Health & Fitness

Depression, What is it Really and How Does One Cope With it?

Depression, What is it Really and How Does One Cope With it?

Though it is used humorously many times these days, depression is a serious topic and the mental illness itself shouldn't be taken lightly or as a joke. So what is depression? I'll explain it as detailed as possible.

Depression is as I said before, a mental illness that takes away the abiltiy to function properly in every-day life.What does that means though? Illnesses such as Clinical Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Bipolar Depression are just a few of the many disorders one can develop. Each of those forms of depression have one thing in common, they cause extreme negative feelings that make it seem almost impossible to get out of or bare with, in the depressed individual's mind.

Before we can talk about coping with depression let's cover what characterizes it as a mental illness. These are the common signs someone is depressed:

They are always tired, even with a good night's sleep the individual can feel deprived of energy

The person gets irrated very easily like they are constantly on edge

Their appetite drastically changes which causes weight gain or weight loss

They feel hopeless, like they are worth nothing, constantly angry, or guilty

A depressed person loses interests in things they once enjoyed

Finally, they could have suicidal thoughts or become suicidal

These symptoms are unpleasent and dangerous, it causes extreme pain and feelings of lonliness for the person suffering from it. It goes unnoticed often and some are too afraid to let others know they're strugging, because of this, everyone should be overall educated about it and encourage the sufferers to get help.

After knowing what depression really is and how it affects the people who have it, let's talk about some coping mechanisms. My biggest advice is therapy. A lot of people do not like the thought of going to random strangers about their problems, but it really isn't as bad as you may think. They are there to listen to you and help fix what's not quite right in your life and it's a good step to recovery. It's nice not being the only one who hears your crys. If you know someone struggling with depression, encourage them to go to a specialist, and if the countless attempts fail, be there for them, it's tougher than it looks.

Joining a support group or a community activity/after school club is also a good way of battling depression. Finding new interests to replace old ones keep you from slouching at home and thinking too much. You make new friends and feel like you aren't alone because you aren't. It's also a good idea to do things that make you feel good such as taking paino lessons, which could make you feel accomplished, cooking which can be a favorite hobby, or writing which can be a stress reliver. Basically, anything could be a good activity if it makes you feel happy. The only exceptions to this is if you are hurting yourself or someone else.

Boosting your self image is the last coping mechanism I have for you today. This is usually a technique people don't like very much because it goes agaisnt their thinking. Here's an example, when you wake up in the morning write down something you like about yourself and carry on with your daily commute A commitment like this is hard to do for people with depression because they don't believe it. Even if one were to do it very often, it won't work if they are still thinking nasty things about themselves. So a good way to revise this would be, when you wake up in the morning think about something nice someone has told you, write it down and pretend it is true. Writing it this way will make the person think of something they thought was a meaningless comment, and write it down. By "pretending" it was sincere, it becomes so. Because every compliment you get means something, for you are beautiful.

This is for cutters: Whenever you feel like hurting yourself try snapping a rubber band agaisnt your wrist, it'll give you almost the same type of feeling when cutting but it's 'ess harmful and once the urges subside you don't have to use it anymore

Another tip is to write comments like "I'm more than scars" or "I am worth it" on the places you usually cut, that way when ever you get ready to do so again you see that message which will lower your chances of hurting yourself and even make you feel better.

If you're still cutting please tell somebody even if it's diffucult.

The last self motivational boost is to look at yourself in the mirror, and smile at the person you see looking back at you. Try to love seeing that person, yes I know that's a lot to ask, and yes I know that sounds stupid. But really, if you keep seeing this beautiful wonderful person who isn't broken, only bent smiling at you, you're going to want to see them more. You are worth more than you want to believe you do and if you keep pushing against the currents, you will find land. Don't give up and the most cheerful can be the ones withering down the most.

I hope this mytake was informational and helpful, if you feel like hurting yourself or are feeling suicidal call the national suicide hotline_1-800-273-8255

Have a nice day <3

Depression, What is it Really and How Does One Cope With it?
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