Basically, there are two types of depression

Unipolar and Bipolar depression

Unipolar depression otherwise known as Major depressive disorder is the sad lowly sorrowful feeling. Here, all of a sudden the person starts feeling left out and alone. You often hear them say –“everyone hates me, nobody likes me- why is X friends with everyone and no one wants to be my friend”

Bipolar depression on the other hand, is borne from a high exaggerated and intense feeling. Sometimes the depressed is aggravated and heightened. People with bipolar depression get all so angry and carefree-they throw all caution to the wind and seem not to mind the consequences of their actions. They could also be destructive.

Symptoms of Depression

• Discontinued interest in things one once considered interesting
• Loss of appetite: weight loss
• Insomnia
• Constant worrying & over-thinking
• Feeling worthless
• Having no sense of purpose
• Thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms must have been persistent two weeks or more before diagnosis as Depression.

Research has shown that Personality traits and Environmental background are the major root causes of Depression. A person with a low self esteem, constantly faulting and thinking highly of others above himself/herself is prone to depression. Also, a background of  struggles, hardship, abuse, violence, neglect etc tends to make one vulnerable to depression.

Treatments For Depression

Medication

Drugs/Pills such as Sertraline (Zofolt), Fluoxetine and Mirtazapine are prescribed for severe cases of depression. Doctors usually prescribe either of these antidepressants to suppress and modify moods. Total improvement and benefits of the use of antidepressants may not be noticeable until after a few months, If not there may be a need to alter or substitute the pills. To avoid a relapse, a continued use of the dosage is advised.

Counselling

Here, the Psychotheraphy and Cognitive Behavioural theraphy are counselling methods to help deal with depression. Psychotheraphy also called Talk theraphy is recommended for cases of Unipolar depression. In a psychotheraphy, a psychologist talks the patient through the depressive phase spotting the source and how to help out of the phase.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective way of treating depression. This therapy looks at the current state of the depressed and ways to pull him/her out. It identifies distorted thoughts and then creates a change in behaviour and thinking.

For a more productive result, both therapies can include people with similar health challenge to ensure a flexible communication -people tend to loosen up when they know others are also going through the same challenge.

Exercise

Physical exercise is one major key to managing Unipolar depression. The aftermath of a session of exercise has an effect on the symptoms of depression. It equals the treatment medications and therapies.  Usually those who are physically fit and willing to go through a session of exercise would have had enough treatment to gone out of a depressive phase.

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Now you might think Timi is just a little child who makes things up but you are wrong. No matter your age, different demons will show up to scare you especially the ugly one called depression.
Depression is a disorder that happens as a result of different factors and leaves you feeling sad. It can last for a while and leave you feeling dissatisfied with the activities that once gave you joy and fulfilment. There are a lot of factors that can make you depressed like:
• Stress
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Lack
• Change etc.

Depression can affect your feelings, acts and appearance. You might lose interest in doing the things you love and withdraw from the people you love because you need space. If you start feeling terrible and out-of-place (amongst other symptoms), you might be suffering from depression.

Signs like the following should not be pushed aside they can be pointers to a deeper problem:
• Sadness
• Anger
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Inability to concentrate
• Morbid fear and hopelessness
• Weight loss
• Hallucination
• Loss of appetite
• Change in sleep pattern i.e. sleeping too much or Insomnia
• Suicidal feeling

Once you begin to see these signs, it is better to speak up like Timi. Depression is best handled by talking to a psychologist or a friend who has gone through low moments and understands the empty feeling that comes with this phase. A lifestyle change or time off can help you rediscover yourself while making you understand that it is not unusual to feel depressed. Studies have shown that lonely people have a greater tendency to commit suicide. Don’t wait until it gets to that point, speak up and find partners to help you face your demons.

Contrary to popular belief, super stars are more susceptible to depression. The famous Robin Williams was so depressed that it showed. Prior to this time, he made certain statements that showed that he was quickly descending into a state of hopelessness. One of such statements that should have prompted serious concern is-

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone”.

He was at the peak of his career but he was so lonely that he did the unthinkable for someone of his ilk; he took his own life.
Fortunately, not all depressed stars commit suicide. Stars like Jim Carey, Nicki Minaj, Ellen DeGeneres among others, battled depression and came out fine. Kanye West suffered from depression at different points in his life and even had a nervous breakdown. Michelle Williams who has suffered from depression most of her life has this to say about depression-

“I believe God-gifted people, physicians, doctors, therapists – that’s your healing. Take advantage of it. Go see a professional so that they can assess you. It’s okay if you’re going through something. Depression is not okay, but it is okay to go get help.”

Depression is a global thing. Nigerians suffer from depression but are usually asked to go pray about it or get over it. The story of the Nigerian doctor who jumped off a bridge has prompted a lot of people to take their mental health seriously. Some have died from drug (soft/hard) overdose and such deaths have been listed as accidental deaths. This is why it is very important to look out for our colleagues and friends. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to ask questions or help take their minds off their challenges. A note of caution though: Make sure you are sincerely concerned about their state of mind as people can always tell if you are genuinely interested in their issues or just fishing for the next hot topic to gossip about.

Don’t wave aside their challenges as this can make them shut down and do something drastic. Timi defeated his demons by speaking to his understanding mum who was quick to proffer a solution. It is not enough to tell anyone to just pray about it or snap out of it, support and constant attention will help anyone deal with this demon. The major challenge anyone suffering from depression faces is the fear of being misunderstood. Once that fear is conquered and you speak to the right person, healing is certain.

In conclusion, be kind to people. Don’t judge anyone. If you are suffering from depression or you know someone who is experiencing same, speak out and get help today!

 Image Credit: Ana María León via Flickr under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

The post Timi’s Demons-The Truth about Depression appeared first on Hermaze | Relationship, Beauty, Fashion, Family Articles for Women.