Is there such a thing as depression self-help?

Depression and Anxiety Symptoms are can be very similar in some people’s view but Anxiety is more prevalent when stress becomes too much and then it can lead to panic attacks.  Depression has many symptoms and varies with each individual on any given day.

People have been suffering from depression since time began and science has been trying to discover what causes it and what can be done about it.  Especially now with the isolation over the past year and all the illness in the world.

Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, an estimated 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

More women are affected by depression than men.

2.8 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

What are some of the causes of Depression?

• Financial Issues
• Grief
• Relationships ending
• Empty Nesting
• Loss of Employment
• Mis-Carriage
• Loss of a Pet
• Self Esteem
• Feeling of despair
• Being Alone

These are just a few there are many others.  There is also a chemical imbalance in your brain.  Sometimes referred to as bipolar.  Therefore self-help for depression can be a challenge and getting someone else to intervene and help can be the only way forward.

The emotions of sadness, guilt, and “what’s the point of it all” cause the serotonin levels and dopamine levels to change, this has a ripple effect throughout the body.  Physical symptoms can appear such as headaches, changes in skin and hair, stomach disorders, fatigue, insomnia.

One of the biggest reasons my clients will tell me when they come to me depressed will be that they do not know the reason for their depression they just know that they cannot shake off the feeling.  They also feel that nobody understands how they feel and they also have trouble explaining how they feel.  They do know they want to be able to help themselves.

Unless you have had depression it is something of a challenge why people just can’t “get over it”…..  How do you handle your emotions?

Many years ago I worked for a large corporate company and was pretty high up the ladder.  I had been there for several years and the company was merging with another even larger company.  There were opportunities for Voluntary Redundancy.   I have worked all of my life and been fortunate never to have been out of work.  I was offered a great package plus 3 months full Salary.  The condition was I could not work for 3 months otherwise I would not get the package.   So….3 months off with full pay and a package at the end of it, great you are saying what else would you want.  The first couple of weeks I was good at making plans and excited about my new venture in life.

The 4th week I did not want to get out of bed.  I was crying all the time, I had a feeling of being not wanted and a horrible sadness all the time.  When I would go outside I would say to myself, all these people are on their way to work, they have a purpose.

Remember just because people are perceived to have everything is not a reason not to be depressed.   Robin Williams said ”

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.”

Me the most positive, self-motivated, inspiring others all the time was now DEPRESSED, how did this happen.  I went to the doctor and she confirmed yes you are depressed.  OMG are you kidding?   Not an easy thing to listen to and even more dreadful to be feeling this way.  I continued on this road until my 3 months were up and then started my own business and the rest is history.   However, I was on Prozac for a few weeks.  It did make me feel better but understanding all of this now, is just a band-aid, it does not fix the underlying cause for the depression.

How can you understand and help a loved one suffering from depression?

• Understand that they do not understand
• Nothing you will SAY will change how they feel
• Forcing them into activities will not help either
• Research what it all means
• Look at any event that may have happened in their lives, does not have to be major
• Respect what they feel is real and big to them
• Ask them what you can do for them
• Don’t judge

Natural remedies that can help

• Fish-oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
• Healthy fat, such as coconut oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Eggs
• Sour cherries
• Chamomile Tea
• Lavender Oil
• St.Johns Wort
• Acupuncture
• Emotional Freedom Techniques
• Vitamin B Complex and B12
• Magnesium
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Potassium
• Meditate

These are just a few you can try, please do not try all of them at once, choose the ones that are best for you and your body.  I can highly recommend, Meditation, Exercise, and Acupuncture together.  Please also consult your doctor if you are taking any medications before taking anything else.  You can also research Homeopathy and Holistic Therapy.

There are many remedies out there, the first thing is to take the first step.  Feeling so bad for so long is not good quality of life which is why some people who are depressed take their own lives.

If you are suffering from any kind of depression or know someone who is suffering, please remember the word suffering, then first simple thing is to change diet and supplements and then take it from there.  One baby step at a time.   Seeking professional help is key in extreme cases.

I am glad I am over my depression now and can help others with theirs.

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