What to Do About Depression

Why Do I Get Depressed?

Depression is a common mental health problem that affects one in six people in their lifetime. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability among persons aged 15-44. Challenging negative thoughts is an effective treatment method that can bring renewed hope to those who suffer debilitating depression.

Feeling down is a common experience for everyone, however when the blues hit and last for more than two weeks then it’s time to take a look at why your mood is low. Learning what’s at the root of your depression is the key to getting your life back. Light therapy lamps might help you with depression.

How Do You Get Depression?

Why Do Some People Have Lower Moods Than Others?

Depression can strike for all sorts of reasons. It’s believed some people are born with a chemical imbalance that makes them prone to depression. Others become depressed as a result of life events that overwhelm them. It’s also known that genetics may play role as those with family members who suffer from depression are more likely to become depressed themselves.

There are different types of depression. With chronic depression or dysthymia the sufferer has a long term continuous low mood. In major depression the sufferer has low mood, loss of interest and significant impairment in functioning which lasts for more than two weeks. Some suffer from seasonal depression which occurs primarily during the winter months.

Depression is very common among people suffering from illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke and other debilitating diseases. Many who have experienced trauma such a sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, etc. are also prone to symptoms of depression.

Depression also co-occurs with other mental illnesses such as post traumatic stress, anxiety and panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and social phobia.

Why Do Depressed People Isolate Themselves?

Sometimes it Takes Too Much Effort to Be Social

One of the symptoms of depression is fatigue and tiredness so the person is often just too tired to make the effort to be social. They don’t want anyone to see them in a sad mood and feel they are burden on others. Often they don’t shower or keep themselves clean which makes them embarrassed.

Why Do Depressed People Sleep So Much?

Life is Hopeless When You are Depressed

Depression causes you to lose interest in life. You suddenly have no motivation or desire to do anything and the overwhelming fatigue that comes with depression just adds to it. Many people who have major depression have thoughts of suicide and sleep is a way to escape from reality when your life is falling apart.

Am I Having a Nervous Breakdown?

Nervous neurosis isn’t a pharmaceutical term. It’s a term often used by lay people to describe an incompetence to function in their jobs and in their personal lives both emotionally and physically.

The symptoms of nervous breakdown are unmanageable crying, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, feeling worthless, and extreme tiredness.

A mental health professional can determine whether the symptoms of a nervous breakdown is anxiety, major depression, or any one or combination of other mental illnesses.

Find Your Way Out of Depression

Challenge Yourself to Cure Your Depression

To get yourself out of a depressive state you need to do the opposite of what your body and mind are telling you to do. Get out of bed and exercise, which is probably the last the thing you want to do. Walk daily, even if it is just around the block. Seek out people and find connection. In other words you need to fight back.