Understanding Depression

One of the leading disorders that strengthen its hold on the world with every passing second, depression is a severe medical illness that negatively impacts your life. Affecting everything you feel, and do from that point onwards. 

Fortunately, depression is treatable, but it requires a great deal of effort and determination. It is harder than it sounds as depression brings a sense of sandless, a feeling of loss, and pushes you to lose interest in everything you enjoy. Furthermore, when depression starts to seep into your system, it leads to several physical and emotional issues that reduce your ability to function. 

What are The Common Symptoms of Depression: 

• One of the most common symptoms of depression is to feel sad or being stuck in a depressive mood.
• Losing interest in things and activities that once brought you happiness.
• You will find a change in your appetite and quickly go toward weight gain or weight loss which depends on the individuals themselves.
• You start to sleep too much or find it hard to get a decent night's sleep.
• Find yourself tired even when you have just woken up, and find you lack any energy to push through it all.
• Find it hard to focus on anything and anyone around you.
• Feel worthless and guilt even on matters that you would once have brushed off without a second thought.
• You will find it hard to sit still and find yourself pacing without a purpose. Which comes from a sense of distress that only increases with time.
• On the other hand, some individuals might feel they are slowing down in every aspect from walking, writing, to speaking and processing information.
• You become more double-minded on small matters, taking you hours to get to a conclusion. Which at times, hangs in place for weeks to come.

The intensity of these symptoms may vary from one individual to another. Similarly, some might feel one sign, and another might feel them all. What is important is how you deal with the symptoms you are presenting. 

Coping With Depression

There are many ways you can reduce the impact of depression, and these include but are not limited to pushing yourself towards regular workouts. Even starting with a walk around the block will help you feel lighter and refreshed. 

Once you start to regain your footing, it's time to add positive notes to your life and start noticing small things you can be thankful about a healthy sleeping routine, and a healthy diet plan to ensure a clear body and mind. Furthermore, depressed individuals are suggested to stay away from alcohol and keep themselves focused on healthy choices.

Depression is an illness that requires treatment. Regardless of how others feel you know what you are going through, and how best to deal with the situation. Only with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can one overcome depression. Please book an appointment with your general physician and start talking to them about the issues you face. 

Understanding your mental health needs, and admitting you need helps takes all the courage you may have.

Remember! You are not alone! Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Phone 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)

Chat (7 pm to midnight AEST, 7 days)

Text service (6 pm to midnight AEST, 7 days)

Yours in self-care,

Adrian Wilk