Just something to think about first. If Physical illness was treated the same as Mental Ilness...
“I’m so depressed”, “you’re such an emo”, “pull yourself together”...
These are only a few of the phrases used on a day to day basis by people that have no idea how ridiculous they may sound. Depression is a complex Mental Health Illness and just because it isn’t visible it doesn’t make it any lesser than any physical illness. By telling someone to “pull themselves together” this can in turn make their negative self thoughts even worse. By telling someone to do this is NOT going to make them magically recovered, it is far more complicated than that.
Depression is more than just feeling sad or fed up for
a few days, it is feeling low mood for weeks,
months, persistently. Depression is never a sign of weakness, I love how this
picture sums that up...
Due to Mental illness
being exactly that, ‘mental’, sufferers need the same amount of support as a physically ill person. For example, if a person was to break their leg a cast
would be applied and they would be given time to heal. However, with mental
illness there isn’t a treatment that is guaranteed to work and any treatment
from medication to therapy can take years. Psychotherapy requires commitment
and will power; this can be very difficult to ask for if a person is engulfed
by their depressive symptoms. Symptoms of Depression include the following...
Psychological symptoms
- continuous low mood or sadnes
- feeling hopeless and helpless
- having low self-esteem
- feeling tearful
- feeling guilt-ridden
- feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- having no motivation or interest in things
- finding it difficult to make decisions
- not getting any enjoyment out of life
- feeling anxious or worried
- having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
Physical symptoms
- moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) constipation
- unexplained aches and pains
- lack of energy or lack of interest in sex (loss of libido)
- changes to your menstrual cycle
- disturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning)
Social symptoms
- not doing well at work
- taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
- neglecting your hobbies and interests
- having difficulties in your home and family life
If you experience symptoms of depression for most of the
day, every day for more than two weeks, you should seek help from your GP.
(NHS.UK, 2014)
If you are currently living with depression like me there
are ways of helping yourself. Many people benefit by making lifestyle changes
such as exercising, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy diet. I try and do all this to some extent,
although my diet hasn’t been clean over Easter (which btw is allowed!). I
always feel better after an hour at the gym or a Zumba class with my friends.
Even by just going for a walk on my own with my headphones in can help me feel
better. I try not to stay in my room when I feel down as it never helps. I end
up just getting upset and staying in bed.
So I would definitely emphasise getting some fresh air and exercise even
if it doesn’t appeal to you just try it and see if it lifts your mood. Also,
there are self-help books and support groups that may be available to you.
Google it! If google doesn’t know then no one does aha.
Facts about
Depression
- 1 in 5 people experience depression in their lives
- There isn’t always an obvious reason why someone is depressed
- Depression can affect any one, age, status, gender, race etc.
- Depression affects not only the person experiencing it but can also affect their family and friends
- There are different types of depression including Mild, Moderate, Season affective and Postnatal depression.
(Mentalhealth.org.uk, 2014)
How can I help
someone who is depressed?
- Listen to them, but try not to judge them.
- Don’t offer advice unless they ask for it, but if you can see the problem that is behind the depression, you could work with the person to find a solution.
- Spending time with them, listening over and over to their problems, and encouraging them to keep going with activities in their routine, is all helpful.
If they are getting
worse, encourage them to visit their doctor and to accept treatment.
(Rcpsych.ac.uk, 2014)
My experience
I was diagnosed with depression when I was 15 years old. I
never really speak about my experience because although I want to help remove
the stigma of mental health illness, I also feel vulnerable and nervous when
talking about my own experience. I am happy to speak to anyone 1:1 if you want
to know but I doubt many people do aha. Although I just want people to know
that they’re not alone and I am happy to speak to people about their
experiences they want to. So if you are struggling and feel you have no one to
speak to I’m only a message away. Always happy to listen and give my advice. I
wish I had a magic wand but unfortunately that’s not how it works!
The purpose of this post is merely to let anyone suffering
from depression know that they’re not alone and there are people that care. I
know myself that it is a scary experience facing up to a diagnosis or just the
depressive feelings, but speaking to someone about it and beginning recovery is
definitely worth all of that pain and anxiety.
So, Stay strong, stay positive, but most importantly stay
here!
Support available
Mind
Contact us: 0300 123 3393
Mind Infoline
PO Box 277 Manchester M60 3XN
Rethink
Helpline 0300 5000 927
Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm
The Samaritans
provide 24 hour, confidential, emotional support for anyone in crisis.
Helpline 08457 90 90 90
Email jo@samaritans.org
SANE
services provide practical help, emotional support and specialist information to individuals affected by mental health problems, their family, friends and carers.
Helpline 0845 767 8000
Young Minds
Charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4pm
