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Depression lies. It tells you that you have always felt this way, and always will. But you haven’t and you won’t

– Haley Cornell

When do you call a person depressed?

Is it really a disease? Or is it just something inbuilt?

These are some famous celebrities who died from depression:

Robin Williams





Marilyn Monroe

Anthony Bourdain

Depression is an important mental health illness. Ten percent of people in the world experience some form of depression throughout their life.

It is a terrible illness that causes us to suffer greatly. Similarly, it causes poor function at work, with friends and with family members. At its worst it can lead to suicide.

I have some friends in depression. I have also experienced a depressive episode 3 years ago.

There are wounds that never show on the body, that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.

– Laurell K. Hamilton

Symptoms of depression

Ms. Anderson is a dentistry student in Oxford University, UK. In a lecture hall filled with her friends and fellow classmates, she stares into mid-air. She has been feeling sad since the passing of her grandfather 6 months ago. Ms. Anderson was close to her grandfather and misses him deeply.

Due to a lack of apetite, she lost 10kg in the past 6 months. Although she sleeps 10 hours a day, she complains of never being able to get anything done. In addition to this, she complains of feeling tired all day long. Photography and playing the piano were exciting before, but now finds she finds them dull. Furthermore, Ms. Anderson finds it difficult to concentrate in lectures and needs to think for a long time before replying to any questions. She once tried to commit suicide but was stopped by her other family members.

The symptoms above are typical of a person who has been experiencing depression.

Constantly feeling of sad, hopeless and worthless

Lack of appetite

Fatigue

Less interest in activities previously enjoyed

Lack of concentration

Attempted suicide

Causes

There are many causes of depression. The causes are a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.

Some causes are:

Another family member with depression

Being in a stressful situation – being abused / financial difficulties / death of a loved one

Medications (sleeping pills, etc)

Another underlying disorder (e.g. anxiety)

I need one of those long hugs where you kinda forget whatever else is happening around you for a minute.

– Marilyn Monroe

Depression could also be a sign of another underlying disease.

Postpartum depression

This can occur after birth where the mother feels disconnected from her new born baby.

Bipolar disorder

Alternate symptoms of mania and depression occur in this disorder

Major depressive disorder

People experience recurrent episodes of depression throughout their lives

Dysthymia

Persistent sadness for more than 2 years

Treatment

Eat a good diet

A rich diet high in nutrients can reduce symptoms. Some individuals also take supplements. Supplements such as 5-hydroxytryptophan and S-adenosylmethionine help in alleviating a depressed mood.

Get a good night sleep

Studies show that a lack of sleep will lead to worsening symptoms of depression. Thus, it is important to get enough sleep every day.

Exercise more often

Exercising more often releases endorphins from our body. Endorphins are hormones in our body. When endorphins are released, it makes us feel good about ourselves.

Meditation

Meditation and exercises such as yoga are beneficial for depression. These exercises can calm the body and clear the head.

Therapy

Many people prefer one-to-one therapy. With this, they express their feelings better and get the help they truly need. Group therapy also helps to improve symptoms of depression. Listening and sharing experiences with other individuals help reducing isolation and negative self talk associated with depression.

Visit your local psychiatrist

Do not hesitate to visit your local psychiatrist if symptoms of depression get out of hand (e.g. Multiple suicide attempts; severe sadness)

Medication

Antidepressants work well to reduce symptoms caused by depression. There is nothing to be ashamed of by taking antidepressants. Remember to continue taking these medications. Stopping them abruptly can lead to return of symptoms.

Antidepressants can also cause some side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and weight loss. Should any of these symptoms occur, seek help from your local psychiatrist.

Education

Self and family education are essential for recovery. Above all, family members need to realize that depression is not just a state of mind, but is an illness that needs to be cured.

If you feel that you or your loved ones have depression, do reach out to your local psychiatrist.

These famous celebrities have overcome depression, and so can anyone.

Ellen DeGeneres

Jim Carrey

Kristen Bell