Learn The Facts: The First Step In Overcoming Depression

Economically affluent countries such as America are plagued by a high prevalence of depression that is continuing to rise. According to clinical-depression.co.uk, based on the current “rate of increase, it will be the 2nd most disabling condition in the world by 2020, behind heart disease.” A National Institute of Mental Health 2014 report is consonant with this view, saying that “an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older… had at least one major depressive episode.”

There is no doubt that medical advances have curbed a majority of ailments on the planet in this generation. However, depression is escalating at an alarming rate, and antidepressants alone are not enough. While they may control some symptoms, having a depression-free life may require alternative treatments, such as therapy.

To curb depression, some measures have to be stepped up. Foremost is the empowerment of mental health professionals and the public. Understanding depression is an important first step toward overcoming it.

Depression is a condition.

Depression isn’t just a passing emotion. It is a serious condition that can hurt your well-being and affect your life in a big, negative way. Being sad is a hallmark symptom, but depression isn’t just feeling “blue.” It is intense, pervasive, and deep.

While an upsetting life event can trigger depression, it can happen without one. It is caused by various genetic, biological, environmental, and personality factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are one in believing that “the disorder is a complicated combination of different social, psychological and biological factors.”

Depression doesn’t happen because you are weak or flawed. Anyone can develop it, but there are some people who are more prone to it: those with a genetic predisposition, those with depressive traits or an introverted personality, and those living a highly stressful life. The Medical Daily shares that there are “12 types of people prone to depression.”

 

People are affected in different ways.

Because of personality and circumstantial or environmental differences, the signs and symptoms of depression vary between individuals. The intensity of depression may also influence the severity of the manifestations.

The most common symptom is sadness, but there is a broad range of possible signs, some of which may be thought of as normal responses or behaviors. If these are significantly affecting your life, they can indicate something more serious than just sadness, sleeplessness, or lack of appetite.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “if you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression”:

 

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Moving or talking more slowly
  • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight changes
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

While anyone can develop depression, older adults are more vulnerable because they can have age-related chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Teens are also at higher risk because they are in a developmental stage when many changes are happening all at once, making them prone to feeling overwhelmed.                                                   

Depression is treatable.  

Despite the dark clouds that can hover over your life when you get hit by a major depressive episode, you are not utterly without defenses. Understanding depression is a good first step. The next step is to find the best ally to help you win this challenge fair and square.

With a therapist, you have a fighting chance to stop your depressive symptoms from getting worse or spiraling downward. It is true that you can’t overcome depression overnight, but you can get there in due time. Experts say that with the right professional help and support, even the most severe depression is treatable.

The right professional help is right here at CCS.

Finding the right professional help is a critical part of beating depression. If you live in North Carolina, the right help can be found at Carolina Counseling Services (CCS) — Pinehurst.

Your life journey won’t stop because of depression. It goes on. Achieving emotional wellness is within your power when you have help from a therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services (CCS) — Pinehurst, NC. Waste no time: call CCS–Pinehurst now and enjoy future days, months, and years free from depression.

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