Depression
Depression feels like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders and no matter how hard you try; you can’t seem to find a way to break free. It’s like walking in mud searching for stable ground. It’s like choking in the middle of a bustling market and nobody notices your need for help.
Depression is a severe state of apathy, hurt and sadness gift wrapped and delivered to people who have suffered through long-term periods of hardship, pain and sometimes abuse.
It can be mild and seasonal or it can be severe and constant. Depression left untreated can lead to thoughts of suicide. (Read our post on suicide to find out what you can do if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviour)
Causes of depression
A person’s cause of depression will be unique and individual to them. There are however common characteristics.
• Difficult life events – long term unemployment, neglect as a child, abuse victim, isolation and
prolonged work stress
• Family history
• Personality – those with low self-esteem and who worry a lot, perfectionists, self-critical and
sensitive personalities
• Serious medical issues
• Drug and alcohol use
Symptoms
• Avoidance and isolation
• Procrastination
• Substance use
• Lack of focus
• Irritable, overwhelmed, guilt, indecisive, apathetic
• Lethargy or insomnia
• Poor immune system
• Headaches and muscle pain
• Negative self-image and negative self-talk
Seeking Help
Overcoming depression alone is difficult, if you are suffering from feelings of depression seek out a trusted friend you can speak to. Make time for fun activities and hobbies that you can enjoy with others. Connecting with people and creating positive memories is one of the best things you can do for your well-being.
Psychological treatments
It’s important to seek professional help early so you can be given tools to identify red flags in your behaviour that may lead to episodes of depression, and coping strategies to be able to get yourself out of a rut easily and effortlessly.
Here are some evidence-based therapies that get great results with depression
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Behaviour Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
6 comments
[…] Mental Illness:• Anxiety• Depression• Addiction• PTSD• Bipolar• Border-Line […]
[…] of several anxiety disorders. A high level of anxiety over a long period will often lead to depression, so many people will have a mixture of anxiety and […]
[…] Depression is more than feeling sad. It involves more constant and intense negative thoughts and feelings. It can mean changes to your eating and sleeping patterns, trouble with concentration, feeling tired all the time, losing confidence and losing interest in the things you used to love to do. Depression can also occur as an effect from hormonal treatments and costs. […]
[…] I write this, I can confirm that almost every male in my life has experienced some form of depression or anxiety. It is way more common than we think. I know women are facing it too (I am one of them, […]
[…] However, consuming more porn than you or your partner feel comfortable with can cause problems for many peopleResearch into the effects of adult media have found that porn consumption during adolescence hinders one’s healthy sexual development and creates distorted perceptions and expectations. People exposed to high levels of pornography have significantly lower sexual self-esteem and can suffer from anxiety and depression. […]
[…] to dismiss ourselves from harmful encounters when necessary. I would like to pose the thought that depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation are not contributing factors to men’s mental health issues. […]