We often hear this word in televisions, movies, and magazines – depression. To understand depression, you need to answer a few questions first. Do you feel sad, hopeless, dull, and irritated most of the time? Are you facing insomnia or diet disorders?
Although the above symptoms are entirely normal, if you are experiencing them for more than two weeks, you might be facing depression. But don’t panic. Depression is very common among people. It is a mood disorder and has plenty of treatment options.
What does the term depression mean?
Depression isn’t a single phenomenon or symptom. It consists of many symptoms and mood disorders. Depression is also known as clinical depression in medical terms. If you feel sad on small occasions, you need not worry. Everyone tends to feel sad for several reasons. If the feeling persists, you need to be serious about it.
To distinguish between depression and regular mood disorders, you need to understand how it affects you. If your mood disorders are preventing you from carrying out your daily activities, you are facing depression. Daily activities include you through the process, work, sleep, eating habits, assignments, and personal care.
People who neglect themselves and find it difficult to focus on anything else are suffering from depression. The symptoms need to persist for at least two weeks to be categorized as depression. If they pass away with time, you need not worry about it.
What are the types of depression?
There are mainly two types of depression. They are known as major depression and dysthymia. Their difference lies in their duration. Major depression is when you experience symptoms for at least two weeks. It interferes with your regular activities and makes you prone to emotional breakdowns.
On the other hand, dysthymia is when you experience the symptoms for nearly two years. It is a prolonged condition and has unusual symptoms. In this situation, one might experience short emotional outbursts followed by periods of mood disorders.
There are many other types of depression, as well. Some of them are caused due to seasonal changes. Also, women face higher risks of depression because of constant hormonal fluctuations. It makes them vulnerable to mood disorders during pregnancy or menstrual cycles.
Symptoms of depression
Sadness is not the only symptom of depression. There are many other symptoms that one might feel during mood disorders. You need to understand that the symptoms of depression are different for different people. Some people might remain sad all the time, while others may not feel sad at all.
There are many varied symptoms of depression. Here are some of the most prevalent depression symptoms.
- Persistent mood swings and sadness.
- You are feeling empty or hopeless.
- Undermining self-worth and feeling worthless.
- I was losing interest in everyday activities.
- Constant feeling of fatigue and restlessness.
- Difficulty in focusing on studies or work.
- It disturbed sleep cycles.
- Eating disorders. Constant craving of oily and junk food or decreased appetite.
- Irritability and thoughts of self-harm.
- Digestive disorders, muscular cramps, and other physical problems.
- I was feeling helpless about one’s state.
The above symptoms vary from person to person. There is no accurate benchmark for the symptoms of depression. If someone feels that they are not able to cope with life, they need medical help.
How to figure out that you are depressed?
Self-monitoring is the best way to find out about depression. If you can relate to most of the symptoms given above, you might suffer from depression. Depression occurs when the level of endorphins decrease in our body. Endorphins are responsible for making us happy and elated. As a result, due to low levels of endorphins, we feel depressed.
If you are going through something similar, consider talking to your loved ones about it. Understand that help is always available for you. The most trusted Psychologist Gold Coast has been helping many people cope with mental disorders.
Mental health is essential. Everyone deserves equal access to mental health facilities. If you feel that you are suffering from depression, you need to consult your doctors at the earliest. A professional psychologist will help you and tell you the best solution for all your problems.
At the time of an emotional breakdown, we need someone who will listen to us. By talking to a psychologist, you will break your barriers and talk freely about your problems. There will be a lot of instances when you might feel like giving up. But always remember that a single session is enough to make you feel different.
What to do after being diagnosed with depression?
If you have been diagnosed with depression or are near someone going through the same, you need to be cautious. People with depression need extra love and care. Understand their problems and empathize with them. With little acts of care and love, you can make them feel that they are not alone. Never leave them by themselves. Always stay close and monitor their activities. If you feel that they are on the verge of committing suicide, contact medical help at the earliest.
If you are suffering from depression, you can come out of it by following simple steps. It would be best if you talked freely to your psychiatrist without feeling shy or awkward. Medical professionals swear to secrecy and will never divulge your details with anyone. You can trust them and talk to them. An efficient psychologist gold coast will always help you come out of this situation. Help is always available to you, and all you need to do is ask.
Talk to your family and friends and ask them to help you out. There will always be someone willing to listen to you. Depression is completely curable and treatable. You don’t have to view it as the end of the world. It is a phase of your life, and it will pass soon. If you know whom to contact, things will become easier for you.
Whenever you feel like harming yourself, contact psychologist gold coast for immediate help. You are not alone, and with the right help, you will sail through it easily.