Advice needed to learn more about depression
I am currently learning more about depressive disorders in response to having people in my life who suffer with depression. This has also stemmed from my BTEC course which requires an in depth knowledge of the topic to create a response that can help educate others on the condition. I hope to learn about other people's stories and experiences with depression and gain knowledge on what is important to raise awareness on, relating to depression.
I am interested in learning:
What message do you think is most important to inform others on regarding depression? Do you have experiences with therapy? What sort, and has it been helpful? Do you have any experiences with drugs like anti-depressants, and have they been useful? Do you have any coping mechanisms that make it easier to live with the condition? What's your opinion on self-diagnosis? How should people without the condition approach it, and is it important for them to have an awareness of depression?
Thank you so, so much to anyone who takes the time to answer to this, it's very appreciated
heyy!
so ill try my best to answer everything!
sorry if it gets too long hehe-
the most important thing i think everyone with a loved one who has depression should know that we dont need their opinions abt how to "fix" us, all we need is for them to love us through this hard time.
i do have experience with therepy, it was a normal, talking it out kinda therepy, it was pretty helpful. it made me felt heard, understood and less lonely in a way.
my therepist did recommend i get in touch with a psychiatrist for meds, but my family was against it so i never got them.
one trick that works for me, is that i always keep a box of cookies, a waterbottle, a hairbrush, a mouthwash and a mug/empty bottle next to my bed. so on the days its too hard for me get out of bed n stuff, i can get myself to do a few of the easy things right from bed, like have a bit n stay hydrated n stuff. (it might sound disgusting to some people but it works for me soo)
my take on self diagnosis is like 50-50.
PROS: i got to know i might have depression and ADHD from a self diagnosis test, which made me consult professional help. it helped me validate that what im feeling is not "normal" or "just an overreaction". plus its also a good way for teens with parents dont allow therepy n dont believe in mental health, or adults with a tight monetary situations or whatever reasons anyone has at any age, to try and put a label on what they are feeling. so thats good.
CONS: some people misuse it n take it as a ''free pass" for everything. n ive seen people just say they have autism or depression or ocd or ed just cause they think its "cool" or what not, cause many romanticize being mentally. (idk why honestly)
of course everyone should have awareness of depression as well as other mental illnesses. the people without the condition should just be patient yk?
i know it can get frustrating at times, but i can give my word that the person with the condition is trying their best!
they are not being lazy, not being ignorant, not being cold, they are in a battle with their own self, n that takes a lot from a person.
i said it in the staring too, we dont need to be "fixed", we just need to be loved n be told that we are not alone in this, n that they support us and are here for us.
thats it!
hope i could help!
@fearlessTortoise5852 This is a really cool post. in my life not only have i personally experienced a lot of depression but i am surrounded by it in my home and school life too. i've noticed one of the biggest triggers for depression if feeling alone or unloved. recommend to those with depression to try to/continue to reach out to people. meet new people. find love in your heart and put that love not only to others in your life but find room to love yourself too! :D If they are having trouble with their relationships, encourage them to talk it out in a calm manner. i know these are all such basic things, but these "basic" things are hard for anyone, especially those who suffer from depression because of their relationship life. relationship life does not just have to be romance life. it can be friendships and family too. when there is a lack of communication in a home or between two people, thats when things get rough and the quality of the relationship begins to worsen. simply put it, help the person re connect with those who matter most in their lives, so they can feel the love of those important people and the people can feel the care from that person too.
