Fighting The Darkness
Let’s talk about depression. It can be as physically crippling as it is emotionally draining. One day you realize you haven’t showered in a week and none of your normal hobbies. You find yourself sleeping all day and letting the dishes pile up. Before we get into this article I want to make it clear I am not a doctor and can not diagnose depression. This is just to inform you about different aspects of depression.
My personal battle with depression
Depression a taboo topic
Who suffers from depression.
Depression disorders
The Impact of Depression on Loved Ones
Seeking Help for Depression
Ways you can cope with depression
My personal battle with depression
I have struggled with depression for years, battling the ups and downs. Some days it is a roller coaster ride of emotions from self hate, wondering why me, feeling broken and inadequate along with all around self hate. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder this past year. To say 2023 was one of the hardest years of my life is an understatement. I could only function during a manic high before getting smacked with a depressive low. This was a cycle about every two or three months. I struggled to function normally and was jealous of everyone who seemed completely happy and lived such effortless lives. Going to work was touch and go. Some days I was on top of the world and nothing could slow me down. Other days I barely made it out of bed. This constant struggle caused me to have a hard time working my job consistently. I was lucky enough to have an employer that was understanding of my struggles.
I have had several medication changes this past year. But in September we finally got the medication right. Sadly that was after two suicide attempts and three hospitalization. Mental health wards are not fun. You are constantly checked in on and pretty much babysat. There are groups but you don’t talk about your feelings like they show in tv shows or movies. Groups teach coping skills. I did things like work sheets and there was even an art group. But if you came in on a weekend you had nothing to do but sit and stare out the window because groups and activities were only held on weekdays. I chose to read in the monotonous spare time. Cell phones aren’t allowed. Imagine not texting or checking your social media for days. It gets even more lonely if you have a phone addiction. Visitors even have to be searched and had electronic devices taken away while in the ward visiting.
You were given special scrubs to wear. In some ways it was like you were being punished for having depressive thoughts and being suicidal. If you weren’t lucky enough to have family or friends bring you approved clothing. No draw strings or laces of any kind. I was lucky to have my family especially my husband and mother. They made sure I had what I needed. I wore a lot of leggings and sweatshirts. (Hospitals are cold)
I only saw a Doctor twice each hospital stay for maybe 15 minuets each time and that is stretching it. To get help from a hospitalization you honestly have to put in a lot of your own work. Like learning to spend time with yourself alone and liking it. Going to as many groups as possible and taking time to self reflect. My longest hospitalization was 6 days. That was my stay in September when they changed my meditations. I am not proud of the fact of having to be hospitalized for my mental health but I am glad for my experiences. I met amazing nurses who have such compassion that is hard to phantom.
Depression is a taboo topic
Depression was once considered taboo, but is now gaining recognition and attention in our society. People are starting to discuss it more openly and seek help without fear of judgement or stigma. This shift has been driven by the increasing understanding of mental health and the realization that depression is a legitimate condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
For ever depression has been viewed as a sign of weakness or a lack of resilience. Society has often associated it with personal failures, character flaws, or even laziness. The lack of knowledge and understanding about mental health led people to believe that depression was a choice, a result of negative thinking or a lack of willpower. Consequently, individuals who experienced depression were ostracized, brushed off, or told to simply "snap out of it." This lack of empathy and understanding contributed to the perpetuation of the stigma surrounding depression.
Many societies still have unrealistic expectations of constant happiness and success, which can place immense pressure on individuals to hide their struggles. Stereotypes of strength and self-reliance discourage people from seeking help and admitting their vulnerability. In some cultures, mental health issues have also been seen as a source of shame and disgrace, causing individuals to suffer in silence rather than seek the necessary support.
Depression is now recognized as a medical condition caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It is not a choice, nor is it a sign of weakness. Understanding depression as a legitimate illness helps dismantle the myths and misconceptions surrounding it, breaking the taboo.
Who suffers from depression
Depression does not differentiate between genders. Studies suggest that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence rate of depression is 4.4% for women and 3.6% for men. Various factors contribute to this disparity, including hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and societal pressures.
Women often experience hormonal fluctuations during their reproductive years, which can significantly impact their mental health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression are some examples of conditions that affect women due to hormonal changes. These conditions can intensify existing depressive symptoms, making it more challenging for women to cope.
Societal expectations and gender roles also influence the manifestation of depression in women. Throughout history, women have been subjected to traditional gender roles that place significant emphasis on career, family, and maintaining social relationships. The pressure to "have it all" often leads to increased stress and anxiety, making women more vulnerable to depression. Furthermore, women are more likely to seek help and openly express their emotional distress, which may contribute to the higher diagnosis rate.
But men also experience depression in a different ways. Societal expectations often discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking help for mental health issues. As a result, men may be more likely to hide their symptoms and cope using maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse or aggression. This can lead to undiagnosed or under reported cases of depression.
Men are at higher risk of completing suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women, highlighting the urgent need for adequate support and awareness.
Depression Disorders
Depression is a common term used to describe a range of depressive disorders, it is essential to understand the differences between various types of depression to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. This essay will compare and contrast three common depression disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymic disorder (DD), and bipolar disorder.
The first comparison lies between major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar depression, is characterized by one or more major depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks. During MDD episodes, individuals experience a profound loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, display significant weight or appetite changes, have insomnia or hypersomnia, feel fatigued or lacking energy, experience feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, struggle with concentration and decision-making, and may even have recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation. On the other hand, dysthymic disorder, also known as persistent depressive disorder, depicts a less severe but chronic depressive state lasting for at least two years in adults and one year in children or adolescents. DD individuals exhibit a milder form of depression, with symptoms lasting most of the day, most days, involving minor appetite and sleep changes, low self-esteem, decreased energy levels, difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness. While both disorders share depressive symptomatology, the intensity, duration, and impact on daily life greatly differ, with MDD causing more severe impairment compared to DD.
