Depression is consuming me. Depression also called depressive order is a prevalent mental disorder affecting approximately 280 million people in the world according to research carried out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). There are many reasons why people may fall into depression and research shows that women are more likely to get depressed than men.

You may find people who have been abused, experienced trauma or loss of a loved one and any other stressful or traumatising situation saying “Depression is consuming me” because of the severe feelings of sadness and hopelessness they feel. Many people who suffer from depression find that they no longer have an interest in daily life activities which they used to enjoy.

Depression can cause serious emotional and physical health problems and affect a person’s ability to function in different spheres of their life. When you say “Depression is consuming me”, it is because you are going through a mental disorder which negatively impacts the way a person feels, their thought patterns and their behaviours.

When a person is going through depression, they may say “Depression is consuming me” because they are probably at the point where life is no longer worth living for them and they are experiencing stress going through their normal daily activities. It is very different from the regular mood swings that people experience from time to time, it is more serious.

Saying “depression is consuming” means you need to seek urgent help because when it is left unattended, it can lead to suicidal thoughts.it is one of the most common mental health disorders which affects a lot of men and women worldwide. It is important to seek help when you have prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness and loss of interest in your regular activities.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Depression?

What are the common symptoms of depression? People go through ups and downs in life and many of these downs may increase a person’s proneness to depression. Some challenges that can make a person more prone to depression include the loss of a job, bereavement, traumatic events and other situations that cause extreme stress.

In this part of the article, we will look at what are the common symptoms of depression to help you gain a better understanding of the symptoms to look out for. An important thing to note is that these symptoms should last for most of the day and should be consistently evident for a period of two weeks for a diagnosis to be made.

Now, what are the common symptoms of depression? They include;

Loss of interest in normal activities such as hobbies, etc which used to be interesting
Changes in appetite; either eating too much or too little
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Overwhelming feelings of anxiety or agitation
Self-blame, feeling worthless and fixating on past failures

These are some of the most common symptoms of depression. As we know, depression affects children, teenagers and adults alike. So let us look at what are the common symptoms of depression;

In children, symptoms of depression include; feelings of sadness, irritability, unexplained weight loss, refusal to go to school or social gatherings with children like them, etc.
In teenagers, symptoms of depression include; feelings of sadness, feeling worthless, poor performance at school, sensitivity, drug use and abuse, alcoholism, avoiding social interactions, self-harm, loss of interest in activities, sleeping too much, etc.
In adults, symptoms of depression include; suicidal thoughts or thinking about death, loss of appetite, despair, sleep and eating problems, low energy, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, etc.

How Can I Cope With Overwhelming Feelings Of Sadness And Hopelessness?

How can I cope with overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness? Depression can cause you to feel overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness which is one of the major reasons why many depressed people have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying. In this part of the article, we will look at some ways to cope with feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed, helpless and sad in the world right now because of the demands and stressors of life. So when you think, how can I cope with overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness, here are a few tips you can try which may prove helpful to you in those times.

The first thing you should do when you think of how can I cope with overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness is to get emotional support from reliable people around you. It is important that when you notice symptoms of depression, you should seek support from the people around you because they can help you see the brighter side of things.

One of the best coping strategies people going through depression can use is talking to a therapist or counsellor who can help them change or improve their thought patterns so that they can have much healthier thoughts and improve their overall well-being. They will teach you the importance of prioritising your self-care which can make you much happier.

Another way to cope with feelings of sadness and hopelessness is to practice mindfulness which helps you to focus on the present. So when you think, how can I cope with overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness, you can try some relaxation techniques and also journal your feelings which can help you become more aware of them and ultimately manage them.

What Are Some Effective Treatments For Depression?

What are some effective treatments for depression? There are many treatments available for people with depression; it is a condition which can be easily treated. Many people (research shows that between 80% to 90%) who have depression often see improvements in their moods and overall well-being with psychotherapy and medication or a combination of both.

What are some effective treatments for depression? Psychotherapy, which is also called talk therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat depression. Some of the forms of psychotherapy which are used to treat depression include;

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – this type of talk therapy focuses on helping people change negative thought and behaviour patterns which may be the root cause of their depression or worsening their symptoms. They help them learn some healthy coping strategies.
Psychodynamic therapy – this type of talk therapy focuses on helping people heal from past experiences which may be causing them to be depressed and help them heal from those experiences so they can have a happier life.
Interpersonal therapy – this type of talk therapy focuses on helping people improve their relationship skills and conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Counselling – this is aimed at providing people with a safe platform to express their thoughts and feelings which may be affecting them mentally.

