Photo by Jennifer Latham: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-no-rain-no-flowers-text-9648712/
Introduction
If you or someone you love suffers from depression, it can be hard to know what to do about it and how to treat it. Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide, and according to the World Health Organization, more than 800,000 people die by suicide every year. However, there are several ways you can fight back against depression, especially if you’ve had suicidal thoughts in the past or if your loved ones are depressed and they aren’t seeking treatment. Here are some tips to fight depression so that it doesn’t overcome you or your loved ones.
Warning Signs
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a long episode of sadness, loss of motivation, or loss of interest in activities. It is caused by an unbalanced level of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin (the hormones released by the brain when we are happy) Don’t resort to suicide.
It may not be as apparent on the outside as it is on the inside- you can feel like you’re living in a fog and have difficulty concentrating. This can lead to isolating yourself and avoiding social contact altogether. The feelings of worthlessness and guilt can become crippling and lead to thoughts about suicide.
Why People With Depression Consider Suicide
Depression is characterized by a level of sadness that does not go away, and can last for years. When someone with depression thinks about suicide, it usually is because they want the pain to end, but it also could be a cry for help. It’s important to remember that suicide is not the only way out of depression. While it may seem like an easy solution or the one that will make you happy again, it’s not true at all. You have to put in the work and do what you need to get better. Avoiding negative thoughts and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms will help bring your mood back up over time.
How to Help Someone Who is Depressed
If you know someone who is depressed, there are some helpful steps to take. First, have a routine. Try to avoid negative thoughts and let the person know that you’re there for them. Engage in your hobbies and participate in volunteering activities with them. Set and maintain goals as motivation for the depressed person. Talk to someone and be more engaged in activities with them so they don’t feel so lonely or isolated. Laugh more, appreciate your life, listen to good music, and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs or alcohol abuse which can cause worse symptoms of depression.
How to Get Help If You Are Depressed
Fortunately, there are many ways to help with the fight against depression and suicidal thoughts. This includes having a routine, avoiding negative thoughts, engaging in your hobbies, volunteering activities, and participating in activities that interest you. It also includes becoming more engaged in activities, laughing more, and being outdoors. Avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol is also important. Eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water is important for mental health too! Sleeping well and avoiding overthinking things can also be helpful for some people. If you’re feeling really down, talk to someone about it. They may be able to offer support or connections that can help guide you on your journey toward healing!
Originally published at read.cash which is legally my content.