Research on Major Depression and How to Cope with It

Research on Major Depression and how to cope with it

Tajmina Tuhin

Wayne county community college

CRN: 28365

Professor Mayberry

February 24, 2016

Abstract

This paper explores the major cause of depression and how it affects certain people. While doing the research I read two books one in mental illness, which addresses what mental illness is and what treatments are effective and another book on depression in medical practice and I looked up online on a website called everyday health on how to cope with depression. All these three sources helped me look deeper in to depression and symptoms of a person going through depression.  This research paper also has all the steps included in overcoming depression.

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a mental health condition. Depression can affect people of all ages, races and socio-economic classes, and can strike at any time.  While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, people with depression experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function everyday life and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed. It interferes with their ability to work, study, eat, sleep and have fun. According to the national Institute of mental health major depression affects 14.8 million adults’ and-6.7 percent of the population age eighteen and older each year and it is probably more human suffering than any other disease. .there are 20,000 known suicides a year in the united states with perhaps twice that many were unreported and uncounted .one expert estimates that two million in this country make at least one attempt to self-destruction each year .  

The causes of depression are not fully understood but According to the NIMH depression is most likely caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Scientists believed that an imbalance in the brain’s signaling may be responsible for the condition, and it is also more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. Moreover, a variety of distressing life situations is also associated, including job difficulties, failure to attain expectations, and problems in relationships are but a few.

The depressed state has many faces and unfortunately, it is frequently so well hidden that sometimes it is not so easy to recognize a person may be crying or unable to cry, telling jokes, Yet they all have the sad despairing mood in common . Some of the signal symptoms of depression are when someone gets angry over small matters, losses interest in normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sport. Also they spend less time with friends and family, weight loss either getting too much sleep or not all or feeling worthless, hopeless, and increased in alcohol and drug use.

Even the depression is serious mental illnesses don’t lose hope, Feeling hopeless and helpless is a symptom of depression, not the reality of your situation. The cure of depression requires that an individual’s particular problems be addressed. To better yourself the best approach would be a combination of social support, lifestyle changes, emotional skills building, and professionals help. The key to depression recovery is to start small and ask for help. The simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you feel can be an enormous help. The person you talk to doesn’t have to be able to fix you; he or she just needs to be a good listener. Having a strong support system will speed your recovery. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to others, even if you feel like being alone or don’t want to feel like a burden to others. The truth is that most people will be happy that you chose to confide in them; they’ll be flattered that you trust them enough to open up. So, let your family and friends know what you’re going through and how they can support you.  Make life style changes, Lifestyle changes are not always easy to make, but they can have a big impact on depression.  Get regular exercise, sleep and eat healthy. Build emotional skills, many people lack the skills needed to manage stress and balance emotions. Building emotional skills can give you the ability to cope and bounce back from adversity, trauma, and loss. In other words, learning how to recognize and express your emotions can make you more resilient. Seek professional help, If support from family and friends, positive lifestyle changes, and emotional skills building aren’t enough, seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy, medication, and alternative treatments. Learning about your options will help you decide what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation and needs. Effective treatment for depression often includes some form of therapy. Therapy gives you tools to treat depression from a variety of angles. Also, what you learn in therapy gives you skills and insight to prevent depression from coming back. Some types of therapy teach you practical techniques on how to reframe negative thinking and employ behavioral skills in combating depression. Therapy can also help you work through the root of your depression, helping you understand why you feel a certain way, what your triggers are for depression, and what you can do to stay healthy.