Depression has often been defined in our culture as nothing
more than a bad day or string of bad days. One person described it as “Anger
without enthusiasm.” With this
over-simplistic notion, in a world that doesn’t slow down for a bad day, comes
a stigma and shame, when the bad day never ends.
Depression is more than just a bad day or two. It’s far more complex than that. In fact, there are many different types of
depression, some more chronic and critical than others but all the same, can
make life difficult for you and those around you.
Depression has a way of keeping you stuck and isolated.
Here is a list of just some of the sub-types of depression
·
major depression
·
dysthymia
·
manic-Depression
·
post-partum depression
·
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
·
medication-induced depression
Depression is multi-faceted, and understanding the most
common mental health disorder, is the first step in managing your life with
depression.
The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that depression
is caused from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and
psychological factors. Because there are
so many variables to depression, treatment options are broad and varied as
well.
So, what can you do if you are feeling depressed…besides
book a cruise with money you don’t have or take to the mall for some retail
therapy?
The first thing?
·
Be intent on getting better and finding
relief. Becoming the Queen of Denial is
not a good life plan. So, make an appointment with your healthcare team to
obtain an accurate diagnosis. Plan with your doctor to address any underlying
genetic or biological treatments. Quiet the chemistry…or wake it up! Your doctor will know the best medication for
the type of depression you are experiencing.
Be a good patient. If you don’t
think you can be compliant on the medications, be honest with your doctor.
·
Practice good self-care.
o
Get plenty of sleep.
o
Exercise. Some is always better than none. Eat foods that support good general health.
o
Break some bad habits.
o
Avoid isolation.
o
Know your limits. Did you know that the word “No.” can be a
complete sentence?
o
Address other chronic or new health issues. Depression can be caused by any number of
other health conditions or depression can aggravate other existing health
conditions.
o
Stress is unavoidable sometimes but there are
many healthy ways to manage it.
o
Expect
gradual change, not immediate, drastic change.
o
Psychotherapy may be a necessary intervention
and very helpful under your circumstances.
·
Most importantly…do not just live with
depression. It can escalate quickly and
leave you feeling despair and hopelessness, even suicidal. Get help immediately and share your feelings
with someone close to you.
Depression is an illness of your mind and should be taken
seriously. If you or your friend broke
their leg, you wouldn’t say, “Well, jump up.
Walk it off! You’ll be
okay.” You would get them help. Telling yourself or someone else who is
depressed to shake it off is the equivalent.
It’s time to start a little selfcare revolution with your
emotional health. It’s good for all of
us, depressed or otherwise.
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