Sinking yet floating
Together yet apartLiving a sleep paralysis-
I want to move
But I can’tI smile
I weep
At the void so deep
Yet, at all the almost I could lose
Damn, my alarm again went on snooze.
I stand behind that yellow line
I wish to be pushed down
Standing there cowardly
This too I leave undone.
“Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease”- WHO
We all have our phases of feeling sad or overwhelmed by daily challenges of life including difficult relationships, long working hours, and daily struggles. But how to know if we are just sad or depressed? People often look for the depression symptoms and google ‘what is depression’ to understand their situation and match their symptoms.
But, depression is much more severe and more prolonged affecting our daily functioning- like changes in appetite, sleep, energy/lethargy, and pervasive feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. It starts affecting work and personal relationships. Sometimes, accompanied by thoughts of suicide.
People going through depression may have some or many of the following symptoms-
So we see that there is no ONE template or criteria for depression symptoms that apply to ALL people suffering from this mental illness. Few can experience 2-3 of them and some can experience the majority of the symptoms stated above.
To be clinically diagnosed, the presence of some of them is necessary for at least 2 weeks.
There are three risk factors associated with depression-
Therefore, depression can be a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
A major life change (Divorce) and trauma (Grief, or Breakup) may not affect two people in the same way due to their differences in biological predisposition and coping mechanisms.
It can affect any age group, starting from young adolescents to old age.
Depression is more than simply feeling sad, guilty, or a feeling of blue once in a while. Being depressed can make you feel vulnerable. But you’re definitely not. Depression can have an impact on one’s day-to-day activities, emotions, thoughts, and one’s health. It can have an impact on one’s family life, social life, and work life.
That said, depression is also not an indication of weakness or a deficiency. Just like any physical health problem, depression is treatable with a high rate of success. Antidepressants are one of the ways to deal with treating symptoms of significant depression and myths about depression also need to be addressed at the same time.
Medication
Medication becomes necessary since Clinical Depression involves biochemical changes that contribute to/reinforce emotions and thoughts. It needs to be taken under the close supervision of a medical professional and high monitoring is needed.
Psychotherapy/ Therapy for Depression
Therapy or counseling has been found to be effective in the management and treatment of depression depending upon the severity of its symptoms. A variety of therapies can be adopted for the healing process to reach the desired results.
Psychotherapy in cases of clinical depression helps a person give a safe space to talk about their difficult thoughts and feelings. A therapist can help break the pattern of thoughts and modify their self-defeating beliefs and values. You can go for depression counseling for better results.
Things you can do to feel better
Read – When counseling for depression is necessary?
Depression is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that you were trying to be strong for too long
-Sigmund Freud
Reference- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Seeking help is a sign of courage. Don't let self-limiting beliefs hold you back from a life you deserve. Avail online therapy to become happier and better. Learn how
Copyright © 2021 BetterLYF Wellness Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: Please note that we are not a crisis intervention helpline. Should you have severe symptoms or have thought about harming yourself, please seek immediate medical help or call suicide prevention helplines such as
Aasra 24x7 Helpline: 91-22-27546669