What is Deression
Depression is a stress related illness that is the most common of the all mental illnesses. One in six women and one in nine men suffer from depression. Men are less likely to admit they are suffering from depression so they seek medical attention far less than women do.
There are several types of depression ranging from the blues to more serious feelings of hopelessness and despair. Depression often centers on the lack of a meaningful life and some people become suicidal from the feelings.
The depression does not always have a cause for a person to become depressed since sometimes the underlying reason can be stress from the past that has built up gradually. It can be a feeling of low self-esteem or motivation brought on to the boiling point by a small situation that pushes the person into depression. With the lack of motivation are the feelings of life spiraling downward and complete helplessness and lack of hope for better things.
The symptoms of depression are the inability to make decision, waking early in the morning, the need to cry, lack of energy, loss of appetite, drinking alcohol too much, eating too much, not caring about personal appearance, becoming withdrawn, wanting to be left alone by others, suffering from poor self-esteem, lack of self confidence, inability to concentrate, feeling lonely or isolated and the lack of a purpose in life.
Many people suffer from depression but do not realize the seriousness of the illness. They suffer quietly until they can no longer stand the feelings and seek medical attention for the illness. A physician can diagnose depression when a person expresses their feelings and thoughts. There are medications for depression that can help alleviate the symptoms that a person either can take continuously or for a short time based on the treatment prescribed by the physician and the seriousness of the depression.
Unless you suffer from severe mood swings that can be hereditary, you can do preventive measures for depression. The first steps you need to take are to admit there is a problem in your life. Get medical treatment such as counseling so you can cope with the issues in your life that are causing the depression. Learn the factors that lead to the depression. Seek support from family and friends when you are starting to feel depressed. Learn how to beat the depression before it starts or gets too bad to handle. Get motivated about the good points you have and concentrate on the fact you are a good person with many positive aspects in your life. Consider taking medication for the symptoms even if for short term to help you get over the stronger feelings associated with depression.
Depression does not have to be a factor in your life. You can take measures to prevent the depression and have a better life for yourself. If you are clinically depressed, you can take medication to provide a higher quality of life. Take the steps to fight your depression. You are worth it!
Living with Someone That Has Depression
As hard as living with depression is, living with someone that suffers from it is even harder. Depression can infiltrate a relationship and literally turn it inside out. No matter how much you love someone, it can be hard to live with the day to day depression of a loved one. It is for this reason that education is so vital not only for the person that is depressed, but for the family and loved ones as well. Here are some tips for dealing with depression in a loved one, and how to survive the battle with your relationship intact.
The first thing you have to remember is that the depression is not an extension of the relationship most of the time. Most people that suffer from depression do so regardless of the good things in their lives. It is usually a deep seated problem or predisposition to depression, and not your relationship. If you are dealing with a depressed spouse or significant other, you will know if the depression is about your relationship and it won’t be because they are depressed. Many people think that depression automatically means the relationship is the cause, and nothing could be further from the truth.
You also have to let go of the notion that you can fix things for them. The best you can do is support them, love them and be there for them when they need someone to talk to. Outside of this, you have no power to change the depression not matter how much you might want to. Trying to “fix” a depressed loved one is doomed to failure, and ultimately to damage the relationship in the long run. You both will become frustrated. This is why therapists are used. Get one to help your depressed loved one for real progress.
Another common issue is getting angry at the depressed person and asking them to “shake out of it” or get over it. This is rather cruel though you may not know that when you do it. A depressed person can no more shake off a depressive state of mind than you could will away the common cold. It is far from that easy with clinically depressed individuals. You have to accept them and understand that it is a long process sometimes.
Go with the depressed person to some of their appointments with the therapist. This will go a long ways towards helping you to understand the problem. It is hard to overcome depression without a support group around you, and your going will show them that they have that. Not only that, you will learn about their problem and be able to support them even more.
It is certainly no small task to live with someone that battles depression, but if you are willing to try some of the things mentioned you have a good shot. The bottom line is whether or not the relationship is that important to you or not. Never give up, because depression can be cured over time. It just takes hard work, education and support.
