DEALING WITH DEPRESSION IN DISABILITY
Depression is a very common condition which affects more than one in ten people at any time. It is a mental health condition which affects a person's thinking, energy, feelings, decisions and behavior. It can vary from mild to severe and can prove disabling in some cases, impacting negatively on the individual's family and work life. Any of us, irrespective of age, gender or background can be affected at any point in our life. Interesting news is the possibility to minimize the impact of depression by accessing information and support to manage the condition.
Depression has a number of possible causes. For some people, it comes about as a result of a traumatic life event such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties or bullying, while to others it is as a result of temporal or permanent disability.
Symptoms of depression
Depression has many symptoms some of which include:
• Feeling sad, anxious or bored
• Low energy, feeling tired or fatigued
• Under- or over-sleeping, or waking frequently during the night
• Poor concentration, thinking slowed down
• Loss of interest in hobbies, family or social life
• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt
• Loss of interest in living, thinking about death, suicidal thoughts
Depression is mild where a person experiences tiredness, lethargy even at sunrise, indecision, impaired concentration and loss of confidence. In moderate depression, the person is extremely fatigued, has marked sleep disturbance and appears to others to be depressed. Then for severe depression, the person's judgment is impaired - i.e. they have an extremely negative and pessimistic view of their own self-worth and future prospects. Strong suicidal thoughts (or intent) will also be present. Someone suffering a severe depressive phase or emotion may have delusions or false beliefs that they are evil, wicked, bankrupt or emotionally unbalanced.
TIPS FOR COPING WITH DEPRESSION
Most people come through depression with help, and early recognition and continual support group or person are essential for a positive outcome. It's important that you don't try to deal with depression all on your own. Reach out to family and friends, and where help and support is offered, don’t hesitate to take it.
Speak to your doctor or health officer
Getting a correct diagnosis is key to recovering from depression. Attend follow-up appointments and if it's been some time since you were diagnosed, go back to your doctor again in case your situation has changed.
Comply with treatment
Remember that medication can take some time to work (up to six weeks). Counseling and the other talking therapies can also take time to work. It is unrealistic to expect instant results.
Exercise and get outdoors
Remember that exercise and spending time outdoors is important. Even going for a short walk each day or simply sitting in the park can bring benefits: fresh air, a sense of achievement and a break from usual routines which may be aggravating the depression. Engaging with nature can make a great difference.
Eat a balanced diet
Try to eat a balanced and nutritious diet as food does have an impact on mood. Excess consumption of sugary foods lead to an increase in sugar level and energy but when addictive, it leads to low energy and constant mood swings. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol which causes increased heart rate and interfering with sleep.
Pick a hobby or interest
Many people find different things useful in times of depression which has therapeutic benefits such as learning a new language, gardenening, shopping or even writing. So take time to recall the things that makes you happy and dwell on them. It is also wise to dwell less on your depression and concentrate more in helping others get out of theirs. You will be so amazed that in helping others, your depression will disappear.
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