Living with Depression: Finding Hope in The Darkness

A prevalent health condition affecting millions of people across the globe, depression is a mood disorder that impacts cognitive and behavioural patterns. However, fortunately, there are effective treatments for this debilitating health condition that can combat it, alleviate symptoms and offer relief. With a blend of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes, people with depression can regain their happiness and enhance their well-being, thus finding hope in the face of darkness.

What is Depression?

Major depressive disorder or clinical depression or simply “depression” induces persistent sadness and loss of interest, impacting thoughts, behaviour and feelings, leading to a range of emotional and physical problems.

Unlike fleeting sadness, depression persists every day for two weeks at least and is accompanied by other symptoms. Depression can impact daily activity and evoke a sense of futility. Untreated depression can worsen, leading to self-harm or even suicide. However, with psychotherapy and/or medication, most people can find relief and long-term recovery.

Depression Statistics

The depression statistics in the world and India are astounding.

• As per the WHO, about 300 million people experience depression worldwide.
• Depression is the most common mental disorder in India and 1 out of every 3 people suffers from the condition.
• With more than 45.7 million people suffering from depression, India has the highest number of depressed people in the world.
• 1 in 7 individuals in the age group 15-24 years feels depressed or disinterested in doing things and the number is rising.

Importance of Seeking Help During Depression

Seeking help for depression is essential because, if ignored, the condition can worsen over time. Untreated depression can negatively impact and exacerbate existing health conditions such as diabetes and chronic pain, increase the risk of dementia and potentially lead to self-harm or even suicide. By reaching out for assistance, people can get the required treatments and support that can help them manage their condition effectively.

Symptoms of Depression

Common symptoms of depression include:

Physical Symptoms

• Changes in appetite (decreased appetite or overeating) and weight.
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)
• Low energy levels and fatigue
• Physical problems like stomach aches, headaches or sexual dysfunction.

Emotional Symptoms

• Profound feelings of sadness, worry, anxiety and pessimism.
• Increased frustration, impatience and irritation.
• Reduced interest in once-enjoyed activities.once-enjoyed

Behavioral Symptoms

Difficulty focusing, remembering things or making decisions.

Self-harming or suicidal thoughts.

Causes of Depression

The exact cause of depression is unknown. However, some of the factors contributing to it can include:

Genetic Factors

Individuals with a family history of depression and other mood disorders are generally at a higher risk. However, depression can occur even without any family history.

Life Events

Stressful life situations such as the loss of a loved one, trauma, abuse, lack of support, divorce, isolation, etc. can cause depression.

Chemical Imbalances in The Brain

Depression can be caused because of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin.

Types of Depression

Some types of depressive orders include:

Major Depressive Disorder

A severe and prevent type of depression, major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression; for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, the individual must experience persistent feelings of low mood, sadness or worthlessness for 2 weeks at least, along with symptoms such as loss of interest, changes in appetite and weight, sleep problems, fatigue, difficulty making decisions concentrating and thoughts of suicide.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

A mild to moderate form of depression lasting for 2 years at least, PDD symptoms include low self-esteem, low energy, inadequate or excessive sleep, changes in appetite, feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth. 

Postpartum Depression

Affecting around 15% of women, postpartum depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset, refers to depression in women within four weeks after giving birth to a baby. Individuals with this condition experience frequent crying, emotional ups and downs, anxiety, guilt, fatigue and difficulty caring for the baby.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of major depressive disorder that occurs during the winter and fall months when the days are shorter and there’s lesser sunlight. However, this usually disappears during the summer and spring seasons.

Depression Treatment

Around 80 to 90% of people who receive treatment for depression respond well. Depression can be treated in many ways, including:

Medications

Antidepressants are prescription drugs that can help treat depression by altering the brain chemistry. Often used along with psychological treatments, anti-depressants can help to enhance mood and motivation. However, it may take several days or weeks for these medications to work and they may have side effects, which generally disappear over time.

Therapy

Therapy options for the treatment of depression include:

• Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, commonly CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) enables the mental health professional to identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
• Brain stimulation therapy: Used to treat depression with psychosis or severe depression, this includes techniques such as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation).
• Complementary therapies: Therapies including biofeedback, hypnosis, acupuncture and massage can help to treat mild depression and persistent depressive symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, spending time with loved ones and avoiding alcohol can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Self-Care for Depression

Self-care can have a significant impact on controlling depression symptoms of depression, as well as enhancing general well-being. Here are some self-care tips:

Exercise

Being physically active can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins and improving mood and boosting energy. Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, etc. can be extremely beneficial in treating depression.

Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet is not only essential for brain health but can help to manage depression and also boost general well-being. Including whole grains, lean protein, veggies and fruits rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential nutrients can help to treat and reduce the symptoms associated with depression.

Sleep

Sleep is extremely important for physical, mental and emotional well-being; however, depression can lead to sleep problems. Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping can exacerbate the symptoms of depression and negative thoughts. Sleep quality and mood can both be improved by:

• Establishing a regular sleep routine
• Creating a sleep-friendly ambience
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the evening
• Limiting screen time before going to bed
• Getting sufficient sunlight during the day

Social Support

Staying connected with family and friends and reaching out and sharing feelings with a trusted person and seeking guidance and support from healthcare professionals can play a very important role in combating isolation for people suffering from depression.

A strong support network can play a key role in helping people with depression manage the challenges of their condition and also promote their overall mental health and well-being.

Conclusion

Depression can be a challenging condition and living with it can be an isolating and even overwhelming experience. But there is hope even in the midst of darkness. By engaging in self-care practices actively, seeking support from professionals, as well as loved ones and engaging in activities that they enjoy, people with depression can navigate their path towards recovery and healing.

It is always important to remember that recovery is possible and every step taken forward in managing the condition brings along with it a brighter future that will enable them to overcome their challenges and struggles and find a life of happiness and fulfilment.

FAQs

1. What Causes Depression?

Depression can be caused by various reasons including an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, stressful events in life, genetics, medications, substance abuse or medical conditions.

2. What are The Warning Signs of Suicide?

Some warning signs of potential suicide risk include:

• Suicidal desires and thoughts.
• Feeling worthless and like a burden.
• Excessive physical or emotional pain.
• Overwhelming feelings of shame or guilt.
• Intense sadness, agitation, anxiety and anger.
• Severe mood swings.
• Feelings of hopelessness, emptiness or being trapped.
• Researching suicide methods and making plans.
• Giving away belongings, saying goodbyes and withdrawing from everyone.
• Engaging in high-risk behaviours.
• Increased substance use.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

If any person exhibits any of the above signs, then it is vital to seek immediate professional support and help.

3. Can Depression be Cured?

There is no cure for depression; however, there are several treatments and remedies that can help to manage and reduce the symptoms such as:

• Therapy
• Medication
• Brain stimulation
• Alternative and complementary therapies
• Self-care

4. How to Support Someone with Depression?

Some ways to support a person with depression include:

• Emphasise that depression is a treatable condition and encourage the person to seek professional help to manage their condition.
• Support by attending therapy sessions and doctor’s appointments.
• Be watchful for signs of worsening depression and take necessary action.
• Stay alert for warning signs of suicide and seek help whenever required.
• Always provide unjudgmental support, encourage treatment adherence and motivate positive qualities.
• Support and help with tasks and help to create a relaxed and stress-free environment.
• Plan enjoyable activities together and ensure the person’s comfort
• Encourage good lifestyle and self-care practices.