Home
It is said that knowledge is the most powerful weapon. Because, with knowledge comes understanding, with understanding comes acceptance, and acceptance is the greatest enemy of any illness of the mind.
In this article, we empower you with all you need to know about depression as a condition. Combine that with the practical ways of battling depression (you can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here), and depression doesn't stand a chance before you. Let's delve deeper into what really depression is, what are its causes and what more you can do to emerge victorious.
So, What is Depression?
Depression is a mental state in which a person experiences a low mood. He/she is averse to doing anything that might have an impact on his/her thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Emotions associated with depression are hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, helplessness, guilt and irritability. If worst comes to worst, the person loses all interest in the activities that once interested and excited him/her.
What Are the Possible Causes of Depression?
Depression is a normal emotional response to a sad event in life. However, prolonged sadness converts into psychological depression and is dangerous, if untreated. Some of the most common causes of depression can be classified as:
Matters of the Mind-Life Events
Life events like those during childhood (neglect, abuse, etc.), childbirth, menopause, financial problems, death of a near one, troubled relationships, social problems, may contribute to depressive state of mind. Diagnosis of chronic diseases, like AIDS or cancer, may also lead to depression.
Non-Psychological Reasons
Common amongst non-psychological reasons are infectious diseases and certain disorders (stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism etc.). Depression is also linked to certain medications (interferon treatment in Hepatitis C infection) and drug abuse.
What Will I Experience if I Have Depression?
Depressed people may experience loss of appetite or may resort to overeating. Difficulty in concentrating and remembering details of events, insomnia or excessive sleep, fatigue and digestive disorders are commonly found among people with depression. Suicidal tendencies may become powerful.
I Feel Low Often, Am I Suffering From Depression?
To analyze if you are suffering from depression, and to what degree, use Beck Depression Inventory. However, it is important to understand that being sad sometimes is okay.
I Don't Like Being Depressed, What Do I Do?
You should acknowledge that depression is a disorder of the mind and should be looked at as you would any other disease. There is absolutely no shame in realising that you need help. You should understand that untreated depression could have drastic effects on your health.
Will Power Saves the Day
Depression is a classic example of the tremendous control exerted by our mind on our body, wreaking havoc on our health. If this simple fact is recognised, it becomes easy to appreciate that if negativity can bring about such an effect, positivity can reverse it too!
A strong positive will power to "pull yourself together" is your greatest ally in combating depression. It has been documented that where people with will power have completely turned their lives, and even risen from terminal diseases to lead a happier and fuller life. This is a fact that even the most ardent scientific mind will grudgingly acknowledge.
The power of the mind is infinite; it can be a shrewd master or an obedient servant. Your will power is much stronger than depression. Give a free leash to your will power and take as much help as you can get along the way. You will realise that you can battle a dragon if it ever dared to cross your path, what good is depression!
