Explaining depression sensitively–Here’s how

Break free of the stigma

Like physical health problems, mental health concerns also require due medical attention. There are some natural ways to address depression symptoms. You can also observe excellent improvement with extensive lifestyle changes. But still, in some cases, medication might be required, and in others, a hybrid treatment approach like the combination of medicines and therapy might be recommended. The social stigma surrounding mental health problems should be avoided.

For starters, it doesn’t indicate weaknessif you or someone you know approaches a counsellor for treating depression. It is not ‘all in your mind’. Depression cannot be shrugged off by faking a smile or trying to focus on the good things in life.

Explaining depression with the science behind it

● To put it straight, the cause of depression is the imbalance of the chemicals in your brain.

● There could be underlying factors like lifestyle, genetic composition and several others that can cause this imbalance.

● In most cases, there could be an underlying nutrient deficiency that is making things worse.

● For others, hormonal fluctuations might also be to blame.

● Among the many sections of the brain,these are the portions that control your emotions or mood - the hippocampus, amygdala and thalamus. Physical changes in these regions can also be another cause of depression. Or people with depression might display visible alterations in these regions and this can be understood from an MRI scan.

● If there is a change in the rate of production of neurons at the hippocampus, it might affect the mood drastically.

All the above factors affect the performance of the neurotransmitters. These are the substances that are responsible for communication between neurons. For the brain to control physical and mental functions, this communication is very important. This is severely affected in people with depression. This is the reason why people with depression feel like they have very little or no control over their emotions.

Explaining depression with the symptoms

Unlike physical ailments that only cause physical symptoms, psychotic issues like depression can create both physical and psychological changes. Some might notice significant changes in the behaviour as well. The symptoms of depression vary from one person to another. But to better explain depression, you should understand that this condition comes with a combination of several of these symptoms listed below.

● Mood swings

● Drop in attention span

● Loss of interest in things you used to love

● A constant feeling of demotivation

● Self-blaming for every little thing that goes wrong

● An overall drop in self-esteem

● Losing interest in life

● Drastic changes in social behaviour - some people appear disconnected and withdrawn even from the people they love

There could also be some physical changes,like -

● Insomnia or oversleeping

● Loss in appetite and stress eating

● Sudden weight gain or weight loss

● A constant feeling of exhaustion

● Digestion problems that don’t go away

Above all, suicidal thoughts could also be a major concern in people whose depression has progressed. This would be the stage where medical attention is indispensable. Some might find comfort by signing up with support groups or going for regular therapy sessions. Medication to boost the mood might also be a part of the treatment plan.