Depression: A Serious Medical Issue
What Is Depression?
The dictionary describes depression as “a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way.”
There are many different labels for depression. It isn’t a one size fits all kind of condition. If you feel you might be suffering from depression, but are unsure of what kind click this link to check.
Knowledge is power
The sooner you know more about what you’re dealing with, the faster you can work on recovery and reclaim an easier, more peaceful state of mind.
It’s difficult to open up and talk to people, especially ones that are complete strangers, but think of it as talking with a medical professional about the health of your body. You would do it because you needed to know what was wrong and how you could fix the ailment you were suffering from. This is no different. The health of your mind is just as important as your body, because they are linked. Often when your thoughts and mind are unwell, your body suffers too! Chronic fatigue, decreased appetite, insomnia, and a number of other things can go along with depression. It also increases your risk for a number of diseases.
Taking charge of your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing gives you the power to make healthy choices that will help you to heal. It could mean the difference between you staying in an unhealthy, crippling relationship and getting even more unwell, or you being free to explore who you are and live the life you’ve always imagined.
While not everyone can take himself or herself out of a situation that requires them to be there for their family members or friends, there are ways to cope and to live life more freely.
An interesting list of natural ways to reduce depression, written by Stephanie, can be found at this link.
Cognitive therapy
Cognitive therapy has been studied in reducing depression, with good results. Cognitive Therapy involves changing negative thought patterns and how you talk to yourself inwardly.
So many times your thoughts can be blown out of proportion and the picture that is painted or that you see for the future or even the present has little to do with the truth. You can learn how to think more realistically about any situation.
Your inner voice has a lot to do with how you feel. Imagine your best friend always talking down at you, or reminding you of your past mistakes, or always saying how worthless you are (even when it isn’t true.). Why would you want to be around a friend like that? Having someone beat you mentally and emotionally is not something you want in your life. So why do it to yourself? Becoming your own best friend and learning to love your self is not egotistical. It’s can be one of the best things you do for your health.
Check out these 3 steps, by Maddison from MindBodyGreen, to help you along on becoming a friend to yourself.
Can diet cause or contribute to depression?
Some research suggests that this is possible. If you’re not getting the proper amount of nutrients from your diet, this can cause imbalances and difficulties. There is also some research that says depression could be linked to processed foods.
It can be difficult to determine and pinpoint everything that causes depression, but rest assured that you aren’t alone. According to the Centers For Disease Control an estimated 1 in 10 adults in the United States report depression. No matter what problems you may face or what you’re feeling at the moment, you need to know that you have a right to feel better. Even if you don’t think it’s worth the effort or that you don’t want to bother disturbing people with your problems. Because if it’s causing such emotional trauma inside of you, then it is a very large problem indeed! Find someone who you can talk to about the best way to go about getting you to feel well again.
If you suffer, or know someone who suffers from depression, please don’t try to push it aside like it’s an embarrassment or a defective trait. You’re important and deserve to live a fulfilled life. Click this link for more information and help.
“I don’t think anyone, until their soul leaves their body, is past the point of no return.” ~ Tom Hiddleston