Your collective mental well-being holds more significance than any test, interview, plan, meeting, family dinner, or errand. Prioritize self-care.

When it comes to depression your self-talk is of the utmost importance. Try this: "I have faced depression, but I choose to say, ' I battle depression' rather than 'I suffer' from it. If depression strikes, I strike back. "And if today, all I managed to do was to keep myself together, I am proud of the achievement.”

What is Depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mood disorder that affects a person's emotions, thoughts, and daily activities. Symptoms can include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and work performance. Diagnosis requires the presence of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks.

Different types of depression exist, often arising from specific circumstances:

· Major depression involves persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest for at least 2 weeks, significantly impacting daily life.

· Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) involves less severe, but longer-lasting symptoms that persist for at least 2 years.

· Perinatal depression occurs during or after pregnancy, with prenatal depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression after childbirth.

· Seasonal affective disorder follows a pattern with symptoms occurring during the fall and winter but subsiding in spring and summer.

· Depression with psychotic symptoms is a severe form accompanied by delusions or hallucinations.

· Bipolar disorder involves both depressive and manic (or hypomanic) episodes, with periods of extreme happiness, irritability, or increased activity.

· Other types of depressive disorders in the DSM-5 include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (diagnosed in children and adolescents) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (affecting women around their menstrual cycle).

Who gets depression?

Depression can impact individuals across various age groups, races, ethnicities, and genders. While women are more frequently diagnosed with depression, men can also experience it. However, men may face challenges in recognizing, discussing, and seeking help for their emotional struggles, which increases the risk of undiagnosed or insufficiently treated depression symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

If you've been experiencing the following signs and symptoms for at least 2 weeks, you may be dealing with depression:

· Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

· Hopelessness, pessimism, or irritability.

· Guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.

· Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

· Fatigue, lack of energy, or slowed-down feeling.

· Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

· Sleep problems or changes in appetite and weight.

· Unexplained physical pains or digestive issues.

· Thoughts of death, suicide, or suicide attempts.

Experiencing these signs for 2+ weeks could indicate depression: ongoing sadness, anxiety, hopelessness; lack of interest, energy; trouble focusing, sleep issues; physical pains, and thoughts of suicide. Depression varies, affecting daily life and causing distress. Changes may include anger, withdrawal, risky actions, and substance use. Men and women might show different symptoms, with men possibly turning to anger or substances. Negative thoughts can lead to self-harm. Diagnosis needs persistent symptoms, but even a few benefit from treatment. Severity varies per person and stage. If signs persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

How is depression treated?

Depression, even in severe cases, is treatable. Early intervention increases treatment effectiveness. Typical approaches include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

In instances of treatment-resistant depression, where two antidepressant medications have been unsuccessful, alternative options such as brain stimulation therapy may be considered, particularly if immediate symptom relief is crucial.

22 ways to cope with your Depression.

1. Meet yourself where you are and accept your emotions.

2. Take a walk around the block for a mood boost.

3. Remember that today doesn't define tomorrow.

4. Avoid generalizing and assessing individual parts of your life.

5. Challenge the 'depression voice' by doing the opposite of what it suggests.

6. Set achievable goals to regain a sense of accomplishment.

7. Reward yourself for your efforts, no matter how small.

8. Establish a daily routine to bring stability to your days.

9. Engage in activities you enjoy to lift your mood.

10. Listen to music to help soothe and uplift your emotions.

11. Spend time in nature for a refreshing break.

12. Seek support and spend time with loved ones.

13. Express your feelings to release emotional burdens.

14. Try something entirely new to break the monotony.

15. Consider volunteering to give yourself a sense of purpose.

16. Practice gratitude to shift focus to positive aspects of life.

17. Incorporate meditation for relaxation and mental clarity.

18. Maintain a healthy diet to support your well-being.

19. Limit drugs and alcohol, as they can exacerbate depression.

20. Prioritize sleep hygiene for better rest and mood regulation.

21. Acknowledge the validity of your emotions without judgment.

22. If needed, consider seeking professional treatment for support.

How can I find help for depression?

Depression, even in severe cases, is manageable with effective treatment, especially when intervened early.

Schedule an appointment with a professional healthcare or mental health practitioner, who can assist and/or treat mental health conditions. This can include primary care providers, psychiatrists, psychologists, or specialized mental health practitioners. PROCARE provides a wide range of services to assist people suffering from depression.

We are here for you.