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Are You at Risk for Depression?

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Contrary to what some might believe, depression is an illness just like any other. It has causes and symptoms just like any other illness. The symptoms of depression enable the diagnosis of the condition since the brain can’t be cut open to find the cause of a “disease.”  Recovery begins first with the diagnosis made by discussing the symptoms, then with the treatment. You are not “crazy” if you are diagnosed with depression.  You have an illness, just like any other illness – treatable and not something you can wish away.

A few facts

There are enough myths floating around about depression. Now it is time for a fact check.

  • Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. Oftentimes, women take on the role of caregiver. As caregivers, we take on a lot of responsibility, including caring for the sick in the family and the elderly. Also, there are many instances throughout our lives that trigger hormonal changes: puberty, pregnancy and menopause to name a few. Hormonal imbalances can contribute to changes in brain functioning which can lead to depression.
  • Men are more likely to commit suicide as a result of depression. Fearing the stigma of depression that they may have been raised to believe, they are not forthcoming in admitting they have the condition. Instead of seeking help, they turn to substance abuse as a way of dealing with the feelings of depression.  Alcoholism, drug abuse, working longer hours, can all be ways to escape their depression.  Escaping depression leads to even deeper depression, and without treatment, these dark feelings can become overwhelming.
  • Family members who have experienced depression increase your risk. Genetics is typically a risk factor for many illnesses and diseases, and depression is no exception.
  • People with low self-esteem are prone to depressive disorders. Without a support system to help bolster their feelings and give them an outlet, they may turn to other more destructive behaviors – drugs, promiscuity, and excessive risk taking. Their self-esteem issues coupled with their new found coping mechanisms leave them vulnerable to depression.
  • Older people are at risk for depression. Some think that depression is a normal part of the aging process.  But that is not true. Depression in any form at any age is not normal. Depression in the elderly may be triggered by a number of things such as medication, loneliness, and loss of independent living.

Working to decrease your risk factors for depression may help reduce your chance of getting this illness. Even though you can’t change some of these risk factors, you can develop stress management skills and create a support system of family and professionals. The more resources that you have at your disposal, the less likely depression will take over your life. Know the facts and use that knowledge to improve your chances of living a full, healthy life without depression stealing one moment of it.

emotions· grief· mourning· self-care· stress

Sue Hasker, MS

Certified Grief Recovery® Specialist & New Life Story® Wellness Coach
Previous Post: « 10 Tips for Moving Through Grief
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When your life is upside-down following a loss or trauma, your body needs all the support you can give it. Take care of your emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

articles

  • One Wedding and a Funeral
  • We Must Grieve
  • Emotions Affect Healing
  • What to Say to a Griever
  • Stages of Grieving?
  • Does Time Heal?
  • What Not To Say
  • Murmuration
  • Are You at Risk for Depression?
  • 10 Tips for Moving Through Grief

categories

  • emotions
  • grief
  • grief recovery method
  • grieving
  • healing
  • mourning
  • self-care
  • stress
  • wellness

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It can feel awkward when we don't know what to say It can feel awkward when we don't know what to say, so rather than feel awkward it's just easier to avoid. But the person who is grieving is unaware of our awkwardness, only our absence. Try just BEing there next time there's an opportunity, we don't have to know what to say because usually there's nothing to say that will actually help. Our presence is what helps.
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“These new findings may explain why a higher-than-normal percentage of people with IBS and functional bowel problems develop depression and anxiety"
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Enjoying the waves on my boy’s birthday today 🥳
Those mixed emotions that you're feeling because o Those mixed emotions that you're feeling because of all the changes and uncertainties going on in our world... that's grief.  This is an opportunity to lean into those feelings to discover what parts of your life you want to keep, what you want to change, and what you want to get rid of.
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"Feeling felt" means that you feel you've been hea "Feeling felt" means that you feel you've been heard by another who "gets it." Practice listening to get into the feelings of the other.  #grief #loss #griefandloss #wellness #griefandlosswellness #griefwellness #griefwell
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The information contained on this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended for the treatment, cure, diagnosis, or prevention of any medical condition. Please consult your physician for such advice and before altering the use of medications or any other part of your medical program.

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