Are you depressed or do you know someone who is depressed? Today I will be sharing with you some ideas on how to deal with depression. Depression is a very serious issue that I think is usually underestimated by many in this part of the world, especially because of our daily hustle and bustle. It is a medical condition that is capable of changing your entire body system, attitude, career and your entire life as a whole.
Depression is more than just feeling ‘down’. It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry.
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Some years ago, I had very serious issues in every area of my life, from my job to my marriage and to my health. The issues were so serious and I became very discouraged, hopeless and bitter. Meanwhile, I was pregnant but that did not stop me from seeing myself as a failure and cried out my eyes with every opportunity I had. It got so bad that I was warned by my doctor to stay away from anything that upset me as I was beginning to have signs of Blood Pressure.
While all these were going on, I delivered my Beautiful Princess. And yes, I was over joyed at her arrival but then as the issues got worse, I started to see her at some point as part of my problem. For my job I would think, ‘If I wasn’t pregnant with you, I would have gotten a job’, or ‘if I didn’t have to care for you, I’d be working and doing well by now’. This was basically because I felt my job was the most important thing I needed to get back my self-esteem which had crumbled.
At some point, I spoke with my sister who is a Nurse and told her some of the things that were happening to me, then she told me I had Post Par tum Depression. She tried to talk to me, telling me to try not to worry about the issues I had and all that and I agreed. After that day, I did all I could to manage my emotions especially as it concerned my daughter but
Several months passed and I was having one health issue after another. I noticed that the acne I was developing during pregnancy had gotten worse, this time around, there were many more and larger ones that looked like boils. I used to have a pretty smooth face when I was younger and people asked me a lot of what my secret was (even when I was probably using some regular soaps and creams). This made my self-esteem go lower and lower as the days went by. I used all manner of products to help me get rid of the acne but nothing worked, from face
In addition to the acne, I was having very serious allergic reactions all of the time which was new to me as I had never had any case of allergy before that time in my life. A small part of my skin would swell and it would itch me until I literally scratch off my skin. One day, I decided to go see a doctor to find out what was wrong with me, on getting to the doctor’s office, I paid for consultation which was kind of expensive because I needed to see a Consultant (Dermatologist). At the end of the day, I was diagnosed
The doctor then prescribed some drugs for me to use and tried to encourage me, advising me to avoid anything that was making me feel bad. I cannot recall the names of the medications I was prescribed but I remember that one of them was an ANTI-DEPRESSANT. I took the drugs for about 2 weeks, and one day I just decided to read the leaflet. That was the day I STOPPED the medication.
I saw various things that I am not even able to interpret, something to do with mental health, brain, kidney and all. I also saw something that sounded like my stopping the drug would result in more issues. I knew it was time I helped myself, so I decided to find a solution to my problem and I sure went to google.
There I came across different opinions especially relating to the fact that my life is first in God’s hands and then in mine and that I needed to take control. I also learnt that I had been doing it all wrong as I was not even eating right at that time, as I lacked appetite and only ate to keep me going. So, I decided to take control of my life and do things right, a couple of which I would be sharing with you.
At this point, I would like to let you know that depression is not a hopeless case and there are various ways of dealing with it. Some of the ways to deal with depression are;
- Support From Family And Friends
Everyone needs love, especially when you are down and out. The care, love and support your family and friends could shower you can go a long way to help quick recovery from depression. I for one started to communicate more. ‘A problem shared is a problem half solved’ they say. You may not realize how far communication can go in helping solve your problems, but you can sure give it a try.
2. Taking Lots Of Fruits And Vegetables
There is a saying that ‘We are what we eat’. Fruits and vegetables are high in anti-oxidants and they help to boost your immune system, oxygenate the blood and help the body heal itself. This
Since fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants, they help to remove those toxins from your body which if not gotten rid of, could result to worse health issues over time. It is recommended that you take 5 varieties of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
3. Taking a lot of Water
Water is life. The adult human body is made up of about 70% water, so there is
4. Psychotherapy
This is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), also known as talking therapy. This can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It is commonly used for depression, anxiety cases
5. Drug Treatment
This basically involves the use of an anti-depressant. Note here that sometimes antidepressants do more harm than good. Most times, people on antidepressants have their medical conditions worse than when they started treatment. I would suggest that this is taken only as a last resort, and not for a long period. When using this method or medium, please do not neglect the points stated above as they would help you get rid of the anti-depressant faster.
6. Get the Groove On!
Are you in a similar shoe? Don’t you think it is high time you started taking charge of your life? Well, I think you should begin to do everything possible and ethical to make your self happy. Once you start eating well, taking fruits and vegetable, you will observe the changes in your body including your acne if you have them. You will notice your energy come back and you will start to feel more confident. So, take time out, hang out with friends and loved ones, give your self treats and feel good about yourself. Pick up yourself from the ground and rock your world!
7. Be Grateful
Don’t forget to be forever grateful to God for giving you a chance to live again and be happy. Make it a habit to praise God regularly regardless of what religion you are and what circumstances you find yourself in. The word of God says ‘Though the sorrows may last for the night, Joy comes in the Morning’. Trials will definitely come, but remember that God will not give you a trial/ temptation that you are not able to handle. The greater your trails or challenges, the greater person you are going to become because what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.
I hope with this post I am able to reach out to you or your loved one who may be suffering from similar issue(s). Don’t forget to comment below, share your ideas on how to deal with depression. I would love to read your comments. Also, feel free to share on Facebook, twitter and other social media platforms.
