I just received a notification from google photos about 4years old memories. When I found this picture (the first picture ).
As all the flashbacks came through, I realized how beautifully I overcame my severe mental health issue. And today, I am more aware of its importance.
Let me go back to 2018, and I was in severe depression, crying all the time, repeating the same story with many people, losing 10 kg weight, skin becoming dull, overthinking, asking for help to solve problems screaming badly due to pain, not able sleep many days, almost all days, and was working. I was not able to figure out what was happening to me. And the funny thing is, I was working in the health sector and didn't figure out about mental health. After many days, I shared with one doctor colleague. He suggested that our services be available to consult a clinical psychologist. So I booked an appointment and found that I needed urgent help. She asked me to discuss my situation with my family and ask them to come for a consultation with me. So I took almost one and half years of counseling, In India -5 months and one year in Canada.
Attention - There's no cure for depression, but many effective treatments exist. People can recover from depression and live long and healthy lives.
From 2018 to today, July 2022, I can see many changes. More clarity, Confidence in my decisions, and again start living with dreams and hope(Second picture). I forgot to mention simply beautiful #selflove.
Food, medication, meditation, deep breathing techniques, and last but not least, my people who help me to recover from this critical situation.
I was an independent woman before the depression started, was working as a clinical dietitian in the Pediatric department, and loved my work when I was with kids. Nutrition was and still is my passion. However, I was aware of the Mental health problems and still did not realize how I went into it. That is the reason to write and sharing important information with you; please be aware of what you are going through……………. Mental health issues should not be taken lightly.
Here is some helpful information.
How depression affects your daily life.
As mentioned before, depression can affect all aspects of your life, including how you sleep or eat, your education or career, your health, and your focus and relationships. Depression doesn't happen in emptiness. It can also touch family, friends, and colleagues.
Apart from that, depression can affect your work performance, level of concentration, and, as a result, your productivity. So doctors say it's vital to treat depression because letting it untreated can lead to severe complications in your personal and work life. Sadly, some underestimate the importance of psychiatrists. But in reality, seeking the best psychiatrist makes a huge difference.
Experts also claim that the symptoms of depression may vary somewhat between men, women,, and children. Thus, men often suffer from these symptoms of depression:
· Angry, irritable, restless, and aggressive.
· Feeling sad, empty, and hopeless
· Lack of enjoyment of previously enjoyed activities, as well as feeling tired, binge drinking, and engaging in high-risk activities.
· Inability to concentrate, reduced productivity, delayed responses in conversations.
· Sleeplessness, excessive sleepiness and inability to sleep overnight.
· Fatigue, headaches, pain, and digestive issues.
Women may have the following signs:
· Feeling of emptiness, sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety.
· Retreat from social activities.
· Talk and think slower.
· Having difficulties sleeping, waking up too early, or sleeping too much.
· Decreased energy, increased tiredness, poor appetite, pain, and headaches.
Men and women can share suicidal thoughts and other symptoms. In addition, specific symptoms can go beyond the mind to the body, proving that this condition is not everything in your head.
Treatment for depression.
As you may have noticed, living with depression can be challenging enough. However, addressing this condition may improve the quality of your life. Many symptoms of depression can be successfully treated with medicines, though some forms of depression should be treated with a combination of treatment methods. Treatment approaches include but are not limited to:
· Medication
· Psychotherapy
· Meditation: Different deep breathing skills you can use.
· Exercises
· Yoga
If you or someone you know has mental health issues, it is crucial to consult a qualified professional. Don't be afraid to seek help.
Thank you for reading this.
Kuntal Patel
A survivor of depression.
Note: DISTRESS/ SUICIDE PREVENTION HELPLINES*
Sources:
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/effects-on-body#Suicide-prevention