Teen depression and how to cope up
Depression is a common and serious medical illness which affects negatively how you feel the way you think and how you act. But depression is treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and also physical problems and it can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.
Symptoms of depression
Depression has few symptoms. If you experience about five or more of these symptoms, lasting for a period of two weeks or more, please speak to a mental health professional. The symptoms of depression are:
- Under-sleeping or oversleeping, waking frequently during the night
- Feeling sad, anxious or bored
- Low energy, feeling tired or fatigued
- Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt
- Poor concentration, thinking slowed down
- Loss of interest in hobbies, family or social life
- Aches and pains with no physical basis, e.g. chest, head or tummy pain associated with anxiety or stress
- Loss of interest in life, always thinking about death, and also suicidal thoughts.
Causes Of Depression
Biological chemistry
Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals which carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When these chemicals are abnormal or impaired the function of your nerve receptors and nerve systems change, leading to
depression.
Hormones
Few changes in the body’s balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.
Inherited traits
Depression is more common in few people whose blood relatives also have the condition.
Early childhood trauma
Traumatic events during your childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in your brain that make a person more susceptible to depression.
How To Get Over From Depression
Get some fresh air to improve your mood
Go for a hike in nature. Sit on a bench and just get a bit of sunlight. Take your own dog for a walk around your community because research has shown that people who spent 90 minutes in nature mean way from the city can experience to decrease depressive symptoms.
Have a friend join in
You can further maximize the advantages of doing what you enjoy by asking your friend to come along. When you are depressed, you might be tempted to withdraw. However, participating in few social activities can actually improve your
mood. So, invite your friend to participate in a fun activity with you to double the positive advantages.
Do things that make you happy
When do you feel really happy? Listening to music? Writing? Or Reading? Watching television? Start creating a depression-fighting toolbox by thinking of few activities which make you feel better. Engage in these activities regularly to cheer up yourself and remove negative thought patterns from your mind.
Be aware of your thoughts
Know your thoughts. Learn to distinguish between good and also bad thoughts, positive and negative thoughts, and even whether the things you think about are truth or lies. When you become more aware of what you are thinking in your mind, you can take action to shift your thought patterns into a more positive direction.
Get sufficient sleep
As a teen, it is natural to want to stay up later talking on the phone or browsing on the web. Surprisingly enough, however, teenagers usually need more
sleep than adults to support developing minds and bodies. Sleep deprivation can contribute to and worsen the symptoms of depression.
Eat well
Enjoy nutritious, well-balanced meals rather than consuming convenience foods which drain you of energy and worsen your mood. Consume a diet which consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you fuel your whole body with the proper nutrients, you can support your mind and body as it heals from depression.
Spend less time around difficult people
You may be surrounded with many people who are bossy, who are mean, or who use drugs and alcohol. Find ways to reduce your exposure to people who will make you feel bad or who pressure you to make negative choices. Spend time with positive people who are upbeat and supportive.
Connect with people who don’t judge you
Actively seek out friends and also family members who don’t place any conditions on loving you and who accept the person you are now and the person you are becoming.
Depression is not a secret, and it will not go away. It is essential that the cries of our friends do not go unheard. Now that we know more about the disease which is depression, let us not forget those who suffer from it every day. If you see someone whom you think might be depressed, reach out a friendly hand. No one needs to be left alone to battle depression. Recognize the signs and symptoms and you may make a difference in someone’s life.
