Depression Learning

Living with Depression

Clinical depression is so common, that it is nearly as prevalent as heart disease. Up to 14 million people are diagnosed with depression every year. Sadly, only a small portion of people living with depression are not receiving appropriate depression treatment. There are many people clinically depressed, but, for whatever reason, they do not see a doctor, or if they do, they may be noncompliant with the treatment prescribed for them.

A very high percentage of depressed adults admit that their work, relationships, and home life are adversely affected to varying degrees. About a third of all women living with depression actually report it to their health care professionals. Interestingly enough, women are two times more likely to become depressed as men. However, there are more depressed men who commit suicide than women. Approximately 10 percent of women who give birth experience postpartum depression.

There are so many factors that can trigger depression. Sometimes loss of a friend or family member can be the trigger. A person who does not allow themselves to grieve properly over a loss can become severely depressed, if he or she does not seek help through a health care professional. It is difficult for many people to accept their losses and continue to live and adjust to the changes in their lives.

Depression should not be confused with the sadness and grief that are a normal part of life. It is when profound sadness continues over long periods of times. People living with depression are not just sad. Many people living with the disorder feel like they are all alone. Even when people get treatment, there may still be breakthroughs of crying spells and sadness. Health care professionals, which include psychotherapists, can help you develop coping skills to help reduce the sadness you may feel.

In addition to depression drugs and depression treatment, you can actively reduce your depression by making some lifestyle changes. Try to get a little exercise every day every other day. Walking and other forms of exercise are some of the best natural antidepressants. Eating a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, also helps to get the body’s chemistry back into sync to help fight depression. If smoking is part of your lifestyle, quitting will help to alleviate depression. Studies have shown there are more people who smoke living with depression than those who don’t smoke. It won’t happen overnight, but when you make healthy changes to your lifestyle, you will start to notice that your depression symptoms have decreased.

Many people who walk daily feel much better in just a few hours. If you live with seasonal affective depression (SAD), you may find that moving to a warming climate will help you tremendously. If you are outside in the sunlight more, you may find that your symptoms of SAD will decrease. Many have found the best way to live with depression is to face it head on, and continue to live their lives. You may find that taking a 30 minute walk every day will help you to feel better right away.

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