I guess everyone knows what depression is, but can't fully understand what a person with depression fells like. But what really are the factors affectingit? How can they overcome it?
- Biochemical factors
Depression is a type of mood disorder that some believe is triggered when neurotransmitters in the brain are out of balance. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help the brain communicate with other parts of the body. These chemicals help regulate many physiological functions.
Low levels of neurotransmitters may play a role in why some people are more susceptible to depression, including the neurotransmitters:
*serotonin
*norepinephrine
*dopamine
- Genetic factors
Having an immediate family member with depression or a mood disorder can increase your risk for depression. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that if one identical twin is diagnosed with depression, the other twin has a 70 percent chance of developing it.
However, depression can occur in people with no family history, which is why some scientists believe it can be a product of both genes and life experiences.
- Sleep disorders
Chronic sleep problems are associated with depression. Although experts don’t know if a lack of sleep causes depression, bouts of low mood do seem to follow periods of poor sleep.
- Serious illness
The pain and stress that come with certain conditions can take a toll on a person’s mental state. Many chronic conditions are linked to higher rates of depression, including:
*chronic pain
*arthritis
*heart disease
*diabetes
*thyroid disease
*stroke
*cancer
*multiple sclerosis
*Alzheimer's disease
*dementia
*Parkinson's disease
*Huntington's disease
But there are always ways to avoid those things listed above!
- Set goals.
When you're depressed, you may feel like you can't accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself.
"Start very small," Cook says. "Make your goal something that you can succeed at, like doing the dishes every other day."
- Exercise.
It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It may also have long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways, Cook says.
How much exercise do you need? You don’t need to run marathons to get a benefit. Just walking a few times a week can help.
- Eat healthy.
There is no magic diet that fixes depression. It's a good idea to watch what you eat, though. If depression tends to make you overeat, getting in control of your eating will help you feel better.
Although nothing is definitive, Cook says there's evidence that foods with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna) and folic acid (such as spinach and avocado) could help ease depression.
- Get enough sleep.
Depression can make it hard to get enough shut-eye, and too little sleep can make depression worse.
What can you do? Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom -- no computer and no TV. In time, you may find your sleep improves.
- Challenge negative thoughts.
In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is mental -- changing how you think. When you're depressed, you leap to the worst possible conclusions.
The next time you're feeling terrible about yourself, use logic as a natural depression treatment. You might feel like no one likes you, but is there real evidence for that? You might feel like the most worthless person on the planet, but is that really likely? It takes practice, but in time you can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.
And don't forget to trust in Our Lord in this process, because we can't go through everything without His Might.
Be blessed everyone and always share your problems to your loved ones. Okay? xoxox