What are some effective treatments for depression? Some medications which are effective for treating depression include; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are helpful for both mild and severe depression, Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

What are some effective treatments for depression? Some research shows that treatment with medications is most effective when in combination with therapy. There are also some self-help strategies including lifestyle and diet changes, self-help books and online resources and support system which can be very effective in helping people cope better with depression.

What Is The Difference Between Clinical Depression And Situational Depression?

What is the difference between clinical depression and situational depression? Clinical depression is similar to situational depression but there are some differences. One major difference is that clinical depression is a far more serious condition than situational depression. Being able to know the difference between the two is the first critical step to getting help.

What is the difference between clinical depression and situational depression? Clinical depression is known as a major depressive disorder while situational depression is a short-term form of depression which usually arises from going through a traumatic event such as losing a loved one, divorce, loss of a job or retirement, etc.

What is the difference between clinical depression and situational depression? Situational depression is often a result of having difficulty coming to terms with dramatic changes in life. This is very common in life and people may experience it at some point in their lives; getting the right kind of support can help to improve emotional well-being.

What is the difference between clinical depression and situational depression? The major difference between clinical depression and situational depression is that the latter occurs in response to a dramatic or sudden life change while clinical depression can occur for no specific reason. The symptoms are similar but clinical depression is more serious and can lead to suicide.

How Can I Find A Therapist Or Mental Health Professional To Help With My Depression?

How can I find a therapist or mental health professional to help with my depression? When you notice that your symptoms are worsening, it is highly important to seek professional help so you can get your life back on track. Professionals who can help you include psychotherapists or social workers, regular health workers, or psychiatrists.

How can I find a therapist or mental health professional to help with my depression? There are a few tips o help you find a mental health professional which you should consider. The first step is to ask someone you can trust. We have experienced psychotherapists at Miss Date Doctor (MDD) who can help guide you to your healing and improve your behavioural health.

How can I find a therapist or mental health professional to help with my depression? You can use a reliable online database to search for licensed therapists. You can check organisations such as Mental health foundation, Rethink mental illness, SANE, etc in the United Kingdom where you can find reliable professionals who can help you with therapy.

How can I find a therapist or mental health professional to help with my depression? You can also reach out to organisations that address your area of concern. Local resources such as community centres and local support groups are also available and may be beneficial to you. All of the aforementioned are tips you can try out when looking for help with depression.

What Role Does Genetics Play In Depression?

What role does genetics play in depression? Research done by the World Health Organisation shows that over 280 million in the world suffer from depression and newer research shows that the number has gone up to 300 million people with more than 600,000 people with depression committing suicide each year. That is a lot of people.

With this number, one may ask, “What role does genetics play in depression”. It is important to understand if genetics puts people at risk of depression. According to research carried out by Standford Medicine (Genetics of Brain Function), where they carried out tests on the twin of a person with depression and they found that genetics play a role in depression.

So what role does genetics play in depression? Genetics indicates a risk of depression but does not determine whether a person will get depressed. In the research carried out on identical twins, it was found that genetics plays a 50% role in whether people will get depressed. The risk is said to be much higher with major depression.

What role does genetics play in depression? Research carried out by the University of Edinburgh also showed that genes play a major role in depression. They found 102 gene variants and at least 269 genes linked to depression. Serotonin plays a major role in mood disorder or balance because it controls social behaviours, mood, etc and low levels can cause depression.

Can Lifestyle Changes, Such As Exercise And Diet, Help Alleviate Symptoms Of Depression?

Can lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet, help alleviate symptoms of depression? Depression is a very serious disorder especially because it can lead to people committing suicide. According to NHS UK, it is very important to take your medication as prescribed because stopping them too soon can cause it to return.

Can lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet, help alleviate symptoms of depression? The simple answer is YES, they can be very helpful to combat and alleviate your symptoms of depression, but experts say that one may not be able to heal from depression without the help of a professional. Lifestyle changes are still very effective, however.

So how can lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet help alleviate the symptoms of depression? Exercise has been linked with the release of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and they trigger your body to make more endorphins which are chemicals the brain releases to ease pain and relieve stress. Yoga is one type of exercise that can boost your mood.

