Jump out of the void

Has it ever happened to you that you feel that there is no human force that can lift you out of bed? Do you spend hours in front of the computer without being able to concentrate? Are you tired all the time and when night comes you can't sleep? Do you have a hard time eating even if it's a snack? Do you feel empty inside and nothing makes sense? These feelings you have are very common when you experience depression, a disorder that affects 1 in 15 adults and that 1 in 6 people will experience at some point in their lives, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

‍

Depression It's a mental disorder serious that negatively impacts our mood, our thoughts and our actions. Its symptoms may include loss of interest in activities we previously enjoyed, sleep problems (lack or excess), loss of energy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, constant thoughts about death, irritability, angry outbursts, loss of appetite, anxiety, encouraged mobility, and feelings of sadness, guilt, or loss of value. When these sensations are not common in the person experiencing them and last longer than two weeks, they are likely facing depression.

‍

The causes of depression vary from person to person, but usually this disorder is due to chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic tendencies, personality and circumstantial environmental factors. Regarding chemical imbalances, an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may contribute to the development of this disorder. On the other hand, genetics can considerably influence their development. Having a father, mother or brother with this affliction makes us three times more likely to suffer from it, according to the Cleveland Clinic. On the other hand, having low self-esteem, being easily stressed and having a pessimistic personality can help the development of the disorder. Finally, growing up and living in an environment of violence, neglect, abuse or poverty makes us more vulnerable to this disease.

‍

Fortunately, depression It is one of the most treatable mental health disorders, and most people who treat it can significantly reduce their symptoms. But for this, your mental health professional will first need to evaluate you to find your diagnosis. From then on, you'll be able to identify the primary cause of your depression and design your treatment plan. In some cases, attending psychological therapy is sufficient, but in others it is necessary to see a specialist in psychiatry who evaluates the need to include antidepressants in your treatment.

‍

In addition, there are other things you can do to help your recovery. Going for a walk, sunbathing, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet will be very useful during your process. Likewise, avoiding alcohol and other substances that depress the nervous system can ease your symptoms.

Go to your support network it is also essential: letting people close to you know that you are going through a difficult time in your life will help them to look after you and take into account your situation. You can do this simply by communicating what you feel, but if you have a hard time, approach people who are living the same way as you to share their strategies with you.

‍

In Mindsurf you'll find support groups, plans specifically designed to help with depression and other tools created to get out of the vacuum. And remember: this feeling won't last forever.