Onda Rose Unwanya
U13mm1156
When people say that they are depressed, we often take it for granted that they are only seeking too much attention, not knowing that these persons are close to the end of themselves. ( which would mean them ending it all "committing suicide," if help does not come).
While most people think depression is another form of moodiness, others think it is being easily angry at little things or always keeping to oneself. But only a depressed person knows it is way more than that.
However, the English dictionary defined it as thus: a mental state characterised by a "pessimistic sense of inadequacy", and a despondent lack of activity. It is also a sad feeling of gloom and inadequacy." In as much as the dictionary defined it as such, a depressed person knows it's way more than 'a pessimistic sense of inadequacy.'
Therefore, agreeing with the definition of The American Psychiatric Association(APA), which says; depression(major depression disorder), is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. (American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder(DSM-5) fifth Edition 2013). So, if I am to define depression in summary, I would say that it is "an incomprehensible mental state of mind."
Now, the reason why the definition of the APA is more acceptable to me is because, only a depressed person person knows how it really feels, and can tell you what is going through their mind. It is depression that breeds suicidal thoughts most times. You woke up one day, and hear that that beautiful lady or guy has killed themselves. No prior notice, no signs whatsoever and you keep wondering what could have prompted this wonderful individual to take their lives. I dare to tell you that, such person might have been battling/suffering from depression for God knows how long, and couldn't take it anymore and ending it all, would always be the ready option.
Bad as it might seem, it doesn't only affect the elderly, if also affects teens. As they pass from one stage to another, they experience several changes that may lead to depression in some.
Now, this might make one to ask "how do I know that I am depressed?" Well, depression needs attention just like every other sicknesses does, as one can't tell when it starts until they can't take it anymore. But from observation and experiences, we can point out the symptoms of depression to be;
(1) A great feeling of emptiness: you feel so empty even with the numerous achievements you must have had, you feel like something is missing in your life and you can't lay your hands on what it is.
(2) An urge to cry for no reason: I have met people who have told me several times that they feel like crying, screaming and when I asked why? They respond were " I just want to.
Now, such person must be feeling empty and think that screaming or crying would do the trick, but they need serious medical attention which they might not know, but get angry when you suggest it.
(3) over thinking everything: when you tell an emotionally stable person that they are increasing in weight, they might take it as a complement or ignore you once they know it is not. But say something of that nature to a depressed person, and you've given them work to do. They would keep thinking about it (even though you must have forgotten you ever said that), they would keep wondering if you meant it in the negative or positive. Whatever their conclusion is, they would still think and think.
(4) you don't feel like being around/meeting people or talking to anyone: you can be in the midst of people but still don't want to talk to anyone or being introduced to anyone. You might want to defend this and say it is not every time one must talk, in this case, the individuals feels like dying when they are being talked to or when they are in the midst of people, because they want to just be alone and keep thinking and cutting themselves.
(5) you think less of yourselves: people with depression can't seem to get anything right, whatever they do, they feel it is not up to any standard. So, they just go about with themselves, not associating with anyone, not participating in anything fun or enjoying themselves. They feel they don't deserve to be happy, whenever they are happy for too long, they believe something terrible is about to happen to them or to someone they care about.
In other words, their low self esteem is higher than any and everything they've ever achieved in life.
Note: they are several and numerous ways to know that you are depressed, it doesn't end in the listen above. also know that, depression is different from sadness or grief.
Importantly, depression can be treated, therefore, any who feels they are depressed shouldn't keep it to themselves. Seek medical help and help make the society a better place.
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