Archive for depression signs
Am I depressed or sad?
Posted by: | CommentsDo you know the difference between being depressed or just being sad?
Most people don’t. But, this matters because perhaps the best way to avoid health complications arising from depression is to deal with it in its early stages and buy a depression treatment..
It is normal to feel sad from time to time. Sadness is a natural reaction to something upsetting which has happened. Depression on the other hand is more extreme. It is more of an emotional or mental illness which has a lot more symptoms than sadness and can, if not treated lead to suicide which before then you will seek some type of depression treatment.
One huge difference between sadness and depression is that a person experiencing feelings which they find disconcerting can reasonably tell you what it is that is causing their unhappiness, but a person suffering from depression may not necessarily be able to do so.
When one is sad, we tend to know that things will get better over time; on the other hand, a person going through depression may not see an end to his or her problem and may consequently reckon things are or will get worse.
This may lead to a depression that could last for a long length of time. With the negative feelings being so intense and overpowering, depression is oft times something one just can’t snap out of, at least not without help or taking exact measures to match or overwhelm its hold on a person.
Though it is safe to say anyone going through depression experiences sadness, but not every sad person is necessarily depressed, both emotional hindrances might need to be addressed and catered to the same or very similar ways.
But, since depression is usually more burdensome than just a state of sadness, one needs to be able to distinguish between the two to determine the amount of effort that may need to be done to right either state of these negative emotions.
In order to be able to attack depression-advisably in addition to depression treatments in its earlier stages-below are its symptoms in no specific order.
1. Irritability and mood swings.
2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on life)
3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.
4. Loss of interest in leisure activities, having a excellent appearance and even associates and loved ones.
5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.
6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)
7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.
8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.
Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are the most common ones.
If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on research will be to look within and question why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss of something or someone of importance?
If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember, the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.
I will also mention that for both sadness (a symptom of depression obviously) and for the emotional disorder-depression-which we have now characterized for the purposes of distinguishing between the two, some steps you can take on your own for help will be engaging in some form of physical activity such as exercise or other leisure activities.
This step exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts.
In addition to this tip, an observance of nature will show us that when animals are frightened or angered, they abstain from eating until after the passage of some time. Moreover, it is right that under stressful circumstances many civilized people refrain from eating and find in truth that they lack the desire for food, but it is also too often that most of us will eat large meals under these circumstances.
Now, worry, dread, anxiety, excitement, rush, heated arguments at meals: all prevent the secretion of the digestive enzymes of the body and hinder not only digestion, but the whole nutrition process.
This considered, perhaps the last thing you may want to do while dealing with depression or sadness-be it its causes or symptoms is to eat excessively, I may go as far as to say to even eat at all.
It is also advised that at this crucial stage of emotional encumbrance, try and seek depression treatments, seek out the company of uplifting friends, relatives and associates. As much as possible, purposely surround yourself with uplifting and positive elements like your favorite DVD comedies, books, sitcoms and things of that nature.
So if you are unsure if you are truly depressed or just sad, take heart, neither of these negative emotions can overpower you-if you take charge and overcome them. It may not always be simple and you may need help, but, the desire to be-small their effects over you will be the first step towards success with depression treatments.
Help you and others suffering from depression
Posted by: | CommentsDepression can be a matter of life and death, so help from others is of vital importance. Since depression affects millions of people each year, chances are you may know someone who suffers from this terrible illness.
Helping someone with severe depression can be frustrating at times. Many depressed people don’t want to be helped. It’s as if they feel they can benefit from being depressed because no one expects anything from them. Some even go as far as to feel that being depressed is simpler than dealing with life’s problems and trying to improve them. It’s vital to realize but, that not ALL people who suffer from Depression feel this way.
Many people suffer from depression needlessly all because they won’t consult with a Doctor or depression treatments. If you know someone like this it’s vital that you do what you can to convince them to seek professional care. Let them know that you care and just want to make sure that they are okay. Sometimes if the person won’t take the initiative, you may have to make the appointment for them and make sure they get there. Be kind but at the same time, be firm. Helping a friend or relative who suffers from Depression is no simple task, but it can be lifesaving. At times, just knowing you care makes all the difference in the world.
Many people who suffer from Depression feel like they are a burden not only to their family and friends, but also to themselves because they feel as if they are helpless and can’t get past their depression so depression treatments are out the question. Some even feel ashamed and humiliated. So, instead of getting help, they isolate themselves some more and in turn drift further and further away.
In order to help a person who suffers from Depression, you first need to have empathy for that person. In other words, try to identify emotionally with them. Be sensitive to their feelings and realize that they really are in emotional pain. What they are feeling is real so try to be understanding. NEVER ever tell a depressed person to ’snap out of it.’ This simply cannot be done without depression treatments.
Other ways to help a depressed person may be to encourage them to talk. You never want them to keep everything bottled up inside them. Avoid judgmental and critical critical comments. Remember, most depression sufferers have very low self-esteem, so try to restore it by reasoning with them. Question them why they feel the way they do and really LISTEN when they talk. By showing them this attention you are showing them that you have a genuine interest in wanting to help.
If you are married to someone who suffers from Depression don’t automatically assume that you are the cause of the depression. Depression isn’t ALWAYS caused by a terrible marriage. But, it can be brought on by friction, guilt or a strained or isolated relationship. Always remember that if you are married to someone who suffers from depression and they lash out at you, don’t take it personal. Remember the emotional pain they are in. Also remember that in most cases, YOU are not the one they’re mad at. Remembering this can help you respond to them in a mild way.
If it’s your wife that suffers from depression, take the initiative by helping cook and clean. If there are kids in the family, help by tending to them instead of your wife having to do it. By doing this you are helping in more ways than you know and is a form of depression treatment.
So, if you know someone who suffers from Depression, always be patient, show empathy and help them in any way you can. Be encouraging and let them know you are thinking about them and you care. Send them a letter or card in the mail. Give them a call on the phone, or better yet, pay them a visit, even if it’s for a small while. All these small things can mean the world to a person who is depressed. Don’t expect someone with depression to get well overnight. It can be a slow process at times. So the best thing to do is to try to prevent it.
If you suffer from Depression and want to prevent or fight it, start by getting plenty of exercise, get proper rest and eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid the ‘depressing foods’ like chocolate, caffeine or other sugars. Don’t build your sense of worth on the like of others, on money, power or your job. Avoid drugs and too much alcohol. Always do the best you can but don’t try to be perfect. There is no such thing. And the number one thing you have to remember is to recognize the early symptoms of depression and seek help immediately. By doing these things you can have more success in conquering your depression with what? Depression Treatment!