It's difficult to identify those suffering from this condition of mood disorder which is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in favorite hobbies. This is because not everyone will display the typical symptoms of sadness and dispare. In order not trouble one with their issues, they are prone to forcing happiness while around people yet inside they are crying, shouting and begging for help. They pretend to be strong infront of a crowd yet, when alone, they drown themselves in tears.
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| Illustration of the kind of feeling one has when depressed. Photo courtesy of Google |
Being a victim of this condition, I am inspired to write about it so as to educate the world. It all started with disinterest in my hobbies and later the inability to control my moods as I easily got angry and irritated over small issues. These were later preceded by constant fatigue, insomnia and drastic loss of weight which was brought my total loss in appetite. It then got difficult for me to think, concentrate and make decisions since I was usually lost in my sad and sorrowful world engulfed with feelings of worthlessness. This saw a drastic drop in my academics. I could only see the option of ending my life as the solution. To cut the long story short, I decided to seek help and am currently undergoing treatment. But before then, when asked what was wrong with me, "I don't know.. and I am okay.." used to be my answers.
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| Signs and symptoms a depressed person exhibits. Photo courtesy of Google |
Although trauma and stress brought by living by living with persistent pain (as for my case), are the main triggers for this condition, there are other causes and risk factors involved too. For instance, personality traits which include low self-esteem and being pesimistic. Genetics whereby it can be inherited from one family member to the other. Hormones which causes postpartum and premenstrual depressions in women. Bipolar disorders, life events e.g bereavement, loss of job, changes in relationships, financial problems and medical concerns. One is also at risk of developing depression if he or she; has chronic diabetes condition, previously sustained head injury, has previous episodes of major depression and acute stress, using recreational drugs e.g alcohol and also lack of successful coping strategies.
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| Photo courtesy of Google |
Depression being a general term, there are different types of it. Postpartum Depression is one of it's kind that affects women who have recently given birth. This is brought by hormonal changes that occur after delivery. This kind is servere as it leads to one commiting suicide or killing the born baby, if treatment isn't done. Psychotic Depression caused by delusions. This is where one starts having false beliefs, detaching oneself from reality, and also experience hallucinations eventually leading to mental disability. Major Depression(my case) is where one is in constant state of sadness and shows disinterest in hobbies which also leads to suicide. Medications such as antidepressants and psychotherapy have through the years proven to be the best treatment for this kind of depression. Persistent Depressive Disorder is also another type of depression otherwise known as dysthymia, whose symptoms can last up to 2years.
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| Photo of a depressed woman. Courtesy of Google |
Depression can also be managed and treated through; joining a support group and also also asking family or friends for support, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), socializing with others, improving self-esteem through positive self affirmation. Eating a balanced diet also helps alot. As for my case, the kind of treatment am undergoing includes; drug treatment whereby am using antidepressants drugs, natural remedies which include use of chamomile that contains flaronoids with antidepressants and also the use of lavender which reduces anxiety and insomnia. Am also trying to reduce stress through meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga. Psychotherapy has also helped me alot.
Please don't wait for someone to loose his/her life living a suicide note behind then you start lamenting of how u wish you knew. With this condition it difficult for one to open up hence it's left for you to read the handwriting on the wall and respond to their silent distress calls and cries.
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| Illustration of Depression. Photo courtesy of Google |
Author
Kageha Deborah
