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Whether you are experiencing depression for the first time or are a chronic sufferer, you know depression is a difficult illness to deal with. Coping with depression can feel like wrestling a huge animal off of your back while your hands and legs are tired, you truly do not feel like you can win the battle. Depressive feelings can last for days, weeks and even months on end. It is absolutely necessary to get professional help for coping with depression because self treatment can lead to disaster.
Depression
Depression is a persistently negative mood and the feelings associated with it that can leave you drained of energy, unable to deal with the trappings of daily life and suicidal. People who are depressed report feeling worthless, guilty, sad, lethargic, fatigued, hopeless and doubtful of themselves. Physical symptoms are also present in depression and can include appetite changes that result in weight changes, unexplained pain, chronic headaches and bowel trouble.
It is amazing that a mental ailment can cause so many physical symptoms but keep in mind that your brain controls the functions of the body and an imbalance in the brain can result in physical manifestations in the body. The emotions common to depression are anger, anxiety, guilt, fear, sadness, helplessness and hopelessness as well as mood swings that run the gambit of emotions.
People looking from the outside in and even the depressed person will note behavioral symptoms like crying for no reason, social withdrawal, irritability, clouded thinking, the inability to concentrate, lack of care for appearance or hygiene, lack of motivation, loss of interest and substance abuse.
Causes of Depression
Coping with depression is difficult but can be made to seem a bit easier when you have any idea about what caused the depressive state. In some cases the cause of depression is unknown but many times it can be traced to a family history of depressive illness, a chemical or hormonal imbalance in the brain or body, significant loss, unrealistic expectations, failures (real or perceived), negative thought patterns and unrealistic self-expectations.
One of the best reported causes of depression is thought to be self-defeating negative thoughts which include believing one’s self to be a failure, thoughts of disappointment, self criticism, a high level of pessimism and self blame.
Coping Strategies
To overcome depression (rather than just coping with depression) you have to first attempt to have a positive outlook on life. Optimism, or at least optimistic realism, is a way to start to look favorably on your life and start making changes for the better. You can also:
- Be aware of negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones
- Focus on positive experiences
- Make a list of your accomplishments
- Get active socially and physically
- Schedule of your activities for a sense of control (and include social activities).
- Try relaxation techniques. Your therapist should be able to recommend some good relaxation techniques like massage, meditation and yoga.
- Set realistic goals
- Be assertive when expressing anger
- Develop your strengths.
- Get professional help
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