Can lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet help alleviate the symptoms of depression? Eating healthy can help your body and brain function better. In fact, the NHS UK advises people to eat a healthy diet as it will not only help lift their mood but is also very critical to their mental health. Exercise and diet play important roles in alleviating depression.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Antidepressant Medication?

What are the potential side effects of antidepressant medication? There are various antidepressant medications which are effective for treating depression, but they also have some side effects which can make it seem like the problem is worsening with time one will begin to find that the benefits of the medications outweigh the side effects.

Now, what are the potential side effects of antidepressant medication? The major classes of antidepressants used to treat patients with depression include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, NDRIs and MAOIs. Each class and type of antidepressant has its own possible side effects and some of them are not easy or fun to deal with.

So what are the potential side effects of antidepressant medication? Some of the potential side effects of the types and classes of antidepressants are;

Feeling and being nauseous
Loss of appetite
Insomnia or lack of sleep
Headaches and dizziness
Fatigue or exhaustion
Loss of libido and difficulty achieving orgasm during sex
Weight gain
Anxiety and tremors
Blurred vision

What are the potential side effects of antidepressant medication? There are some potential complications associated with antidepressants which include;

Risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours
Overdose
Serotonin syndrome
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome

It can take between four to eight weeks to see the full benefits of antidepressants and it can take a minimum of two weeks for their symptoms to ease. It is advisable to continue with the medications and not discontinue them without the advice of your doctor.

How Can I Support A Loved One Who Is Struggling With Depression?

How can I support a loved one who is struggling with depression? People with depression need all the emotional and physical support they can get. To be able to help a loved one suffering from depression, you must be able to identify that they are suffering from it and it can make you feel helpless, overwhelmed and frustrated.

How can I support a loved one who is struggling with depression? To be able to help someone with depression you need to first take care of yourself. This is a very critical step to helping your loved one who is struggling with depression because you cannot support your loved one who is depressed if you are overwhelmed or depleted.

When thinking about how can I support a loved one who is struggling with depression, here are some tips to help you support your loved one.

Acknowledge your feelings and let your loved one know how you feel
Get more knowledge about depression and help your loved one get the right treatment
Give your loved one support in their daily activities
Avoid blaming and being judgemental
Know the impact that depression has on social life; it can make them go into isolation and make them avoid people. It is critical to not take them their actions personally.

How can I support a loved one who is struggling with depression? These are some of the ways that you can provide support to your loved one who is struggling with depression. You can encourage them to go for therapy which is usually helpful and also find a support group which can help them get through the phase.

What Are Some Ways To Manage Suicidal Thoughts And Feelings?

What are some ways to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings? Having suicidal thoughts and feelings is very common with depression and when they are not managed can actually lead to suicide. In this part of the article, we will look at some ways one can manage suicidal thoughts and feelings.

What are some ways to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings? If you find yourself feeling or having suicidal thoughts you can reach out to your loved ones for emotional support and help you stay safe. You can also talk to a crisis counsellor who can listen to you and offer some guidance on how to cope with depressive moods and suicidal thoughts.

What are some ways to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings? Avoid using substances and taking alcohol because although they may seem to help with the pain and ease your distress at that moment, they actually worsen the symptoms of depression and increase suicidal thoughts. Alcohol can affect your judgement and behaviour so it is best to avoid it.

What are some ways to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings? Another way to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings is to do something that can help you relax like listening to music. You can also try some grounding techniques such as taking short walks, 4-7-8 breathing, cuddling a pet, etc which can help you stay in the present during distress.

Is Depression Always Caused By A Chemical Imbalance In The Brain?

Is depression always caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain? There are several theories about the causes of depression and one of them is that it occurs as a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is believed that having too little or too many chemicals in the brain can cause people to be depressed.

Saying this may cause people to ask, is depression always caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain? Research by Harvard Medical School shows that depression does not happen only because of having too many or too little chemicals in the brain but it is also affected by other causes such as problems with mood regulation by the brain, genetics and stressors of life.

The answer to the question: “is depression always caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain” is no, as there are many factors that interact for depression to occur. It was earlier believed that these chemical substances in the brain also called neurotransmitters are solely responsible for depression and balancing them can alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Is depression always caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain? Research by the Harvard Medical School shows that depression is not a result of one chemical being too low or too high because there are many chemicals inside and outside the nerve cells which work together to influence mood, perception and how a person processes the world around them.

