The word depression is synonymous to the culture that we are in right now. All of us go through depression at some time in our life. For example, when we have failed in an exam or we were bypassed for a promotion we could go into a period of depression. What makes us depressed can be different for each person. Depression is a term that means “to press down”. Exploring this term in the sense of, “the act of pressing down or the state of being pressed down,” in the terms of emotions helps us to understand what depression really means. This can be used in reference to the idea that emotions and thoughts that are pressed down to a point of being unable to look forward, this is usually what the individual feels in a depressed state.
Grief vs. Depression
Often there is a conflict of understanding between the terms - depression and grief. When there is death of a loved one or a falling away from relationships, this can cause grief and sadness. Grief can lead to depression.
There are many types of depressions that individuals go through. Whatever the type of depression is, appropriate help is required to assist the individual to come out of it. With the appropriate medication and proper counselling, the individual is able to steer ahead.
Depression can happen due to many reasons.
If there is a depressive strain in the family it can easily be carried on to the next generation. Anything can trigger the depressive state, It could be a sad situation like a friend leaving to a different country or a relationship that has not worked well over the years with a family member. Depression can be initiated with the prolonged use of drug and alcohol and impact of this prolonged use can lead to lack of concentration and delayed bodily movements.
Some of the symptoms of depression includes irritability, lack of sleep, weight changes, lack of motivation to eat. These symptoms, if frequent can lead to difficult circumstances. The frequency of these symptoms can also help you understand the severity of it. Some of the risk factors include isolation, substance abuse, physical aches and irregular sleep patterns.
Depression is a depilating condition if not kept under check. One way that this can be helped by changing routines that are healthy.
Another way that individuals can be helped is by being transparent about your depression. Discuss with trusted friends about your journey with this condition. Being transparent helps your friends to understand what you are going through and opening up will help friends understand how to work with you. Being active in the things that you like to do is a third avenue that you can address these emotions and channelize them through game and sport activities. Keeping yourself active will help your body release hormones that boost or increase your sense of well-being and suppress the hormones that cause stress and anxiety.
A fourth way to channelize these depressive emotions is by focusing on gratitude. When an individual looks at things, they can be grateful about the things that has gone well, it helps to change the way the individuals look at different situations of life. This approach helps the individual to be positive in their approach. Read more about managing emotions here: Strategies to Manage Emotions - Part 2
Depression is not to be taken lightly. It is not a condition that an individual can disregard but rather approach with much care and caution. It is important to remember that one with depression can live a healthy life.
To read more on depression, click on the following article - My thoughts and depressions – Are they related?
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