Healthy Life Style
by: Sam Condon
Introduction
Types of Depression
5 Ways to Maintain Health
- If you have been diagnosed with depression, turn to a trusted friend or family member.
- Try to keep up on social activities, even if you don’t feel like it.
- Join a support group because talk therapy could help you.
- Allow yourself to be less than perfect because people with depression try to be perfect, and when (if) they fail, they beat themselves up about it.
- Socialize with positive people, because if you hang around with other depressed people, you won’t get better.
- Keep a negative thought log. When you have a bad thought, write it down and when you are feeling better, think if it was a rational thought.
Symptoms of Depression (General)
Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
Weight loss or gain
Trouble getting to sleep or feeling drowsy during the day
Feelings of being “sped up” or “slowed down”
Being tired and without energy
Feeling worthless or guilty
Trouble concentrating
Trouble making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide
Is Depression Genetic? What other factors play into getting Depression?
Risk Factors of Depression
Biochemical Factors
Depression is a type of mood disorder that some believe is triggered when brain neurotransmitters are out of balance. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that help the brain and other parts of the body communicate. These chemicals, including serotonin and dopamine, help regulate many physiological functions. Experts believe that lower levels of these neurotransmitters may play a role in why some people are more susceptible to depression.
Genetic Factors
Having an immediate family member with depression or mood disorders can increase your risk. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that if one identical twin is diagnosed with depression, the other twin has a 70 percent chance of developing the same disorder. However, depression can occur in people with no family history of the disease. That is why some scientists believe depression can be a product of both genes and/or life experiences.
Sleep Disorders
Chronic sleep problems are associated with depression. Although experts do not know if lack of sleep causes depression, low mood do seem to follow periods of poor sleep.
Serious Illness
The pain and stress that come with certain conditions can take a toll on a person’s mental state. Many chronic conditions are linked to higher rates of depression. Some of those are chronic pain, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, stroke, and cancer. Others are multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
Depressed Brain vs. Healthy Brain vs. Winning the Lottery
Pete Wentz Quote
What is depression like?
Things to say to a Depressed Person
- Is there anything that I can do?
- You matter.
- Let me help. Do you want a hug?
- Depression is real. You aren't going crazy.
- There is hope.
- When this is over, I will still be here, and so will you.
- I don't understand what you are going through, but I will do my best to show you I am here.
- I am not going to leave or abandon you.
- I love you (Only say this if you mean it.)
- We'll get through this together.
Things Not to say to a Depressed Person
- It's all in your head. You need to think positive.
- You need to get out of yourself and give back to the community.
- Why don’t you try and exercise?
- Shop at Whole Foods and you will feel better.
- Meditation and yoga are all you need.
- Are you happy in your relationship?
- You have everything you need to get better.
- Do you WANT to feel better?
- Everyone has problems.
- Some people's problems are worse than your's.
- People go through worse things than you, so stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Citations
"Types of Depression: Major, Chronic, Manic, and More Types." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.
"Dealing with Depression." : Self-Help and Coping Tips to Overcome Depression. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.
"Types of Depression: Major, Chronic, Manic, and More Types." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.
"Is Depression Genetic?" Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.
"Risk Factors for Depression ." Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.
"Practical Wellness Guide." Practical Wellness Guide RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015."27 Celebrities On Dealing With Depression And Bipolar Disorder."BuzzFeed. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.
"Mafa's World." Mafas World. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2015.