Thepsychowellness

Health & Wellness Magazine

Depression 

Depression

thepsycho wellness 764 Comments

Depression is a mental health problem that involves presence of persistent sadness, emptiness, or frequent irritable mood, accompanied by physical and psychological changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function. Depression is one of the most common mood disorders that negatively affects ones’ thought process, behaviour, motivation and physical health. This state of sadness and/or loss of interest in activities interfere individuals’ daily life and can be dangerous or life threatening if untreated. 

Signs and Symptoms of Depression: 

To be observed for at least a duration of 2 weeks (most of the day/nearly every day)

Psychological Symptoms: –

  • Recurring feeling of sadness and hopelessness.
  • Loss of interest and/or lack of pleasure in activities that was earlier enjoyable.
  • Anxiety and agitation.
  • Severe irritability or frustration over small things.
  • Consistent feeling of guilt and worthlessness.
  • Lack of motivation in daily activities of life.
  • Diminished ability in thinking, concentrating and making decisions.
  • Severe anger outbursts expressed verbally and/or behaviourally.
  • Physical aggression towards people and things.
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Physical Symptoms: –

  • Consistent low energy level.
  • Sleep disturbances including lack of sleep or excessive sleep.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Significant weight loss or gain i.e., change in 5% of body weight in a month.
  • Persistent tiredness including headaches and body pain.

Role of Counselling & Therapy in overcoming Depression

Depression is a common mental disorder that is affecting more than 200 million people all across the world. The complex nature of its causes including social, psychological and biological factors requires specific psychotherapeutic intervention. Licensed counsellor and therapists use variety of treatment and techniques to address the problem of depression. These techniques include understanding the thought patterns, behaviours, emotions that contribute to their depressed state.

Counsellors and therapists can help people suffering with depression by identifying problems in life or any event that has contributed to their persistent low emotional state. They help them in regaining a sense of control while enabling them to understand various aspects of the underlying problem. By using therapeutic methods, counsellors and therapists enable cognitive restructuring and behavioural modification to overcome depression.

How do you know you need Counselling/Therapy? 

One can find out if the need counselling or therapy by checking the following points:

• You want to bring a change, but you’re unable to do so on your own, you might want to seek counselling.

• You’re experiencing disturbances which impact your day-to-day life like work, social engagement etc.

• You’re experiencing disturbances which impact your overall wellbeing.

• You’re experiencing emotions on the extremes. For example: you’re either too happy or too angry.

• You have a difficult time in understanding your emotions or in making sense of what is going on around you.

• Feeling disconnected from yourself and your loved ones.

How does TalktoAngel can help you in fighting Depression? 

TalktoAngel is an online platform that provides quality therapy and other mental health services online. We have qualified and experienced professionals working with us. Fighting depression is one of our areas of expertise. We have experts and specialists who have successfully worked previously on cases of Depression. Studies have proven that online mental health services are as effective as the conventional mode. Furthermore, at TalktoAngel, we put your needs first. We can help you with flexible appointments, personalized and customized intervention plans all at the tip of your fingers.

FAQs 

• How can I overcome my Depression?

If you think your Depression has turned into a severe disorder and has been impacting your personal and interpersonal life, it is best to contact a counsellor/therapist who specializes in dealing with Depression. However, if you think it is Depression that you can overcome on your own, you can start with observing and understanding the pattern of your thought process, emotions, and behaviours. This should be followed with having open communication with your loved ones and consultation with psychologist to tackle Depression.

• Is Depression a mental illness? 

Depression is a mental illness classified under American Psychological Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders under Code 296.20 to 296.36 and under WHO’s International Classification of Mental Disorder under Code F32.9.

• Why am I suffering from Depression?

Onset of depression is more likely to be caused due to interaction between biological, psychological and social factors. Being more than a result of chemical imbalances in brain, it can be induced by faulty mood regulation, stressful life happenings or hereditary vulnerabilities. Any kind of mental and physical abuse can also trigger the symptoms of depression. Certain medical condition, use of drugs and episodes of substance abuse can contribute towards depressive disorders. 

• What treatment is best for Depression? 

Depression in general varies for person to person and hence its effective treatment is based on its diagnosis. Being a treatable disorder, the range of intervention used by mental health professionals may include psychotherapeutic techniques and in few severe cases certain drug treatment can also be prescribed. Treating depression becomes more effective when accompanied by establishing a conducive environment with favourable support from family and friends.

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