"A Mental Health Condition is as Serious as Any Physical Pain."
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can sap your energy and affect your ability to think, work, eat, and sleep. It can also make relationships difficult and can seriously cause problems with focus and concentration. Nowadays, Depression is a common illness, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide are Latest Depression statistics. It can quite a difficult task to diagnose a mental health condition because the person who's dealing with Depression can easily hide it with just a smile and few positive talks. So, What are the Depression symptoms and how to deal with depression without medication.
Content
- Depression defination
- Types of Depression
- Symptoms of Depression
- Is Depression a disability?
- 16 Proven Ways on how to deal with depression without meds
- Best Anti depression toys
While depression can be a serious and life-changing diagnosis, you'll be happy to hear that it is also treatable. There are many ways to deal with depression, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
Below there are 16 most effective ways to deal with depression without medication, but first learn Symptoms of depression and how many type of depression are there.
Types of Depression
Clinical depression ( Major depressive disorder )
A mental health disorder characterised by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities for more than 2 weeks. It can also cause significant impairment in daily life.
Persistent depressive disorder ( PDD )
Persistent depressive disorder is a type of depression that lasts for 2 years or more. PDD is also known as "dysthymia." Persistent depressive disorder symptoms are Low energy, low self-esteem, hopelessness, change in Sleep patterns and lack of interest or involvement in creative activities.
Bipolar disorder
A disorder associated with Unpredictable mood swings ranging from depressive lows to excessive highs.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a critical phase of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD most often occurs in the few days or weeks leading up to a woman's menstrual period. Symptoms of PMDD usually begin several days after ovulation and end, once menstruation begins.
Symptoms of Depression
To be classified as a depressive disorder, a person should experience at least five of the following depression symptoms for the majority of days for at least two weeks straight. The symptoms should also cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Symptoms of Depression can be seen like this, As People may experience:
- Mood: anxiety, apathy, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, Dullness in activities, mood swings, or feeling unworthy.
- Behavioural: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or Don't like to Socialize
- Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or lack of sleep
- Whole body: excessive hunger, tiredness, or appetite loss
- Cognitive: lack of concentration, No interests in activities, or suicidal thoughts
- Weight: Sudden weight gain or weight loss
Is depression a disability?
Depression is considered as psychiatric disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Depression is a mental illness that affects the way you feel, the way you think and the way you act. Depression is much more than just feeling a little sad or disappointed for a few days. Depression is a serious illness and is a leading cause of disability. Depression can last for years. It can interfere with your work, family and social life, and make you unhappy.
16 Proven Ways on how to deal with depression without meds
Get counseling or therapy
Beat Solution first, Counseling and therapy are two of the most effective ways to deal with depression. However, it's important to keep in mind that medications alone can't solve every problem. It's equally important for patients to engage in cognitive-behavioral therapy as well. A professional help can help you understand your condition and provide you the utmost solutions to manage your symptoms. Plus, According to research, it is easier talking to a stranger as compared to a known one.
Regular Exercise
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Whether it's weight loss or depression loss, Both of them can be achieved by doing Regular exercise. It releases endorphins ( Happy hormone ), which can improve your mood and make you feel better. You can try Skipping for best results. It's fun and also keep your body fit , increases height, and helps in weight loss too.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy and Balanced diet is essential for our overall health, and you'll be surprised to know that What's on our plate decides our mental health too. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help in improvement of mood and energy levels. There is a link between food and depression. While there's no specific food which will fend off or treat depression, But a Healthy diet may help in boosting your mood.
Get enough sleep
If you're suffering from depression, getting enough sleep is a must thing. 8 hours of sleep per night is recommended for good health. Caution, Lack of sleep can be harmful more than you think. Read in Brief: Sleep Deprivation.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen the symptoms of depression. Avoiding them can help you feel better.
Socialise and Stay connected to friends and family.
Whether it's a headache or depression, when it comes to mental health condition, We don't like to Socialize or talking even if they are emotionally close to us. Depression can make it difficult to connect, but it’s essential to express our inside emotions to an outside person. Sometimes, We all need a Good Listener, and family and friends makes it easier.
Find a Creative outlet
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Creative outlets helps us to explore our creativity and can be a great way to deal with depression. They can provide a sense of accomplishment and boosts self confidence that helps us to feel better about yourself. Playing with colours, or indulge yourself in Dance, Creative outlets can help you distract your mind which is a healthy way to deal with depression.
Join a support group.
We are more comfortable with people who are like us, and a Support group is a great way to connect with others who are also dealing with depression. It can provide you emotional support, advice, and a non-judgmental point of view on your problems.
Connect with nature
Spending time outside in nature can be very effective. It helps you to connect with your surroundings, freshens the mind, and improve the mood. A Research also suggests that Sunlight increase serotonin levels which is, a happy hormone.
Take a break from Social media
Social media can be a great way to stay connected with long distance friends and family, but it can also be a potential source of stress. According to a case study of 2017, it is found that between the age of 19-32, Depression and Anxiety symptoms are found due to overuse of social media.
Taking a break from social media can help you relax and de-stress.
Keep a Journal
Journaling can be a great way to deal with depression. It can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, and it can also provide relief from stress and boost up your creativity, and who knows what 3 am thought will change your life.
Pet therapy for mental health
In a survey, 74% of pet owners said having a pet improved their mental health.
Psychological research shows that pets can be very beneficial to our mental health. Stress reduction and better sleep are just a few benefits. A study shows that spending just 10 minutes petting a dog can lower blood pressure. Another study, conducted by the Mayo Clinic, found that petting a dog is a natural stress reliever. So, What are you waiting, Visit your nearest Shelter and Adopt a Dog/Cat.
Avoid Negative people
Negative people can be a source of stress and Depression. Avoiding them can help you feel better. We can't deny the fact, 70% of the behaviour depends on what kind of people we meet and spend time together.
Get organized
Getting organized can be a good habit, a great personality development, and as well as an effective way to deal with depression. It can help you feel in control of your life and help reduce stress. Stress cleaning is the perfect example of organizing and killing our depression.
Take Short breaks from work
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, taking a break from hectic work schedule can help you more focused and productive when you return. Follow the 50/10 Rule( 50 minutes work 10 minute break ), is the most effective way of combating this problem.
Relaxation techniques and Anti depression toys
Relaxation techniques provides tremendous benefits to mental health as well as on physical health. There are many relaxation techniques that can help you deal with depression. Some of the most popular techniques include yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy.
Also, There are Anti depression toys and puzzles that helps dealing with Depression: Scientifically proven.
Here are Best 5⭐ Rated, Anti depression toys to buy!
- Squishy Squeeze momos steam bun Anxiety Reliever
- Punch Me Doll, Electric Plush Anti Stress, Funny Screaming Toy
- Batman Fidget Spinner Metal
- Stress Relief Balls Tear-Resistant
- 12 Sided Fidget Cube
Conclusion
Don't ignore or hesitate to reach any professional help as "Mental Health Condition is as Serious as Any Physical Pain."
If your doctor feels that medication is necessary to treat your depression, don’t be afraid to take it. Medication can be a lifesaver for many people with depression.
