The Basics x2

 Back again with the basics!  This time I want to dig into depression. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes depressions as "a common but serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms that effect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities."

There are a few different types of depression:

  • Major Depression
  • Persistant Depressive Disorder
  • Prenatal Depression
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Depression with Symptoms of Psychosis 
Depression can present itself in many ways.  Some Symptoms of depression include:
  • Persistent sad moods
  • Feelings of hopelessness 
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Loss of interest 
  • Thoughts of self harm and/or suicide
Though these are common symptoms, not everyone who is depressed will feel all of these, some people may only feel one or two of these symptoms.  Depression also commonly presents as a comorbid disorder, meaning it is often associated with another mental health diagnosis i.e. anxiety, bi-polar disorder etc. 
It is estimated that 1 in 15 adult's are affected by depression.  That is an astronomical amount.

Almost everyone will experience periods of “depression” at some point in their life, we all have gone through tough times where we feel sad or "numb".  The difference for people who are clinically diagnosed with depression is that we experience these symptoms frequently, for some people, daily, over an extended period of time.   
The great news is that depression is one of the most curable mental illnesses.  Most of the time it is treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.  Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression as well as anxiety.  Antidepressants work by changing the chemicals in our brain like serotonin, dopamine and cortisol. *It is important to note that antidepressants can be dangerous for people under the age of 18.*  
For me personally, antidepressants have been a life saver, and I acknowledge that I may need them for the rest of my life, and that’s okay.  While I applaud those who can manage their symptoms without medication, that is just not mine, or many others reality. 
I personally also believe therapy is extremely beneficial.  A common type of therapy used to treat depression is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  CBT aims to help us change our thought patterns, and use positive thinking as our main tool in our healing tool kit. 

If you struggle with symptoms of depression, reach out.  Whether it be to a medical professional, a friend, a co-worker, or a family member, please reach out.  Don't try to go it alone.  I am one of those people who is very “prideful” about my mental health.  I think that I can manage on my own, but I can’t and I’m reminded that often.  I need my doctors, I need my support system.  It’s 100% okay to need someone.  Please, find someone to talk to about whatever it may be you are struggling with. 

Always remember you are important, you are special, and you are loved!



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