Mental illness is something that people like to hide under the sheath. Even if someone feels depressed – they don’t speak out and go into incognito mode. Mental illness or depression is not something to be embarrassed about – it is something people need to talk about.
During bouts of depression, you might feel miserable about yourself. But during this phase, you need to stay aware. Mental illness begins with accepting that you’re suffering from it. Then, you need to talk about it with your parents, partner, friends, co-workers, or counselors.
It is not easy to open up about mental illness and depression. But, in Bollywood, Deepika Padukone1 made the first move when she shared her depression story, which inspired others to come out and speak.
She recently opened up about her depression in a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. She quoted her foundation – The Live Love Laugh Foundation2 – aiming to help all the people who suffer from depression.
“It takes a lot of strength to mend a broken mind. Of course, channeling energies into your work can help, but also to be able to accept situations for what they are instead of questioning them helps immensely.”
Deepika Padukone
Facts about Deepika’s story
- She felt a loss of interest and persistent feeling of sadness
- She felt anxious, hopelessness and irritability
- It caused sleep disturbances and fatigue
- She didn’t feel like speaking to people
Understanding depression
Being unhappy is different and not similar to being depressed. Depression is a complicated term and needs proper treatment. Determining the signs of depression is the first step towards healing.
Hopeless outlook towards life
In a depressed state, you will feel hopeless. For many people – it is about lost faith and hope. Moreover, there can be a feeling of persistent sadness.
Loss of interest
When depressed – you will feel a loss of interest in many things. You won’t feel like eating, sleeping and you won’t be able to concentrate on your work.
Increased fatigue and loss of appetite
In depression – you will feel fatigued. Most people who suffer from chronic depression feel tired the whole day. Besides, you won’t feel like having your food.
Anxiety
Stress, anxiety, and depression are co-related. When you’re depressed, many constant fears trigger your mind. Following this, you can get an anxiety attack.
Irritability
A depressed state can cause irritability. You will feel irritated without any reason, as a result – you may even shout at your loved ones.
Changes in weight
You may gain weight or lose weight in depression. Also, gaining weight is a sign of chronic depression, and most people aren’t even aware of it.
Uncontrollable emotions
When you feel depressed – you suffer from uncontrolled emotions. You can cry any minute or become sad for no reason – you won’t be able to control your tears in sadness.
Suicidal thoughts
This is a chronic sign of depression. Most people who suffer from chronic depression have suicidal thoughts. As a result of which they may end their life.
How Deepika Handled Depression – Things to Learn
Acceptance of how you feel
You need to accept that you are in depression – it is the first step towards healing. Mental illness is a state that can be cured, and it starts with acceptance.
Emphasis on mental health
Most people emphasize physical health, but mental health is equally important. Therefore, you should do your best to keep your mental health sound.
Forgive and forget
Forgive and forget is a difficult yet best way to move on in life. If you hold past grudges against people – it will also disturb your mental health. The best way is to forgive the person and move on with your life.
Channelize energy to work
The energy that you channelize in a positive direction will affect your mental health. If you channelize your energy towards work or your passion – it will bring a good amendment.
Influence other people’s lives
You can always impact someone’s by sharing your life story, or share your depression story with someone to motivate them and make them feel better.
Fight your battle but stay aware
Some battles may be tiring, but it is important to stay put. You can come out of depression when you fight your own battle and remain aware. Moreover, it is essential not to seek dependency on others.
Seek support
Once you know you’re feeling depressed – seek the support of your family or friends. Call up our best friend and speak your heart out. Besides, you can talk to your loved ones to feel better.
It’s ok to feel low
It is ok to feel low if you are feeling depressed. You can have your bouts of sadness and mood swings. The key idea is to let out your emotions in some way.
Take counseling
Once you know that you are depressed – the best way to seek therapy is through counseling and therapy. Online counseling through apps can help you to heal in your journey.
Self-help care, and resources to help you fight depression
Control stress
Life is stressful, but controlling stress matters the most—practicing stress-relief techniques like yoga and meditation to manage stress.
Reach out to family
Reach out to your family if you stay alone and you’re feeling depressed. One phone call or one stay with them will make a difference in your mood.
Get early treatment
Don’t ignore the signs of depression. Once you know that you are depressed – seek early treatment. Early treatment ensures better healing.
Consider long-term maintenance treatment
Continue the treatment the therapist offers for depression. Unfortunately, depression cannot be treated in a single day – you will need long-term maintenance treatment t for it.
Take medications prescribed by a doctor
Some psychiatrists or therapists prescribe medications for depression. While these medicines can provide you relief, please don’t get too dependent on them for long-term relief.
Talk in open forums to feel better
Some open forums and communities invite depressed people to share their stories. Sometimes it is best to pour your heart into strangers – you will feel better.
Divert your mind
Divert your mind when you feel depressed. Listen to your favorite song or start cooking. Cooking is great for relieving stress – it also changes your mood.
Stay positive
It’s easier said than done – but at least you can try. Try staying positive for self-healing. Read good books and go for a walk to feel better. A positive frame of mind is suitable for your mood.
How can online counseling help?
Depression can affect your mental, emotional and physical state. It is beyond the feeling of sadness, and it is essential to recognise the early signs. If you cry without reason, are always sad, and don’t feel like doing anything – it is about time you take online counseling for depression.
The right therapist will understand your problem, listen to you, and take you on a guided path to healing. As an online counseling session is between two people – you can trust the therapist with your problems. The idea is to speak your heart out – you can do it through online counseling for depression. You can try the app TickTalkTo to screen yourself for depression by taking the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) assessment. Further you can book a session with verified psychologists and therapists to help overcome your depressive state.