems
- Couple problems: breakups or divorce
- Losing a loved one
- Birth of a child
- Loneliness and lack of human interaction
- Alcohol or drug use
The feeling of occasional sadness does not represent depressive episodes, and the help of a specialist should be sought when we observe:
- Prolonged feelings of sadness and irritability
- Loss of interest in certain activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Continuous sense of anxiety
- Lack of focus
- Problems with sleep and appetite
Most of the time a person who goes through a depressive episode tends to isolate himself, and in conversations uses expressions that convey a total lack of disinterest in everything, such as"I don't care about anything". Isolation accelerates and amplifies the state of depression, which is why human interaction is an important factor in the daily life of any person.
When we notice a longer period of manifestation of the above mentioned conditions, we should call for the help of a specialist, starting with your GP and going on to a psychologist or even a psychiatrist. At the same time, the support of people close to you and family helps to overcome episodes of depression.
Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, which means regular sessions with a specialist, and in really serious cases it is called for medication.
As we said at the beginning, depression can be prevented, and it's all up to us and our way of being to prevent it.
A number of things which are recommended to be done when we go through hard times of life are:
- Do sports. Travelling, swimming or going to the gym helps to release chemicals into the body that contribute to the achievement of a state of well-being
- Enough rest. Sleep 7-9 hours at night
- Stay connected. Interaction with family and friends, city outings and small fun will help banish the sense of isolation
- Balanced diet. Maintaining a balance in nutrition should be a permanent rule, but during busy periods there is a tendency to overdo it.
Such a condition, depression, should not be neglected, and when we notice in those around us that their behavior notes a potential depressive episode it is our duty to support and guide them as best as possible.
Kommentare