Depression: Minding the mind’s reminders for rest.
Depression
In modern day fast-paced society it is often it's not uncommon to experience periods of sadness or low moods. However, when these become persistent and overwhelming, they may indicate a more serious mental health condition known as depression. One cannot emphasize fully the importance of raising awareness about depression and providing valuable information to help individuals recognize symptoms of depression and seek treatment.
What is Depression?
Depression is a complex mental health disorder that goes beyond fleeting sadness. It affects millions of people worldwide. Fast-paced modern society, while exciting, does not slow down for mental health and can contribute to the stressors that trigger depression. Understanding the symptoms of depression and seeking professional treatment is crucial for managing and overcoming this condition. Much research highlights the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in depression. This is a chemical in your brain that assists in the electrical impulses and connectivity of the nervous system in your brain. Some antidepressants often assist in balancing this chemical so that you can return to optimal functioning.
Common Symptoms of Depression:
1. Persistent Sadness:
A prevailing feeling of sadness or emptiness that persists for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
2. Loss of Interest:
A marked decrease in interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, social interactions, and even personal relationships. A person with depression usually experiences a loss of motivation and finds themselves with no drive to do anything.
3. Fatigue and Lack of Energy:
Overwhelming fatigue and a constant sense of tiredness, even after a full night's sleep.
4. Changes in Appetite and Weight:
Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite and eating habits. This is not the same as intentional weight gain or loss such as seen with some athletes.
5. Sleep Disturbances:
Insomnia or oversleeping, often accompanied by restlessness and interrupted sleep patterns.
6. Feelings of Worthlessness and Guilt:
A persistent sense of guilt, worthlessness, or excessive self-criticism, often with no apparent reason.
7. Difficulty with mental tasks:
Trouble focusing, making decisions, problem-solving or remembering even simple tasks.
8. Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide:
Frequent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide, or even suicide attempts. It is important that people who may be at a risk of attempting suicide get professional and medical help immediately.
Seeking Help and Treatment for Depression:
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms of depression, it's essential to reach out to a qualified psychologist or other professional health care members or institutions. Depression is a treatable condition, and seeking professional help can make a significant difference in one's journey to recovery. A licensed psychologist can provide personalized psychotherapy sessions to address the root causes of depression and develop coping and other treatment strategies.
Some ideas to try at home while waiting for your psychology session:
Keep a mood journal:
Note your mood everyday when you wake up and use apps (such as DailyBean or Daylio) or write them in a book to track the symptoms and signs of depression as well as your mood from day to day. Some people even have success tracking other changes in their environment or routine that precipitated the depressive symptoms. This is a very valuable starting point to take to your psychology sessions.
Regulate your other bodily functions
Although it is difficult while depressed, try as best as you can to to keep a great and consistent routine in your life. Eat 5 small meals and drink 8-12 glasses of water throughout the day. Exercise daily for 30 minutes to an hour (running or walking for example) and ensure you are sleeping or resting for 8 hours a day. These will assist in regulating energy levels and stabilising the biochemistry that often lead to depression.
3. Journal your thoughts
Write down your thoughts or your feelings when depressed. Try not to dwell too long on the problems but rather vent out your feelings in a non-judgmental way. Some of my clients have enjoyed typing this on a document on their phones to keep their journaling secure and password protected.
4. Write reminders to yourself
There is nothing like hearing advice from yourself. Why not leave some messages for yourself when you are in a happier mood- remind yourself of all the things you cannot remember when you are feeling the symptoms and signs of depression. Again, don’t beat yourself up for being depressed but rather accept yourself and your emotions. Your mind is trying to recover from mental and emotional exhaustion- allow it the time and patience to do so. Some clients of mine especially liked leaving little voice recordings or voice notes so as to listen to their own “pick-me-ups” when they are depressed.
Conclusion:
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. As a dedicated psychologist in Durban, I am committed to providing comprehensive support to individuals struggling with depression. Recognizing the symptoms and signs of depression and then seeking professional treatment are the most important steps towards regaining control over your mental health. Don't hesitate to reach out and start your journey to a happier and healthier life. Book your first session at www.brandonkayatpsychology.co.za
