Depression; its Causes and Ways of Managing It
Depression is a complex illness with many contributing factors.
Generally, human moods are subject to what they are experiencing per time.
There are times we pass through the good times, the ugly times and the bad times.
The ugly and the bad times usually makes our morale low and this sets in low moods. This tends to disappear after a season of happiness.
Depression is a different angle of low moods. This is because they tend to last longer than usual especially if urgent counselling or medical care is not sought.
It is also a mood disturbance marked by feelings of hopelessness, sadness and negative thoughts. They are more severe or prolonged than the usual range of sadness that most people experience.
Causes of Depression
There are a quite a number of factors or things that causes depression. Some of it includes the following:
1 Age
Depression sets in with age as people get older. This case is worsened especially when the elderly ones do not get care or are very lonely especially those living alone.
2 Abuse
Victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse are very prone to depression.
3 Death/ loss
This is caused as a result of the death of a loved one and poses a great risk to cause depression.
4 Gender.
Due to hormonal changes at different stages of a womans life, they are prone to get depressed twice as men.
5 Life events
Events in life play a role in depression.
Starting a new job and not adjusting properly could be a trigger. Likewise, the loss of a job could aggravate it too.
Divorce is also a leading factor in this regard.
6 Serious illnesses
Sometimes, depression happens along with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.
7 Family history
Medically, it has been shown that there is a genetic link to depression.
This is evident in children, siblings, and parents of people with severe depression in their families.
Symptoms of depression
1 Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness and helplessness.
2 Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
3 Cognitive abilities such as inability to concentrate on a daily basis. Difficulty completing tasks and delayed responses during conversations
4 Irritable mood such as anger, aggressiveness, anxiousness and restlessness.
5 Drinking excessively, using drugs and engaging in high risk activities
6 Sleep problems such as insomnia or excessive sleep every night.
7 Total loss of pleasure or interests most of the time.
8 Sense of guilt and worthlessness nearly all the time
Treatment of depression
1 Talking to your health care provider for evaluation and prescription of medications.
2 Exercise alone has shown to decrease some symptoms of depression.
Exercise can increase the body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve ones mood.
3 Avoiding alcohol and drugs. Taking drugs to alleviate the moment using drugs usually worsen the case at a later time. Hence, it is of no benefit at all.
Furthermore, avoid the use of alcohol and which may also trigger or complicate it.
4 Sleep helps recovery from depression and may help prevent recurrences.
5 Taking good care of oneself helps to reduce depression. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet to support the body,soul and spirit. Avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities.
6 Setting boundaries in your professional and personal life can help you feel better.
