How to look after yourself when you are depressed?

Depression is a common mental disorder in which a person feels worthless and unable to concentrate on daily activities. It stays for a longer period of time. The feeling of sadness and worthlessness can come and go. A depressed person may also go about normally in executing the daily tasks but from the inside, the feeling of depression kicks in when alone. The feeling of depression can be judged upon its severity. It can be mild or severe. Mild depression includes feeling sad or lonely at times while severe depression may lead to suicidal thoughts. There may be a few episodes of depression here and there. Another form of depression is functional depression in which a person performs daily tasks normally and does not share the feeling of depression with others.

Symptoms

Depression makes simple tasks difficult to perform. The symptoms may include:

  • Excessive guilt
  • Low self-worth
  • Hopelessness
  • Sadness
  • Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Low energy

Mood disorders are strongly associated with depression. These episodes can be categorized as follows:

  • Single episode depressive disorder – a disorder in which a person experiences only a single episode of depression
  • Recurring depressive disorder – a disorder in which a person experiences two or more depressive episodes
  • Bipolar disorder – a disorder in which a person experiences frequent manic episodes of depression. The symptoms may include irritability, talkativeness, and less need for sleep, etc.

Types of depression

There are several types of depression that can be deduced based on the symptoms.

  • Dysthymia – is a mild form of depression that may last for several years
  • Postnatal depression – a form of depression that hits the parents after having a baby
  • Seasonal affective disorder – in this type of depression, there are frequent episodes of a nervous breakdown in a seasonal pattern

Treatment

Over the years, with the continuous rise in depression around the world, researchers have come up with some solutions to tackle it. There are some lifestyle changes which you can do to overcome the feelings of depression.  Along with that, TMS Therapy is also beneficial in fighting with depression.

Psychotherapy

If you are facing frequent episodes of depression and are unable to cope with it anymore, try to share your feelings and state of mind with your psychiatrist. Psychotherapy is an excellent mode of communication between a depressed person and a solution provider. Going forward with the therapy is no longer a taboo as it used to be in earlier times.

Self- help resources

Your GP may offer you some self- help material to cope with the depressive episodes. You can be advised to go for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which determines the type of thoughts you have while you experience depression and how you can manage it well.

Medications

If you are unable to handle depression on your own then your doctor may prescribe you anti- depressants which you can order from online pharmacy like 90daymeds. They help to calm down the nerves and handles your mood swings pretty well. The medicinal treatment must be saved as the last resort and people should go for therapies first and foremost.