How to Deal with Depression?

Struggling with depression? You don’t have to go through it alone. Depression is common and there are ways to help you understand and cope with it.

It is estimated that 280 million people in the world have depression and it’s estimated that 5% of adults are among them, according to the data from World Health Organization.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It can also include symptoms such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person but may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed.

• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or too little.

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

• Fatigue or loss of energy.

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

• Aches and pains, headaches, or cramps that do not have a clear physical cause.

• Increased anxiety or agitation.

It's important to note that not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional.

So, how can we deal with depression?

There are a number of ways and treatments for depression and it’s important to find the treatment that works for you. Getting professional help is important especially if you’ve been suffering from it for a long period of time.

If you’ve just recently experienced depression and you are able to manage and pull yourself out of this state at most times, you can try these tips to help you cope with it.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help prevent depression.

• Building a support network of friends and family can help provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Spending time with friends and family, or joining a support group, can help you feel less alone and more understood.

• Engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure, such as hobbies or spending time outdoors can boost mood and reduce stress. Regular physical activity can help improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce symptoms of depression.

• Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help regulate emotions, help improve your mood and overall well-being, and reduce symptoms of depression.

• Avoiding negative thinking and negative self-talk. Depression often comes with negative thoughts and feelings, by identifying and challenging those thoughts, you can start to shift your perspective. Think and speak empowering words like, "I love and accept myself," "I appreciate everything I have" or "I am in control." Reflect on this daily and you will see how it will start empowering you. 

Though depression is common, it is a serious state that you should not take for granted. It is important that you recognize the symptoms and know that you can find help to deal with it. The tips above may help you get through it but they should not be treated as medical advice or treatment. Please consult a professional medical expert or call 911 if you need urgent support. 

“Depression is being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world is.” —Atticus 

Remember, you are not alone👨‍👩‍👧‍👦!