When depression hits, it sucks the energy out of you. It is bad for your mental wellbeing. You do not want to leave the bed and face the world. Crying spells, mood swings, anger, insomnia, hypersomnia, and being insociable are some of the common factors that could happen.
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Every other person experiences major depression at some point in life. There are around 50 different symptoms of major depression.
Things you may face when depression hits
Depression can turn out to be a deadly disease. A depressed person has a high suicidal rate. It affects not just his mental capacity, but his physical capacity alike.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression will be the second-leading cause of disability. The first leading cause is cardiovascular disease.
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13 Mental symptoms when depression hitsÂ
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness)
- Drained energy.
- Sluggishness.
- Anxiety.
- Loss of interest in one’s favorite pastimes.
- Less productivity.
- Constant mood swings.
- Never-ending guilt trips.
- Persisting sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness.
- Aches in different body parts, especially backache.
- A drastic change in eating habits: either binge-eating or complete starvation mode.
- Difficulty in remembering or concentrating.
- Suicidal thoughts.
6 Chronic medical conditions when depression hits
Depression can cause chronic medical conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Lack of immunity
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Back pain
How long does it take to recover from a depressive episode?
Once depression hits, the episode lasts for 2 weeks to even a year. Its intensity changes from person to person.
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During a depressive episode, a person feels as if he is constantly drowning in quicksand. At that time, it seems that nothing can work out at all. By properly working out your thought process and behavior, you can easily get out of it.
Coping mechanism when depression hits
The coping mechanism is not something like one-size-fits-all. You have to see for yourself what works out for you.
1. Exercise
It is a great mood-booster. Not only it will polish your personality, but it will also elevate your confidence and self-esteem.
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Exercise is good for mild-to-moderate depression. Start it slow and gradually up your pace. The feel-good hormone-endorphins will touch the roof.
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Do a mix-and-match of a number of exercises for 5 days a week.
2. Don’t fall prey to binge-eating
It is quite normal that a person fighting anxiety and depression starts craving carbs, junk food, sugar-laden desserts, and drinks.
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If you turn to binge-eating, the moment you come out of your depression, you will notice a massive increase in your weight.
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A moment on the lips, forever on the hips. It will take a lot of work to get rid of the excess weight.
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Rather, opt for whole foods, grains, cereals, lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Relax when depression hits!!
Depression takes your breath away. Quite literally..!!
Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat simple relaxing words like childhood, happiness, love, beach, and rainbow.
Visualize a perfect backdrop and feel as if you are there.
4. Do something meaningful
- Declutter!! Get rid of all the extra stuff you have and it will act as a stress and depression buster. You will see for yourself how light you will feel at the end of the day.
- Indulge in your hobbies. What is your favorite pastime? Reading, painting, cooking, baking, gardening, going out on long walks, or just marveling the nature? Do things that wash you over with a huge wave of sense of achievement.
- Do charity and welfare services. Join causes that interest you. You will feel at peace after doing it.
5. Laugh it off
This heading would have made you sulk that how can you laugh when depression hits you? But, as the adage goes, “laughter is the best medicine”, so laugh it off.
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Watch such videos, seasons, and movies that have the perfect comic timing, read comic books, talk to a person in your circle who is known for clowning around, play with babies and kids, or plain sit and observe them. Kids and babies sometimes say and do such things that act as an antidepressant pill.
6. Groom up yourself
Self-care and self-grooming must be your top priority, especially during the time when you are feeling down and low.
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It will pump self-confidence, radiance, and positivity into you.
- Remain hydrated.
- Sleep well.
- Take proper rest.
- Do something productive.
- Distance yourself from anything that bugs you.
- Exercise 5 days a week.
- Meditate.
- Breathe.
- Practice skincare and haircare.
Come on, gear up. Look like a diva or a handsome hunk!
7. This too shall pass
We want to make it clear in your mind that no matter how hard depression hits you, it’s NOT there to stay forever.
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Time never remains the same. Your mental capacity does not remain the same.
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Lie down.
Close your eyes.
Relax.
Take a deep breath.
And Repeat after us “This too, shall pass…!!”
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You are strong and will surely overcome it. It is all your mind game and willpower.
8. Seek help from loved ones when depression hits
If you are not able to cope with the immense pressure that the depression is exerting on you, which is crushing your soul.
Then, pour your heart in front of your loved ones like friends and family.
They will surely figure out SOS plans to drag you out of the deep, dark depression pit.
9. Seek Therapy
If nothing is working out, then it is better that you seek therapy from a professional therapist.
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He will assess you and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
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You can choose from cognitive-behavioral, problem-solving, or interpersonal therapy.
10. Keep a daily diary
Sometimes you do not feel at ease discussing issues with anyone. This results in bottling up all the emotions inside that affect your mental health terribly, leading to a depressive episode.
The easiest, most effective, and tried and tested way is to keep a daily diary. Whatever comes to your mind, write it all down.
Do not think of sentence structure, proper grammar, or the use of good vocabulary. Just let the words flow on the paper. Even when it is plain gibberish.
At the end of this exercise, you will feel so light and relaxed. Give it a try!:)
Take away
Depression is a serious mental disease with harmful long-term physical and mental impacts on a person, if not dealt with properly. When depression hits, you may feel down, devastated, and completely dejected. But, do know that it is only a temporary phase and you can get out of it with strong willpower.
Choose from the 10 coping mechanisms of depression we have provided with and you are good to go.
If the symptoms of depression and stress do not subside, then seek professional help.
All the best!!
Help you close ones in depression by sharing this post with them!:)