National
Depression Awareness Month takes place in October of each year. There are many
types of depression and each one has different symptoms. However, some symptoms
in general are interruptions in sleep, changes in appetite, weight loss or
weight gain, fatigue, difficulties in concentrating, and changes in behavior
and mood. Although depression is frequently seen in women, it can occur in men
which makes them experience physical symptoms. Approximately forty percent of
adults do not receive treatment for their depression.
Depression
is a mood disorder because it affects anyone with emotional and physical
aspects that occur daily. Some days are better than others when you are dealing
with depression. Yet depression can be treated depending on your age and how
severe depression is. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a term for one type of
depression. Also, there is Postpartum Depression (PPD), Premenstrual Dysphoric
Disorder (PMDD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), and Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) are all common depression disorders.
However,
depression can happen because of a situation or a traumatic event which is
called Situational Depression. It is a reaction that the brain and body have
due to the event. For example, this event can be a divorce, retirement, car
accident, losing someone, or other stressful trigger that makes someone have
this type of depression. Similarly, Postpartum Depression (PPD) is caused by a
feeling of emptiness after having a baby. Although this is a joyful event, a
woman’s body is affected physically and mentally after having a baby.
Additionally,
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is caused by an illness or a
recurring illness that affects the whole body. Nonetheless, it is important to
know what type of depression you may have or a loved one may have. Often a
person can have more than one type of depressive disorder. For example, a
teenager or a young female adult can experience Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at the same time. Always consult with
your primary doctor, a professional therapist, and a professional counselor for
treatment.
Eat
healthier meals and do physical activities with your family or friends. For
example, walking together, riding a bicycle together, or dancing together can
help lift your mood. Practice doing color therapy by wearing colors such as
red, orange, yellow, pink, blue, peach, white, purple, and green. In addition
to your professional counseling, you can add plant therapy, animal therapy, and
meditation as therapy. Always consult with your primary doctor about
supplemental therapies such as art therapy, dance movement therapy, music therapy,
light therapy, and other therapies.
Depression
can be prevented by managing your stress and changing certain items from your
lifestyle. Although there is a link to genetics, depression can be prevented
and controlled; Simply by following your doctor's recommendations and adding
these objectives that are listed below. As well as taking one day at a time to
make a routine that helps you feel satisfactory. Keep in mind that you might
have to adjust, get rid of, and add new things to make a change in your
lifestyle. In the following list are tips that may help you with your
depression.
- Practice self-care, self-love, self-worth, and learn about yourself.
- Do not neglect your hygiene even if you have lost your motivation.
- Do not force yourself to socialize with anyone but remain in contact with your loved ones.
- Do things that make you feel motivated, and inspired, and that optimistically boost your mood.
- Surround yourself with people who make you smile, and laugh, and are not judgmental.
- Take care of yourself and your hygiene in small steps.
- Seek professional help to work on your fears, negative emotions, or hurtful events.
- Do volunteer work, declutter your home, and do activities that make you feel optimistic.
- Do not give up on what you pursue in your career.
- Do not seek approval from anyone. Write and keep a mood journal.
- Practice yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
- Practice gratitude and do new activities that make you feel adequate.
Depression
can recur at any time of the day. It can be persistent, temporary, or permanent.
Throughout October, you can devote some time to reading about depression. Furthermore,
you can familiarize yourself with depression with resources regarding National
Depression Education and Awareness Month. Wear green or something in green to
bring awareness about depression.
Green is
used for awareness of mental health and depression. Uplift someone with a
positive comment and encourage them optimistically. Try to listen attentively
and offer to help someone who has depression. Join a support group especially
if you are in the grieving process. Here are resources about managing
depression.
NAMI:
Coping with Depression-Help Guide:
Coping with Depression - HelpGuide.org
Depression Awareness Month-Importance, Finding Support, and More-Medical News Today:
Depression awareness month: Importance, finding support, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)
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It's so good to see that there is an awareness month, it is certainly very encouraging that this is a subject that is being talked about and understood a bit better. Thanks for this!
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