Depression. It’s a real bummer. And YOU ARE NOT ALONE if you face depression because more than 20 million others in the United States suffer from it. The thing about depression is that most people don’t even know they’re facing it. And even if they do, many won’t go to a doctor for a screening. Depression can progressively worsen if you don’t manage it accordingly. Most depressed individuals are not suicidal, but most suicidal people are depressed. Many simply aren’t always sure what’s going on with them nor do they have the means to seek help. The stigma that depression is something one can just snap out of is misguided; depression is an illness. A number of causes of depression include: loneliness, the loss of a significant individual, anxiety, transitions, even the weather: S.A.D – Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Appetite changes, which may include weight gain or loss
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Slow speech; slow movements
- Changes in self-value and self-recognition
Depression affects everyone around you. Those acquainted with the sufferer will see a significant change in the person. And depression really can affect anyone. Many believe that materialistic ventures will create complete happiness; unfortunately, it won’t. Some believe that past situations are what they are and cannot affect them in the long-run. In fact, they certainly could. Sometimes the things that hurt the most are suppressed, and because we don’t want to be the victim, these feelings of frustration, confusion, anxiety, self-pity, and hopelessness may simmer behind the emotions used to mask your true feelings. Now, there is nothing wrong with mental-coaching and working through your problems. But these pent up frustrations can take a large toll on us, affecting our entire outlook on life.
Here are a few tips:
TALK ABOUT IT – Holding back how you feel is tiresome; just don’t create more stress you don’t need. There will always be someone to listen and point you in the direction of recovery, especially at Le Moyne’s Wellness Center for Health & Counseling.
WRITE IT DOWN – Some people aren’t comfortable explaining themselves verbally. Sometimes it may even be harder to hear reasoning coming from the victim’s mouth itself. While writing, you can take notes as to why certain emotions are more disobliging than others.
BECOME ACTIVE – Depression has negative effects on the body. From frowning, tensing muscles, and bring inactive, bodies will become achy. All of that negative energy has a field day in your body. Get your blood circulating by moving around. Going outside for some sunlight and fresh air will really make a difference. Individuals suffering from S.A.D. and are greatly affected by seasonal change.
SEEK HELP – Most of us reading this are college students or faculty, which means a lot of your time and money is invested in an establishment aimed to make you a better individual not just academically, but personally. There are a plethora of ways to get help. Just tell yourself that you want it and go for it.
PRACTICE – As humans, we learn, 24/7. Therefore, we acquire habits from those around us and ourselves. Sometimes people unintentionally practice being sad and/or miserable. Some individuals wake up in the morning and already bash what just might be a great day. Good vibes equal a good time. Practice being cheerful and it might become a habit. Being cheerful brings other happy people around you. This will ultimately help you exercise your emotion’s peaks and teach yourself how to be more functioning during the day. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you.
