Signs Of Depression and Ways To Treat The Condition

By DB
@dgobucks226 (34356)
March 6, 2018 6:01pm CST
If your feeling a bit blue waiting for winter to end that is quite understandable. But a prolonged period may be signs of depression. Over 350 million people worldwide suffer from mental illness, so it does not hurt to be informed. Here are some behaviors to watch out for: 1. You hide from your feelings- You might be dealing with unresolved issues, but you don't like to think or talk about them. 2. You don't feel happy or unhappy- You have unknowingly taken on an apathetic attitude. Turning off your emotions in this manner may be a way to deal with unhappiness. 3. You've carefully constructed a very busy life- Being involved in activities like church, children, and community groups is a way to bury your feelings and cope with emotions. 4. Random things make you mad- Anger can be used to cope and may be more socially acceptable, especially for men. Examples might be yelling at your kids or being irritable at work. 5. Acting recklessly- Drinking, reckless driving, or even gambling may be signs of an underlying issue. 6. You stop enjoying activities you previously loved- Forcing yourself to go to the gym or play golf or even stopping them completely could be a depression warning sign. Brain changes can cause you to be less engaged or motivated. What then, can be done to help someone overcome depression? Besides taking prescription medication which is very expensive there are natural remedies we can use to treat this disease. According to this Reader's Digest article here are some less expensive recommendations one can try to deal with depression: 1. Take your vitamins- certain pills like magnesium seem to alter one's mood in a beneficial way to combat depression. Chronmium picolinate is another which reduces carb cravings, lethargy and mood swings. 2. Spend time with close friends- social interaction can make one feel better and more self confident. 3. Play with your pet- Releases brain chemicals to elevate your mood. 4. Drink 1-2 cups of coffee each morning (decreases risk for depression) 5. Try mood boosting foods- Examples are kiwi, bananas, walnuts, plums and tomatoes. Foods like these high in serotonin put you in a good mood. 6. Look into a mirror and force yourself to smile- Doing this or watching a funny movie can release seotonin which is a feel good hormone. Those are just a few of many discussed in this article which provide you some treatment ideas. Maybe you have heard or read of other ways to help with depression? Or perhaps, you do some of these provided tips without even realizing your helping to prevent depression. Anyway I appreciate the read and hope you found the article helpful. Source- Reader's digest Photo-wikihealthblog.com
9 people like this
12 responses
@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Mar 18
These are good ideas. Depression seems to be more and more common nowadays.
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
10 Mar 18
We can all have our moments. Glad you enjoyed the read Judy
2 people like this
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
11 Mar 18
I am taking meds everyday, I feel I am alright now, and I am trying to quit soon. Will it affects my depression?
2 people like this
• Malaysia
13 Mar 18
@dgobucks226 yes the doctor won't allow me to stop taking the meds. He says its a lifetime illness.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
12 Mar 18
You would have to come off the meds gradually I believe? Best to talk with your doctor who prescribed them.
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@dgobucks226 (34356)
13 Mar 18
@wongchoiyee I see. Best to follow that advice and try some of these mood changing suggestions here. Perhaps they can help.
@LadyDuck (458091)
• Switzerland
7 Mar 18
My husband is right out from a long time of depression. He needed professional help. When depression is serious, you must go to see the doctor. Suggestion number 6 makes those who are deeply depressed mad.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458091)
• Switzerland
10 Mar 18
@dgobucks226 It is important to ask for help, if we fall into deep depression is hard to get out.
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@dgobucks226 (34356)
11 Mar 18
@LadyDuck Agreed
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
10 Mar 18
Yes, ones with serious prolonged depression who feel empty inside and trapped do need professional help and perhaps medication.
2 people like this
@aureliah (24319)
• Kenya
7 Mar 18
Thanks for sharing. That is kind of you
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
10 Mar 18
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed the read!
2 people like this
@aureliah (24319)
• Kenya
10 Mar 18
@dgobucks226 thank you
2 people like this
@dya80dya (33510)
12 Mar 18
I have depression. I hope it will pass. I can't enjoy my life. I don't have energy. I am always tired.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
13 Mar 18
I hope these suggestions help with your depression. If not, see your doctor.
1 person likes this
@lynnief (1203)
• Australia
13 Mar 18
There is some suggestion that Vitamin C may be helpful, but one of the biggest things is exercise which stimulates the "happy hormones" in you brain.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
13 Mar 18
Thanks for those additional treatments Lynn!
1 person likes this
• Janesville, Wisconsin
17 Mar 18
So many types of depression too, Some is chemical as you were referring to with the meds, some is nutrient, or vitamin deficiency... and others is situational.. in where a persons needs to learn new coping skills for the horrible situations that life has thrown at them, and other is cognitive.. we just mentally get caught up in these unhealthy thinking cycles.. where learning affirmations and learning how to reapproach your thinking can help, and them there is suppression of emotions. Do not suppress them for to long i understand suppressing tears or anger until you are in a better place to release them.. bu you must release them or suppression turns into depression and then later turns into implosion one self or explosion on others and in such weird ways... one thing is people need to learn it is not bad. Also learn to go okay i am feeling this way.. what is the source of this feeling... if you can change it do so if you can not learn to accept you can not change it, accept your feeling,,, and know you are doing you are doing your best.
1 person likes this
• Janesville, Wisconsin
20 Mar 18
@dgobucks226 Feelings need to be felt, acknowledged, expressed and released or suppression leads to serious serious issues... Yes..
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@dgobucks226 (34356)
17 Mar 18
Acceptance of your feelings and coping with them is a big factor in battling depression as you mentioned. Bottling up your feelings inside will only further your depression. Like a kettle about to explode, not confiding how you feel to others; whether professional, friends or family, is a recipe for even deeper depression and sadness. Nice comments!
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@dgobucks226 (34356)
19 Mar 18
@dnatureofdtrain You provide an interesting perspective on having negative feelings. It is ok to feel negative about things from time to time. Everything is not rosy every day and dealing with the negative and finding constructive ways to express those feelings will make us stronger in mind and body.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (98826)
• India
5 Apr 18
I like the fact that banana's have something positive to offer. I ate bananas for potassium so far even though they increase my weight. It is difficult indeed to identify depression. Someday may be we all will wear health watches that will indicate which mineral or vitamin we are short of so that we can take a shot and be "normal".
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
5 Apr 18
Wouldn't that be a wonderful invention. To be able to bring relief to those who suffer with this terrible disease. I am also a banana eater, lol.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
7 Mar 18
I take my vitamin C everyday and I may not exercise but I love being around people and talking to them.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
10 Mar 18
Vitamins can be a tool in helping with mood. And sharing your personality with others and socializing instead of being alone is also a very powerful way to stay positive.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
16 Mar 18
I am a Bipolar with severe depression and anxiety. Thanks for posting this. Some people just don't get it.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
17 Mar 18
No problem! Glad the advise can be useful and wishing you the best of health!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
7 Mar 18
Very helpful, thank you for sharing, you never know who you are helping
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
10 Mar 18
Nicely stated. It is satisfying to provide useful advice Faye.
1 person likes this
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
7 Mar 18
I would like to add one thing to all these valuable recommendations. Be sure that your depression is not caused by people who are just abusive and simply arsewholes.
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@dgobucks226 (34356)
10 Mar 18
An interesting addition and makes sense. Others comments can be very hurtful sometimes and cause you to feel down.
1 person likes this