Source: https://myhealthetic.com/2020/03/14/how-to-deal-with-depression/

There are range of ways to deal with depression, and often they are best used in conjunction with each other. The primary medical options are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), antidepressant medication, and in some severe cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Education and coping strategies are also important when learning to manage your depression.

What is Depression?
According to Mayoclinic, Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is a disorder that is evidenced by excessive sadness, loss of interest in enjoyable things, and low motivation.

Do you Feel Sad
Sadness can be a difficult emotion to deal with, not only due to the pain it causes, but also because of the factors that caused the sadness in the first place. Sadness can be the result of loss, helplessness, or disappointment, among many other things. It is important to remember, though, that sadness is one of the most common and natural human emotions, and is something that will ultimately help us appreciate our happy times.

Sometimes, though, it is possible for sadness to deepen, and this may be a sign that you are suffering from a form of depression. If you feel as though you are increasingly sad, and feel like your sadness is difficult to explain, this information on depression may help.

What Causes Depression

Causes of depression could be idiopathic. However ,depression could be as a result of family history of depression. Some people experience depression during a serious medical illness. Others may have depression with life changes such as the death of a loved one.

Major causes of depression

There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following:

Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can traumatize and cause depression.

Certain medications. Certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers or reserpine, corticosteroids, opioids are capable of increasing your risk of depression.

Conflict. Personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends could cause depression.

Death or a loss. Death or loss of a loved one, naturally causes depression.

Gene. A family history of depression may increase the risk.

Major events. Losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring can cause depression.

Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can cause depression.

Serious illnesses. Certain serious or life threatening illnesses like Cancer can lead to depression.
Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

Signs of depression

Feeling miserable. This misery is present for much of the day but may vary in its intensity. The misery lasts for weeks.

Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.

Slowed or inefficient thinking with poor concentration, leading to difficulties sorting out problems or making plans or decisions.
Recurring unpleasant thoughts, particularly about being guilty, being a bad and unworthy person,
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of harming yourself in some way.

Loss of appetite with excessive loss of weight.

Loss of energy, even when not physically active.

Insomnia, despite feeling exhausted. Sleep is typically restless and unsatisfying with early morning wakening (one to two hours earlier than usual). Some people, however, may actually sleep a lot more than usual.

Slowed activity and speech

How to treat Depression
Exercise
30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 5 days a week can help alleviate depression. Exercise can increase your body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood.

Stay away from alcohol and drugs
Drinking or abusing substances or drugs may make you feel better for a little bit. But along the line, these substances can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.

Psychotherapy
Speaking with a therapist can help you learn skills to cope with negative feelings.

Medications
Your healthcare provider may prescribe:

antidepressants
antianxiety
antipsychotic medications

Preventing depression
Sometimes, depression may not be preventable. It’s literally hard to identify what causes it which makes preventing it more difficult.

Techniques that may help prevent or reduce depression include:

regular exercise
getting plenty of sleep
maintaining treatments
reducing stress
building strong relationships with others.

For further advise or consultation about depression, contact a doctor at myhealthetic@gmail.com

Number one cause of depression in Nigeria is BROKE-NESS