Many factors that make life difficult can trigger depression. Experts point out that feeling sad or guilty, sleep and appetite imbalance, suicidal thoughts, etc. are common symptoms of depression and emphasize the positive effect of exercise and activities on depression. Experts point out that the way to help someone who is depressed is not to cheer them up, but to get them to talk to their doctor or mental health professionals.
Clinical Psychologist Dilara Aloğlu from Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital made important evaluations about depression and its effects.
Stating that the best way to help someone who is depressed is known as trying to cheer them up, Aloğlu said, "Unfortunately, this is not the way to help the depressed person. Do your friend or relative a favor and encourage them to talk to their doctor or mental health professional. Share your support and give them hope that they can feel better with treatment and over time."
Women grieve more than men
Stating that depression can affect the body, Aloğlu said, "Everyone is different. Some people have no physical symptoms. Others have problems with headaches, other pains, cramps and stomach problems."
"Women are more likely to have symptoms such as feeling sad, worthless or guilty. Men who are depressed are more likely than women to become irritable and lose interest in work or hobbies. Men are also more likely to turn to alcohol or other drugs when they feel depressed."
What are the common symptoms of depression?
Clinical Psychologist Dilara Aloğlu listed the common symptoms of depression as follows:
-"Feeling sad or guilty often,
- Eating or sleeping less or more,
- Not enjoying the things you normally enjoy,
- Feeling tired or restless,
- Problems with concentration or decision making,
- Thinking about suicide."
Give yourself time to heal
Clinical Psychologist Dilara Aloğlu stated that the results of counseling or drug treatments will not be reflected immediately and continued her words as follows: "Give yourself time with lifestyle changes (such as exercise for mild depression). Your sleep and appetite may improve first.
"Depression is more than just the blues"
Depression is more than 'the blues' or the ups and downs that everyone experiences. It tends to last longer and feel heavier and is harder to go without treatment. Depression affects your mood but not the rest of your body. People with depression have a higher risk of heart disease. Depression can also start after a physical health problem. For example, one in five people who have a heart attack become depressed."
Don't give up exercise and activities!
"The more you move, the better. When you are depressed, you probably won't feel that way at first. Try to do it anyway," said Aloğlu and concluded his words as follows:
"Have you heard the saying 'go with your plan, go with your feelings'? This is good advice because exercise is a treatment for mild depression. To get rid of depression, techniques called behavior activation can come into play. The depressed person starts to not enjoy the activities they used to enjoy, but this needs to be addressed. The desire and enjoyment will come after a while after doing the activity. The desire does not always have to come first, it can come later. Thus, negative emotions can be replaced by positive ones. If the behavior does not change and the feelings do not change, it is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist. The condition may require pharmacological treatment."
