How to Fight Depression
Differentiate between sadness and depression., Accept that depression is a physiological illness, like a cold., Know how to spot the signs.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Differentiate between sadness and depression.
Yes, there are a lot of reasons a person may feel sad: a job loss, the loss of a loved one, poor relationships, a traumatic event, or other stress.
At some point in time, everyone will experience a reason to be sad.
Feeling sad occasionally is normal.
The major difference between sadness and depression is the focus.When you are sad, your feelings arise from a specific event or situation.
Once that event changes, or time passes, the sadness fades.
Depression, on the other hand, affects your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behaviors.
You don't just feel sad about one thing, you feel sad about everything.
And, despite, your trying to pull yourself out of this mood, the feeling sticks.
In fact, you can feel depressed and not even have a reason to attribute to it. -
Step 2: Accept that depression is a physiological illness
Depression isn't just "all in your head." Research demonstrates that it's a bodily illness, and thus requires medical attention.Here's what's happening:
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that relay messages between brain cells.
Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters are thought to play a role in depression.
Changes in hormone balance may cause depression.
Such changes can include thyroid problems, menopause, or a recent pregnancy.
Physical changes have been observed in the brains of individuals who are depressed.
The significance is unknown, but such observations may someday pinpoint the cause of depression.
Depression often runs in families.
This suggests that there are genes specific to depression, researchers are actively working on identifying them.Reading that depression is genetic and that your kids are possibly at greater risk for depression can lead to feelings of guilt.
Remember that you have no control over your genetic makeup.
It is not your fault.
Instead take control over what you can.
Be a good role model for fighting depression, and get help. , It's important to note that depression can be as unique as the individuals who suffer from it.
Not every person will experience the same symptoms
- some people will have few symptoms in a mild intensity and others will experience many severe symptoms.
For some, depression may affect them once in life, while others experience chronic depressive symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of depression are:
Persistent sadness or emptiness Changes in appetite (i.e. eating too much or too little) Weight fluctuations Sleep disruption Hopelessness or pessimism Feeling fatigued or lacking energy Feeling worthless, guilty, or helpless Lacking interest in normally pleasurable activities Problems concentrating or making decisions Restlessness and irritability Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms, such as pain or headaches -
Step 3: like a cold.
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Step 4: Know how to spot the signs.
Detailed Guide
Yes, there are a lot of reasons a person may feel sad: a job loss, the loss of a loved one, poor relationships, a traumatic event, or other stress.
At some point in time, everyone will experience a reason to be sad.
Feeling sad occasionally is normal.
The major difference between sadness and depression is the focus.When you are sad, your feelings arise from a specific event or situation.
Once that event changes, or time passes, the sadness fades.
Depression, on the other hand, affects your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behaviors.
You don't just feel sad about one thing, you feel sad about everything.
And, despite, your trying to pull yourself out of this mood, the feeling sticks.
In fact, you can feel depressed and not even have a reason to attribute to it.
Depression isn't just "all in your head." Research demonstrates that it's a bodily illness, and thus requires medical attention.Here's what's happening:
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that relay messages between brain cells.
Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters are thought to play a role in depression.
Changes in hormone balance may cause depression.
Such changes can include thyroid problems, menopause, or a recent pregnancy.
Physical changes have been observed in the brains of individuals who are depressed.
The significance is unknown, but such observations may someday pinpoint the cause of depression.
Depression often runs in families.
This suggests that there are genes specific to depression, researchers are actively working on identifying them.Reading that depression is genetic and that your kids are possibly at greater risk for depression can lead to feelings of guilt.
Remember that you have no control over your genetic makeup.
It is not your fault.
Instead take control over what you can.
Be a good role model for fighting depression, and get help. , It's important to note that depression can be as unique as the individuals who suffer from it.
Not every person will experience the same symptoms
- some people will have few symptoms in a mild intensity and others will experience many severe symptoms.
For some, depression may affect them once in life, while others experience chronic depressive symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of depression are:
Persistent sadness or emptiness Changes in appetite (i.e. eating too much or too little) Weight fluctuations Sleep disruption Hopelessness or pessimism Feeling fatigued or lacking energy Feeling worthless, guilty, or helpless Lacking interest in normally pleasurable activities Problems concentrating or making decisions Restlessness and irritability Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms, such as pain or headaches
About the Author
Diane Howard
Committed to making home improvement accessible and understandable for everyone.
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