Opinion | Depression Messes With Mental Balance!

When stress starts interfering with your ability to live a normal life for an extended period, it becomes even more dangerous. The longer the stress lasts, the worse it is for both your mind and body. You might feel fatigued, unable to concentrate, or irritable for no good reason, But it causes wear and tear on our body too with in no time it converts into a (Major Depressive disorder) Depression.

This can put you at increased risk for a variety of physical and mental health problems, including anxiety, digestive issues, headaches, muscle tension and pain, heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment.
The results of Kashmir reveal that the prevalence of depression is 55.72%. The prevalence is highest (66.67%) in the 15 to 25 years age group followed by 65.33 % in the 26 to 35 years age group. Females have an overall prevalence of 60 per cent while males have 51.34 per cent. Females have a higher prevalence of depression in all the age groups than males and it is highest in the age group 26 to 35 years (68.66%). Females in the age group of 15–25 years also have a similar prevalence rate of depression (68.64%).
How Depression takes place?
Personality
You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical. This may be because of the genes you’ve inherited from your parents, your early life experiences, or both.
Family background
If someone in your family has had depression in the past, such as a parent or sister or brother, it’s more likely that you’ll also develop it.
Giving Birth
Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression.
Loneliness
Feelings of loneliness, caused by things such as becoming cut off from your family and friends can increase your risk of depression.
Alcohol and Drugs
When life is getting them down, some people try to cope by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. This can result in a spiral of depression.
Cannabis can help you relax, but there’s evidence that it can also bring on depression, particularly in teenagers.
“Drowning your sorrows” with a drink is also not recommended. Alcohol affects the chemistry of the brain, which increases the risk of depression.
Recovery of Depression
Self help seems to be enough
There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression. For many people, regular exercise helps create positive feelings and improves mood. Getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce symptoms of depression.
Depression is a real illness and help is available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression will overcome it. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, the first step is to see your family physician or psychiatrist. Talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation. This is a start to addressing your mental health needs.
● Exercise
If you can’t get out of bed, exercise may seem like the last thing you’d want to do. However, exercise and physical activity can help to lower symptoms of depression and boost energy levels.
Even when you have the feeling that you’re unable to or have very little energy, see if you’d be willing to do the opposite of what your mood is telling you to do, such as curling up in bed. Instead, set a small goal for yourself, such as taking a walk around the block.
● Diet
There’s no magic diet that will treat depression. But what you put into your body can have a real and significant impact on the way you feel.
Some people also feel better and have more energy when they avoid sugar, preservatives, and processed foods.
● Do it now instead of tomorrow (your today’s time never comes tomorrow)
Give yourself the grace to accept that while some days will be difficult, some days will also be less difficult. Try to look forward to tomorrow’s fresh start. Remember that you haven’t lost tomorrow’s opportunity to try again.
● Compensate your efforts
All goals are worthy of recognition, and all successes are worthy of celebration. When you achieve a goal, do your best to recognize it.
You may not feel like celebrating with a cake and confetti, but recognizing your own successes can be a very powerful weapon against depression’s negative weight.
● Spending some time with nature
Spending time in nature can have a powerful influence on a person’s mood.Time in natural spaces may improve mood and cognition, and lower the risk of mental health disorders.
Consider taking a walk at lunch among the trees or spending some time in your local park. Or plan a weekend hike. These activities can help you reconnect with nature and soak in some rays at the same time.
● Try something new
Doing new things can feel rewarding, improve your overall well-being and strengthen your social relationships.
To reap these benefits, consider trying a new sport, taking a creative class, or learning a new cooking technique.
● Do what you love to do
When you do something you love, or even when you find a new activity you enjoy, you may be able to boost your mental health more by taking time to be thankful for it. Gratitude can have lasting positive effects on your overall mental health.
● Acceptance of your Emotions
If you’re having a down day, acknowledge it. Notice and name your emotions and try to bring your attention to engaging in activities that are helpful instead of focusing on the emotions. Seeing the ebb and flow of depressive symptoms can be instructive for both self-healing and hope.
– The writer can be reached at Shahanazgojri@gmail.com