Next, we delve into the comparison of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, previously referred to as manic-depressive illness, consists of alternating periods of depression and mania or hypomania. Major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder manifest similarly to those in MDD, where individuals experience prolonged and intense sadness, loss of interest, weight changes, sleep disturbances, lethargy, and cognitive difficulties. However, in bipolar disorder, these depressive episodes are interspersed with manic or hypomanic episodes. During manic episodes, individuals experience an abnormally elevated, irritable, or expansive mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, excessive talking, racing thoughts, distractibility, impulsivity, and engaging in pleasurable but risky behaviors. Hypomanic episodes are similar but with less intensity compared to manic episodes. As opposed to unipolar depression, bipolar disorder requires careful management of both depressive and manic symptoms, as inappropriate or inadequate treatment can induce manic episodes or rapid cycling between states.
While major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder share depressive symptoms, the key distinguishing factor is the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder. This additional dimension of mood elevation and increased energy significantly impacts the diagnosis and treatment approach for individuals with bipolar disorder. Accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in tailoring intervention strategies, such as therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications.
The Impact of Depression on Loved Ones
When a loved one exhibits symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite, it can leave their family and friends perplexed and concerned. Initially, the constant questioning of "Why?" and "How can I help?" might arise, fueling frustration as they grapple to comprehend a condition that may be difficult to understand. Loved ones may feel helpless, unable to provide immediate solutions or alleviate the pain their depressed family member is experiencing.
As time goes on, loved ones often transition from confusion to empathy and compassion. They come to recognize that depression is not simply a matter of being sad or feeling down but a complex illness that affects the individual on physical, emotional, and cognitive levels. This understanding leads to a crucial shift in mindset, enabling support systems to view depression as a genuine medical condition rather than a personal flaw or weakness. Empathy prompts loved ones to offer patience, lend an ear for active listening, and provide an unwavering support system for their afflicted family member.
Support plays a pivotal role in helping loved ones cope with their role in navigating their depressed family member's journey. Creating an atmosphere of trust and open communication can facilitate the sharing of emotions, experiences, and thoughts between all parties involved. By expressing their concerns, loved ones can help their depressed family members recognize their own struggles and encourage them to seek professional help. Likewise, establishing boundaries, setting realistic expectations, and encouraging self-care practices can aid loved ones in maintaining their own well-being while supporting their depressed family members effectively.
Seeking help for depression is a crucial step towards finding relief and improving one's overall well-being. One of the main reasons individuals should seek help for depression is the fact that they do not have to face it alone. Many people feel isolated and believe that their struggles are unique, but the reality is that depression is a common mental health issue. By seeking help, individuals can connect with others who have experienced similar feelings and gain a sense of community and support.
Seeking professional help is essential when dealing with depression. Mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychologists, have the knowledge and expertise to provide appropriate treatment and support. They can help individuals explore the root causes of their depression, develop coping strategies, and guide them through the recovery process. A therapist can also provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share their thoughts and emotions, which can be incredibly therapeutic.
Treatment options for depression may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medications, such as antidepressants, can help regulate brain chemicals and alleviate symptoms of depression. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach for each individual's unique situation.
Seeking help for depression can also bring about a sense of empowerment and control. Depression often leaves individuals feeling helpless and out of control of their own lives. By actively seeking help and taking proactive steps towards recovery, individuals regain a sense of agency and become actively involved in their own healing process. They can learn to identify triggers, implement self-care strategies, and make lifestyle changes that promote mental well-being.
Seeking help for depression can prevent the condition from worsening. Depression is a treatable illness, but without intervention, it can worsen over time and significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Untreated depression can lead to further complications, such as increased social isolation, relationship problems, or even suicidal thoughts. Seeking help early on increases the chances of successful treatment and a faster recovery.
Ways you can cope with depression
Coping with depression can be challenging, but there are several strategies and techniques that can help individuals manage their symptoms and regain control over their lives. In this essay, we will explore some effective ways to cope with depression.
One of the most important aspects of coping with depression is seeking professional help. Mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychologists, are trained to assess and treat depression. They can provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss your feelings and provide you with coping strategies. Additionally, they may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy. Seeking professional help is an essential step towards recovery.
Aside from professional help, developing a support system is crucial in coping with depression. Surrounding yourself with loved ones who understand and support you can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. Reach out to family and friends and let them know about your struggles. Joining support groups or online communities related to depression can also be beneficial as it allows you to connect with individuals who are experiencing similar challenges.
Engaging in self-care activities is another vital aspect of coping with depression. It is essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Find an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, and make it a part of your daily routine. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can positively impact your mental health.
Setting realistic goals and breaking them into smaller achievable tasks can help combat the overwhelming feelings associated with depression. Depression often makes it challenging to concentrate or accomplish tasks, leading to a sense of failure and self-blame. By breaking down tasks into more manageable parts, you can avoid becoming overwhelmed and increase your chances of success, which, in turn, boosts your self-esteem.
Another useful strategy is engaging in activities that bring you joy and pleasure. Depression often strips individuals of their interest in activities they once found enjoyable. However, by gradually reintroducing these activities into your life, you can regain a sense of happiness. Whether it is painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or reading, find activities that bring you fulfillment and engage in them regularly.
Practicing relaxation techniques and stress management strategies can also help individuals cope with depression. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation are effective relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Furthermore, exploring stress-reducing activities such as journaling, listening to calming music, or spending time in nature can provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life.
Depression affects most everyone at some point.
Can any of you relate to the crippling affects of depression? weather it be a personal experience or watching a loved one suffer. This buisiness was started because of my depression. I found my niche and have found a way to cope by creating art and helping others receive the best product possible.
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