Is Depression Real??

In the past few years, we have seen a rise in people opening up and talking about mental health. However, a large percentage of the population still considers mental health a taboo subject to talk about.

The onset of covid-19 pandemic led to governments imposing restrictions and lockdowns, and the entire world went to a standstill.

People losing their jobs, savings, the uncertainty of the future and being stuck in the house for an indefinite period all created havoc, and even the healthiest of people experienced stress, anxiety and depression. It all became too real when famous personalities started admitting to battling depression for years.

Depression is very real and treatable with proper medication and therapy. However, until it happens to them or their loved ones, depression for some people is a myth.

The myths, stigma and misunderstandings surrounding depression prevent people from seeking proper treatment, and the consequences sometimes are life-threatening. Here are a few facts related to depression that everyone should know about.

It Isn’t Necessary To Have A Reason For Depression

People believe that for depression, there needs to be a good reason for it, maybe a job loss, financial crisis, heartbreak, or losing loved ones. However, that is not necessary.

Sometimes, people can be in depression for no apparent reason. According to some studies, millions of people have clinical depression without any life change or negative event. Human brains have neurotransmitters, and their imbalance is associated with how people feel and depression.

Some Of The Well Known People Have Dealt With Depression

You might be surprised to know how many famous personalities have battled depression. People like Martin Luther King, Princess Diana, The Rock, Deepika Padukone, Karan Johar, the list is unending. And these are people who accept they had depression; there are people around you who are dealing with depression you have no idea about. Depression is not just real but very common.

Depression Can Happen To Anyone Regardless Of Their Age and Gender

Talking about depression, people often assume that it is something that happens to adults or old aged people. However, you would be surprised to learn that depression can happen to anyone, even children. Although childhood is considered joyful with no worries, millions of children aged 3 to 17 suffer from depression. It is just that their stress factors differ from adults.

To identify a child has depression, there are a few signs you can look out for:

●       Change In Eating And Sleeping Patterns

●       They no longer enjoy their favourite activities.

●       Reduced energy

●       Irrational behaviour and change in mood.

It Is Possible To Treat Depression

If diagnosed properly, depression is a treatable illness. There are several medications and treatments available for depression, and many new research works are going on to find more possible treatments.

As the causes and triggers for depression differ from person to person, the treatment is often tailored to suit the needs of the person being treated. Most of the time, a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and psychotherapy is used to treat depression.

How To Identify Someone With Depression

Following the stigma related to depression, People dealing with it often try to hide it from others. In some cases, even close family members and the person dealing with depression themself can not tell they have depression unless it’s too late. However, there are a few signs and symptoms of depression that you can look out for:

●       Negative feelings like sadness, emptiness, hopelessness and tearfulness

●       Feeling Agner, Irritation and Frustration even on trivial matters

●       Loss of interest in doing anything, including hobbies and sports

●       Lack of sleep or sleeping excessively

●       Feeling tired all the time and doing even small things require a lot of effort

●       Restlessness, Anxiety and Agitation

●       Self-blame, fixating on past failures, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

●       Increased or Reduced appetite and weight loss or weight gain

●       Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

●       Having trouble concentrating, thinking, remembering things and making decisions

●       Frequent suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.

●       Headaches and back pains

Depression, if left untreated, can be life-harming. It is important to identify this illness at the earliest and seek medical help.