Coping with Depression: Resources to Minimize the Pain

There are many people in the world suffering from depression. These individuals are at a constant battle each day trying to cope with this illness. Depression is not an imaginary disease or something that can be turned off and on. It is a serious disease with serious symptoms. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help you minimize and quite often eliminate this illness from your life.

I have personally studied this illness for years, therefore I have some insight on this disease. My background in "counseling" has allowed me to work with depressed individuals, so I have seen upfront how depression can have a drastic effect on one's life. However, this article is not meant to take the place of receiving professional treatment. Nor, will this article pinpoint any specific type of depression or provide a cure for the disease. This is an informative piece on depression, the warning signs and symptoms, treatment options and ways to help cope with it.

So, what exactly is depression? Basically, depression is when you are feeling down, low and hopeless for weeks at a time. Depression effects the way you think, how you interact with others, and how you feel about yourself. Prolonged depression can even last for months or years. Constant depression normally has a negative impact on a person's mental, physical, emotional and social well-being.

Some of the common signs for depression are listed below. Please be aware that a person may not actually experience all of the following signs or symptoms. However, if a person is experiencing several of these symptoms for at least two weeks, then he or she should seek professional help.

1) Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

2) Persistent sadness or feeling empty

3) Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

4) Suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal attempts

5) Fatigue

6) Weight loss or weight gain

7) Insomnia

8) Irritability or restlessness

9) Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering things

10) Isolating yourself from loved ones and friends

Research shows that certain types of depression runs in the family. Also, depression could be the result of a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. There are times when physical changes in the body will lead to depression; such as having a heart attack or stroke, or developing cancer. Environmental factors such as losing a job or the death of a loved one can lead to depression. Since there are different forms and levels of depression, it is very crucial for a person to seek professional assistance as soon as possible and not try to deal with this illness on their own.

Sometimes it is difficult for a depressed person to admit that he or she is in fact depressed. They might feel ashamed to admit it or they are just in denial. In order to receive proper help, a person must realize that the depression exists and that he or she needs help. In all honestly, a person has to really want to receive help, in order for an effective change to take place.

Prolonged depression will require an appropriate diagnosis from a trained professional in the mental health field. There are many organizations and agencies that can refer you to a licensed mental health counselor, therapist or psychologist. As far as treatment options there are a variety of medications (antidepressants), psychotherapies or herbal therapy techniques to help with depression. Your doctor will have to decide upon the best treatment option for you. Assessments will have to be done and a diagnosis will have to be made before you can begin receiving treatments for depression.

In addition to treatment options, a key factor in coping with depression is talking to someone. It is even possible to avoid long periods of depression if you begin talking with someone as soon as you start to feel sad or just a little down. I'm not just referring to your doctor, but that someone can be a friend, family member or maybe the pastor at church. There are times when a person just needs to open up and confide with another person. This doesn't mean that confiding in someone will prevent depression. I simply mean that talking about your problems or concerns can sometimes help ease the pain. As a result, when you confide in someone, you might receive encouragement or motivation from that person as well.

Another way to cope with depression is to participate in activities that help you feel better. Try to engage in hobbies or activities that will make you feel better about yourself. Sometimes we forget how to enjoy life because we get consumed with work, school or family obligations. Of course, you must put your priorities first, but learn how to relax and have fun. Also, surround yourself with positive people and try to think positive. Replace your negative thoughts with positive thoughts; and most importantly learn to enjoy life.

In addition, to help cope with depression, try to establish realistic goals and don't bite off more that you can chew. Being overwhelmed and stressed can cause depression or cause the depression to become more severe. If necessary, take larger tasks and break them down into smaller ones. Just be honest with yourself. You know what you are capable of handling, so be careful with taking on too many responsibilities each day.

If you know someone who is suffering from constant depression, please try to encourage that person to talk to you about it. If that individual confides in you, hopefully you will be able to encourage that person to seek professional help. Just try to remember that depression is real and just because a person is depressed, it doesn't mean that he or she is lazy or crazy. And obviously that person is having a difficult time coping with the depression, so please do not make it worse for them. In addition, if you are experiencing depression yourself, and you're unable to cope with it, please talk with someone immediately and seek professional assistance if necessary. Please remember that depression is treatable and in many instances curable.