A few days ago, a haunting thought jolted me awake, and I couldn’t shake it off. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, consumed by the recent passing of a prominent figure who seemingly had it all. I wondered, ‘Is money really not enough to keep someone alive?’ The old adage ‘money answers all things’ echoed in my mind, yet he chose death over affluence. I couldn’t fathom why. In that moment, I realized my own naivety, thinking I’d never consider taking my own life if I were in his shoes. But perhaps I was wrong.
This got me thinking about depression, a topic I’d been meaning to address in my writing. The recent news prompted me to pause and reflect on the importance of discussing mental health. I decided to put my thoughts into words, hoping that by sharing my thoughts, I might finally find some peace and catch a few hours of sleep.
As I lay there, unable to sleep, I realized that depression was more than just a topic I wanted to write about, it was a reality that many people faced, including myself. I thought about the days when getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain, when the weight of my own thoughts was crushing me, and when the world seemed like a dark and endless tunnel.
I remembered the feeling of being lost and alone, like I was drowning in a sea of despair. And yet, I was lucky to have a lifeline, my loved ones, my family, and my own determination to get better.
But what about those who aren’t as fortunate? What about those who feel like they’re stuck in that darkness, with no escape? That’s when it hit me. Depression isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a societal one. We need to talk about it, share our stories, and support each other.
As I finally drifted off to sleep, I knew that I had to continue writing about depression, not just as a topic, but as a journey. A journey of hope, resilience, and recovery. A journey that reminds us that we’re not alone, and that together, we can overcome even the darkest of times.
Depression is a shadow that creeps into the mind, veiling the light of hope and joy, and whispering lies of worthlessness and despair. It’s a heavy fog that obscures the beauty of life, making every step feel like a daunting climb. A silent thief that steals away moments of happiness, leaving behind a trail of tears, anxiety, and darkness.
Depression can be a master of disguise, manifesting in various forms that can affect individuals in different ways. Sometimes, it’s the focus on that one thing that is not working that causes us to lose sight of the many other things that are working, and this tunnel vision is just one of several cognitive distortions that can lead to depression.
Depression can masquerade as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as Dysthymia, a low-grade but lingering shadow that follows you for years, or as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a debilitating storm that ravages your mind and soul. Postpartum Depression (PPD) creeps in like a thief in the night, stealing the joy from new motherhood, while Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lurks in the shadows of the gloomy months, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims.
Each type of depression is a unique and formidable foe, requiring a personalized battle plan to conquer.
A friend recently opened up about her struggle with depression, sharing how she unknowingly fell into its grip. Her boss, a mental health professional, noticed a subtle change in her behavior, a shift to wearing dark-colored dresses, which was a departure from her usual vibrant and varied wardrobe. While dark clothes are a great choice for many, it’s important to note that a sudden change in clothing choices, especially to darker colors, or a noticeable lack of interest in personal appearance, can be a sign of underlying struggle or a subtle indicator of depression.
After a deeper conversation, my friend realized she had been repeating the same set of outfits for work, Sundays, and social events, which she found difficult to attend, except for family gatherings she couldn’t avoid. She had lost her spark and enthusiasm. My friend had slipped into dysthymia, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), a “low-grade” depression that can last for two years or more.
While it may not be as severe as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), dysthymia can still significantly impact daily life. Often, individuals with PDD continue with their daily routines, making it harder to recognize the subtle signs of depression. Let’s explore this further and raise awareness about the often-overlooked signs of depression.
When trying to identify depression, it’s essential to look out for changes in mood and behavior. A person may exhibit a persistently depressed mood, feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for weeks or even months. They may also show a noticeable lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, and may struggle to find pleasure in anything.
Changes in physical behavior can also be a sign of depression. Some people may experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns, leading to significant weight gain or loss, as they may overeat or struggle to eat enough. Others may struggle with fatigue or feelings of restlessness, making it difficult to concentrate or make decisions. Even everyday tasks can feel overwhelming or exhausting.
Depression can also manifest in negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness. Individuals may struggle with feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, and may have recurring thoughts of death or suicide. It is essential to take any mentions of suicide seriously and offer support and resources.
If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms and they persist for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of depression. It’s important to seek professional help from a mental health expert for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right support it is possible to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Let us make it a priority to check on our friends, especially the strong ones who may be struggling in silence. By doing so, we can help them find the courage to face their darkness, and support them on their journey towards healing and recovery.
So let us break the silence, let us shatter the stigma, and let us shine a light on the unspoken struggle of depression. Let us create a world where it’s okay to not be okay, where it’s okay to ask for help, and where it’s okay to be vulnerable.
Spread love, kindness, and hope and never underestimate the power of a simple check-in: ‘How are you, really?’
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