Depression is a common and serious mood disorder that affects feeling, thinking and how we handle activity of daily living such as sleeping, eating, working. A person is diagnosed of depression when symptoms persist for at least two weeks.
There are various forms of depression, which includes:
Persistent depressive disorder: this is depressed mood that last for at least two years.
Postpartum depression: this is experienced by women after delivery. It is slightly different from baby blues.
Psychotic depression: this is when a person has severe depression together with some form of psychosis such as delusion, hallucinations.
Depression can occur as a result of family history, life experience (bereavement, loss of job or property, etc), severe pain, unmet needs, prolonged period of illness, change of status (Retirement, divorce), emotional instability and many more.
Symptoms of depression
Not everyone experience all the symptoms of depression. While some people have few symptoms, some other may experience many symptoms. Once the symptoms persist for two weeks or more, a person is diagnosed clinically depressed.
Few symptoms of depression includes;
- Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless or empty
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities that usually gives pleasure
- Decreased energy
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Difficulty in concentration
- Difficulty in sleeping such as insomnia, or at times oversleeping
- Thought of death, suicide or suicide attempt
- Loss of appetite or desire to eat continuously
Tips for handling depression
Stay connected
Depression comes with withdrawal and loss of interest in other people, however isolation will only worsen the situation. Making effort to stay connected with few people can help provide the needed support.
Do things that you formerly enjoyed
Keeping up with activities you derive pleasure from can help promote happiness as relaxation, it can also help to discover one or two activities that can help you overcome the depression.
Challenge negative thinking
Expose yourself to funny entertainment
Seek professional help
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