How Does Childhood Trauma Contribute To Depression In Adulthood?

How does childhood trauma contribute to depression in adulthood? Research shows that about 46% of children experience trauma at some point in their early years. Contrary to what people think, childhood trauma can have a lifelong effect on a person which has made mental health experts research its relationship to adulthood depression.

How does childhood trauma contribute to depression in adulthood? The most common causes of childhood trauma include physical and sexual abuse, bullying, terminal illness or death of a parent or loved one or witnessing a natural disaster or being in an accident. These traumatic events can have lifelong effects on the child.

How does childhood trauma contribute to depression in adulthood? Many children experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with research showing as many as 15% of girls and 6% of boys. The traumatic events may replay in their minds from time to time which can lead to depression and other issues affecting their behaviour and mood.

How does childhood trauma contribute to depression in adulthood? When a child goes through a traumatising experience such as bullying, it can make them withdraw from social interactions even in adulthood and can trigger feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and emptiness which are symptoms of depression.

Are There Alternative Or Complementary Therapies That Can Help With Depression?

Are there alternative or complementary therapies that can help with depression? Depression is often treated with medications and psychotherapy but some people may find that they do not work for them and they may want to try out alternative therapies to alleviate their depression. Any health treatment not classified as Western medicine is called an alternative.

So are there alternative or complementary therapies that can help with depression? There are a number of alternative or complementary therapies that can help alleviate the symptoms of depression in people suffering from it. Alternative therapies are also called complementary or integrative therapies.

Are there alternative or complementary therapies that can help with depression? There are several alternative and complementary therapies that can help with depression but it is important to note that just as Western medicine does not guarantee the cure of depression, so also alternative and complementary therapies do not offer a guarantee.

Now let us look at some therapies to answer the question, are there alternative or complementary therapies that can help with depression?

Herbal remedies
Acupuncture
Guided imagery
Yoga and meditation
Exercise and deep breathing
Massage therapy
Chiropractic treatments
Aromatherapy

What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing A Depressive Episode While In Therapy?

What should I do if I am experiencing a depressive episode while in therapy? Depressive episodes are those periods when the symptoms of depression appear. People struggling with depression may find themselves experiencing these depressive episodes from time to time even while being treated with therapy or medication or a combination of both.

What should I do if I am experiencing a depressive episode while in therapy? While in therapy, you need to learn to track your triggers and symptoms; take stock of your feelings and their triggers. This will help you identify possible triggers and how to avoid them.

What should I do if I am experiencing a depressive episode while in therapy? Exercise is great when you are having a depressive episode. Moving your body can help lift your mood, you can exercise, take a walk, attend a dance class, or just do something that makes you move your body.

What should I do if I am experiencing a depressive episode while in therapy? Be intentional about getting quality sleep and eating a colourful meal. You can also practice mindfulness and meditation and keep a gratitude journal. You should also get into nature, go outside and feel the air, and let the sunlight kiss your face.

How Can I Maintain Emotional Well-Being And Prevent Relapse After Recovering From Depression?

How can I maintain emotional well-being and prevent relapse after recovering from depression? Research shows that people who have gone through depression may experience a relapse at least once. So it is important to stick to your treatment plan and let your doctor, therapist or mental health advisor know if you are having any troubles or depressive thoughts.

How can I maintain emotional well-being and prevent relapse after recovering from depression? You should prioritise self-care, not just physical but your overall well-being. Go out and do the things you enjoy, and spend time with people who inspire feelings of happiness in you and can help boost your mood.

How can I maintain emotional well-being and prevent relapse after recovering from depression? Practice mindfulness and learn to breathe deeply and relax your muscles when there are stressful situations. Rather than focusing on the stressors, find reasons for gratitude and laughter where you can.

How can I maintain emotional well-being and prevent relapse after recovering from depression? You should challenge negative thoughts that may be affecting you and seek help from your therapist and loved ones when you feel overwhelmed. Have a support system.

Depression Is Consuming Me Conclusion

Depression is consuming me conclusion. Depression is a very serious mental health condition and you should seek help if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. We have various support packages for depression and you should consider one of them so that you can begin your journey to finding healing.

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