Health > How to Stop Depression from Destroying My Health?
6th Oct 2022
Managing depression and its effects on your health
Health

How to Stop Depression from Destroying My Health?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a perpetual feeling of being sad and loss of interest. Depression affects emotions, thoughts, and behaviour and can lead to physical and emotional problems. There may also be a feeling of worthlessness with this condition. Learn how to stop depressionby reading further.

Depression Causes

There is no particular cause of depression, it can happen for various reasons. It can be due to stressful life events such as death, divorce, illness, layoffs, job-related issues, or money worries. It is frequently caused by a combination of factors. You might feel depressed after an illness, or a distressing event like bereavement can lead to this disorder. Besides looking at the causes, this blog will also show you how to overcome stress and depression. Here are some of the possible reasons:

1. Personality: You are likely to be in this disorder if you have some personality traits, such as excessive self-criticism or low self-esteem.

2. Family history: If anyone in the family has suffered from this illness, a parent, brother, or sister, you might develop sadness too.

3. Childbirth: A few women are prone to this disorder post-pregnancy. Physical and hormonal changes, plus many added responsibilities, can lead to postpartum sadness.

4. Loneliness: Experiencing loneliness can happen by being cut off from friends and family.  

5. Alcohol and drugs: When life is overwhelming, some people try to manage by drinking alcohol or taking drugs. This bad habit can affect your mood. 

6. Illness – If you have a severe or long-term illness, there is an increased risk of mental illnesses or sadness

Depression Symptoms

Although despair can also arise at some point in life, humans usually have more than one episode. During those episodes, signs of depression occur most of the day, almost every day, and can include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
  • Irritable behaviour and losing calm over little matters, angry outbursts
  • Loss of pleasure or interest in regular and standard activities like sex, sports, or pastimes
  • Disturbances in sleep consist of insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Lack of energy, and tiredness, when small jobs also take great effort
  • Reduced urge for food and weight reduction or escalated longing for meals and increased weight
  • Restlessness, agitation, or anxiety
  • Slowed body movements, speaking, or thinking. 
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, focusing on self-blame or past failures
  • Difficulty in remembering things, making decisions, concentrating, or thinking
  • Suicidal thoughts and frequent thoughts of death
  • Undefined physical issues, such as headaches or back pain

For many people with this condition, common symptoms are intense and affect daily activities like school, work, social events, sports, or relationships with others. Some human beings can also experience depressing or sad feelings without understanding why.

Symptoms in Children and Adolescents 

The common signs and symptoms of this disorder in children and adolescents are similar to those in adults, but some differences may exist.  In young people or children, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, obsession, worry, pain, school refusal, or being underweight. 

Symptoms in seniors 

Depression is not included as a normal part of ageing and should never be ignored. Unfortunately, this disorder in seniors is often undiagnosed and untreated. They might be hesitating to ask for help. Symptoms may be different or less noticeable in seniors. There may be:

  • Difficulty in remembering things, changes in personality.  
  • Discomfort or pain in the body 
  • Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, or loss of interest in sex – not due to medical conditions or medications
  • They often want to stay home instead of socialising or doing new things 
  • Thoughts and feelings of suicide, especially in old men.

How to Overcome Depression and Anxiety Naturally

The earlier you start addressing this disorder, the better it is. These tips will help you feel better, so get started now:

  • Set a Schedule – When you’re depressed, set a routine for yourself. This disorder can create an imbalance in your life. Giving a form to the day makes you feel better.   
  • Set up Goals – When you’re depressed, you can feel like it is impossible to accomplish anything. That adds to the feeling of worthlessness. Setting up small goals and achieving them will make you feel better. Set higher goals gradually. 
  • Exercise – Exercising temporarily increases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It also has long-term benefits for affected people. Even going for a walk a few times a week can help. If you are considering overcoming this disorder and stress, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine. 
  • Eat healthily – You should be careful about what you eat. If you’re overeating because of this disorder, taking control of your eating habits can help you feel better. 
  • Get enough sleep – This illness can make it challenging to get enough sleep, and not getting enough sleep can make it worse. 
  • Take responsibility – When you’re depressed, you may want to withdraw from your life and feel like giving up your responsibilities at home or work. However, staying involved and taking on day-to-day responsibilities will help you maintain a sadness-resistant lifestyle. It is okay if you’re not comfortable with a full-time school or job. Think part-time. If that seems too much for you, consider volunteering. 
  • Challenge negative thoughts – A lot of the work in fighting this disorder is mental strength— you change how you think. When you’re depressed, you might jump to the worst possible conclusions.
  • Do something new – When one is depressed, they are in a rut. It is a good idea to do other things, like reading a book in a park, visiting the museum, taking a language course, or volunteering in a kitchen. It will boost your mood and energy. 
  • Have fun – When you’re feeling down, do what you love. Even if it feels like nothing is fun anymore, you have to keep trying.  

When it is Time to See a Doctor 

If you are feeling depressed continuously, see your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible and get medical advice. If you hesitate to seek treatment, spend time, or talk to a friend, family member, health care professional, spiritual leader, religious leader, or someone you trust. 

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Conclusion

Harvesting wonder and curiosity about the depth and fullness of your being is one of the most innovative components of living a happy and healthy life. We believe the above blog will help you address this disorder and reach an ultimate state of blissfulness. Whether you, a friend, or family members, start the journey towards a happier version of your life. Even the shortest period of understanding who you are can be a source of pure bliss. 

FAQs

What is the fastest way of treating depression?

A short daily walk, a 10-minute exercise at home, or music and dancing are all excellent ways to reduce this condition. 

What foods to avoid if you have depression?

It is good to avoid foods like processed food, ketchup, toast, soda, alcohol, coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol to avoid depression. 

How to solve the problem of depression?

We can solve the problem of depression by exercising, following a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep.

What fruits help with depression?

Consuming fruits like bananas, apples, grapefruits, fresh berries, kiwifruit, and other citrus fruits support the fight against depression. 

What vitamins help depression?

Vitamin B-3 and vitamin B-9 may help people with depression.