Who can spot the signs of depression?
Hello My fellow ATMS (Angelic Troublemakers), this blog topic hits home in more ways than one. Depression affects people's lives in different ways or different levels looking from a medical perspective. The medical definition for Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Signs and symptoms of depression can range from hopelessness and fatigue, to a loss of interest in life, physical pain, and even suicidal thoughts. The DSM-5 definition of depression states that should a person present with these symptoms for a period of two weeks, the individual is experiencing a depressive episode.
One type of depression I researched seemed interesting was Seasonal Affective Disorder. This type of depression can related to the change of season. People who suffer from this Disorder notice symptoms beginning and ending at about the same times each year. These symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, but it is possible for SAD to occur in the spring or summer. People who experience SAD in the winter have also noted the following unique symptoms:
Heaviness in arms and legs,
Frequent Oversleeping,
Cravings for carbohydrates/weight gain,
Relationship problems.
I now have a better understanding of why people may be down during seasonal changes because it affects them in different ways in which some people may not understand. Some of the most physical symptoms of Depression included
Issues with Sleep,
Fatigue,
Muscle Aches,
Feeling restless and fidgety,
Changes in hunger and weight
Changes in mood.
Treatment for Depression is offer in different ways usually prescribed medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two.
Changing the mood or environment can help with the effects of depression, for example: going for a walk to clear your mind, taking a bike run on a sunny day, reading a book at the beach are ways to improve your mood. In my opinion, speaking with a therapist can be a healing process for your mind, body and spirit. This is coming from my own experiences with therapy and a step towards the right path of self-healing. Having a therapist to talk with about your problems in a judge free environment can open doors to so many possibilities of self-growth. Having a support system like a spouse, family member or a friend can help as well when feeling down. Check out the video below on How to overcome Depression and comment if it helped in any way. Later my ATMS and make sure to be kind to yourselves.