Times have been very difficult for all of us. Novel coronavirus pandemic has been a bane for many families. Many people lost their loved ones, some lost their jobs, and what not. A lot of people are dealing with severe mental health issues during this pandemic. Lockdown has been a very harsh time for our mental health. Locked in your house with your mind which is rushing with thoughts is quite irritable. Even a lot of people have depressive episodes that hamper their normal daily life. Depression is a feeling of being constantly sad, hopeless, frustrated, and lost. But being sad normally and being in depression are not the same.
Depression is very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, an estimated 8.1 percent of American adults ages 20 and above had depression in any given 2-week period from 2013 to 2016. Depression affects a patient’s life in different ways. Sometimes it may hamper your work-life, relationships, emotional well-being, etc. It may affect your working skills and results in a loss of time. A person suffering from any chronic disease can face more difficulty with depression. Depression can worsen the situation of a chronic disease patient. Chronic diseases like arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity can be negatively affected by depression.
It’s very important to understand the difference between normal sadness and depression. We all have such encounters in life that make us feel sad and that doesn’t mean we are suffering from depression. It’s a part of normal life. But if you feel this constant feeling of being numb, sad, hopeless on regular basis, then maybe you are clinically depressed. Depression is said to be a serious medical condition that can worsen if not treated.
Ways to treat depression naturally
Depression is a potential mental health disorder to disturbs your daily life. It can easily hamper your work and social life. You might end up isolating yourself from the outer world. Initially, depression might not feel as harmful, but with time it can increase its impact and affect you severely. There are many myths about depression and its treatment. But it is a medical issue that needs proper treatment. So it’s very important to visit a doctor for this. Though, there are a lot of ways through which you can handle your depressive episodes and improve your mental health.
Spot the triggers
It’s very important to know what is triggering you. Finding your trigger spot can actually help you out in avoiding many depressive episodes. It is quite obvious that when you know what’s triggering you, you can avoid such situations or at least inform people close to you about that. This will help you in knowing the reason and that itself is a positive sign for a person with mental health issues.
Also, spotting signs of depression earlier can help you in treating it at an earlier stage. Ignoring depression in the initial stage is one of the biggest mistakes we do. Depression sets in with time. Hence, ignoring depression may result in a severe stage.
Spend time with people you love
Depression is bad, but it goes worse when the person doesn’t share it out. Loneliness is of the major reasons for many mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. A person who is staying alone is more likely to overthink and it can very easily trigger any depressive episode. Being a part of your friend’s group can give you a sense of self-worthiness and self-belonging. People around you play a vital part in deciding your mood. You stay happy around the people you love. Also, sharing that you are feeling depressed can help you in letting out and you may also get help in some cases.
The research found that for women, in particular, spending time with friends and children helps release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever. This effect is called “tend and befriend. Though, this applies to both, men and women. Another study concludes that people who have fewer social contacts are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression. Being around your loved ones can help you in your tough times.
Understand and accept depression
Denial is itself a triggering thing. Having depression is not something anyone should be ashamed of. It’s very important to accept what you are suffering from. Firstly, to yourself and then in front of others. Sharing is completely your choice but accepting will surely make you feel a bit confident and strong.
Separate yourself from depression
You are a separate individual. Having depression doesn’t describe who you are. It’s just a medical condition that doesn’t define your potential and existence. Treat yourself separately from depression. Try to believe in doing things you are good at. Don’t underestimate yourself.
Self love is the biggest way out
Pampering others is okay but pampering yourself is the key. Do whatever makes you feel happy. It’s okay to avoid people or things that feel toxic or ruining your mood. Whenever you feel like having a depressive episode, just give yourself a day or two. Don’t stress yourself. Just do what makes you happy and relaxed. Physical rest is okay but give your brain some resting time. Try to experience peace as much as you can
Exercise
Stress causes depression and anxiety Exercise is known as one of the best ways to reduce stress. Putting physical stress on your body can help you in relieving mental stress. If you are not regular at exercising, you may find it difficult in the initial days. You may feel that it is adding more to your anxiety but on some days you may feel the difference. Here, consistency is the key. Being regular at exercising can actually help you in dealing with depression. But how exercising helps reducing stress?
Stress hormones- Exercise lowers downs the level of stress hormones such as cortisol in your body. It also helps in releasing endorphins, a chemical that helps in uplifting the mood.
Sleep– Exercising puts physical pressure on your body and makes you tired. Hence, you get good sleep. Good sleep can help in reducing stress. Depression and stress disturb your sleep cycle, which can lead to many physiological and physical problems. Activities such as walking or jogging that involve repetitive movements of large muscle groups can be particularly stress relieving.
Do deep breathing
This is one of the most tried and effective things to do when you are having a depressive episode. it is very important to stop or slow down whenever you feel like having depression. And the first step you can take to slow down is to slow down your breathing first. Deep breathing gives a sense of calmness. It makes you feel that things are under your control. This can make you feel better. Hence, deep breathing is considered to be one of the most effective ways to calm down your mind.
