The Silent Killer: How to Avoid Depression and Its Aftermath

Although depression isn’t fatal, it certainly can feel like it at times. Nearly 1 in every 10 people will have depressive symptoms each year, and that statistic applies to everyone—men, women, rich and poor alike. Understanding the signs of depression and seeking help before it has the chance to get out of control can make a world of difference in how you handle the disease, so here are some tips on how to avoid depression and its aftermath.

Why are there so many suicides?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just reported that every hour someone in Australia takes their own life. This equates to approximately 8 suicides per day, or one every three hours. Of course, for those left behind following a suicide death there is no such thing as ‘half a suicide’ or ‘just 1.5 of me died’ – it's devastating either way. [8] What causes depression?: There are many factors which can contribute to depression, including an imbalance of neurotransmitters in your brain; physical illness; environmental factors; traumatic events like abuse or bullying; and lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking alcohol excessively or eating poor quality food. However, if you suffer from depression you can take steps to reduce your symptoms by seeking professional help from a psychologist who specialises in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT helps people learn how to change negative thought patterns into positive ones so they can feel better about themselves and improve their moods. In addition, exercise releases endorphins which make us feel good about ourselves too! If you're feeling down, try going for a walk outside or find another activity that will get your heart pumping. It may seem counter-intuitive but research shows that when we exercise our brains release chemicals called endorphins which make us feel happier and more relaxed. If you have access to counselling services at work then it's worth seeing what support is available through them. Many employers also offer free counselling sessions with psychologists on site via employee assistance programs (EAPs). EAPs provide confidential telephone counselling services provided by trained professionals who can help with issues ranging from anxiety and stress management to family problems, grief, financial difficulties and relationship issues. If you don't have access to these services at work then seek out a private counsellor or psychologist near where you live instead.

Why is this happening now?

The symptoms of depression include feeling hopeless, sad, or discouraged; withdrawing from others; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems such as insomnia or excessive sleeping; lack of energy; changes in appetite such as overeating or not eating enough. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. Remember, talking with a health care professional does not mean that you have a mental illness. It is important to determine whether your feelings are due to everyday stresses in life, relationship issues, financial difficulties or chronic physical illness and whether there may be additional reasons for your mood change (medication side effects). If it is determined that you need treatment for depression, there are many effective treatments available including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and medications.

 If you are experiencing a mental health problem, make sure you get treatment. Untreated depression is one of the most common causes of suicide, which is among the leading causes of death for people between ages 15 and 34. There are effective treatments for depression that do not include medication or hospitalization; however, many people may benefit from prescription medications or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Talk with your doctor about what type of treatment would be best for you. It is important to continue seeing your doctor even after treatment begins, as symptoms may recur. Remain under medical care as much as possible so that your doctor can monitor any changes in your condition and adjust medications accordingly.

Who is more at risk?

No one is completely immune from depression, but there are some people who are at higher risk. It can happen to anyone at any age, for any reason. For example, someone who has a family history of depression or anxiety may be more susceptible. Or it could be a side effect of medication or drug use. It’s also common in women during pregnancy, after giving birth and during menopause as well as in children with chronic illnesses. Individuals with conditions such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or heart disease may also have increased risks for depression. The important thing is knowing how to handle it when you find yourself dealing with these symptoms instead of trying to ignore them or simply accepting them as part of your daily life. By identifying what triggers your depression and taking steps to minimize those triggers, you can prevent future episodes of clinical depression.

This topic was written by Elaine Mulligan who specializes in mental health issues among young adults and their families. Elaine writes regularly about topics related to anxiety disorders, including PTSD and OCD. She lives with her husband in Atlanta where she continues her work on behalf of mental health awareness groups throughout Georgia..

What can you do if you are feeling low?

First of all, do not delay in seeking help. The sooner you seek treatment, or at least start taking steps to address your depression, the easier it will be for you to regain control of your life. You don’t have to try every possible solution on your own; make an appointment with a counselor or psychiatrist and get treated for what is going on inside of you that is making it difficult for you to feel normal again. This is not a sign of weakness—quite the opposite. By facing what is going on inside of you head-on, you can begin healing from depression instead of simply coping with it day after day. If your workplace has a health insurance plan, then you should contact them about benefits for mental health problems. Most plans cover visits to counselors or psychiatrists as well as prescription medications if needed. If you are unemployed, there are still options available to you if paying out of pocket seems like too much of a burden. Contact local mental health agencies and ask about their sliding scale fee policies—most offer reduced rates based on income levels. When choosing someone to treat your depression, look for someone who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT was developed by psychologist Aaron Beck back in 1970s specifically for treating people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders like phobias.

Get help right away

If you’re feeling depressed, reach out for help. The sooner you ask for support, the sooner you can begin on your road to recovery. Don’t make any decisions about big life changes—such as ending a relationship or switching jobs—until after your depression has lifted. If you have children, be sure they know that they are not responsible for causing your depression or its symptoms.