Depression is currently the most common mental illness. Many do not even suspect the presence of this disease in their loved ones or acquaintances, writing off reduced social activity and constantly bad mood for laziness and unwillingness to take their lives under control.
At the same time, most people suffering from depression do not consider it necessary or are afraid to seek help from a specialist. Editorial
"Site" It will tell the story of a girl who personally checked what really is.
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There are endogenous and reactive depressions.
Causes of depression endogenous lies in the genetic predisposition of a person to this disease. Reactive depressions arise as a result of external traumatic situations, for example, the loss of a loved one - this is what happened to our heroine.
“At the age of 28, at 9 months of pregnancy, I became a widow. At the time, I had a 3-year-old and was about to have a second, so I had to be strong. And even though I was grieving for a long time, I didn't even have a hint of depression.
Depression caught up with me when I thought I had experienced loss. I lost 20 pounds of weight in a year because I didn’t want to eat. One evening I started having a panic attack - my heart was pounding like it was about to burst out of my chest. Sweat appeared on my forehead, my hands shook, and I wanted to run somewhere. I was sure that something terrible was about to happen, but I didn’t know what it was, and it scared me even more.
I was falling apart, I just didn't want to see it, and I thought it would go away. I realized that it is worth seeking help from a “brain specialist” I only when clothes began to hang on me with a bag, and getting out of bed in the morning became unbearably difficult.
I was hoping that the doctor would just prescribe me antidepressants and let me go home, but it turned out there were no magic pills. My doctor compared antidepressants with crutches, which only help to maintain balance at first, but to get rid of depression at all, you need to make some efforts.
From the first sessions, it became clear that I did not want to live. I didn’t make plans for more than a couple of days, I didn’t see the point of doing repairs or going to the hairdresser. I had to learn. My therapist and I made lists for a day, a month, three years. I drew graphs and drew plans. She also learned to control negative thoughts. It's complicated and sometimes very painful.
Some of the doctor’s advice seemed stupid. The specialist offered to start a diary, draw up an action plan for 3 years ahead or draw some drawing. The trick is that it all worked, but it was invisible. The next morning, and even a week later, I didn’t feel better — the effect was felt months later.
Sometimes it got worse, but I realized that big things don’t get done in a couple of days, and then mental health — you had to show patience and perseverance.
I visited a therapist 6 years ago and have no regrets. His advice helped me get out of a difficult situation and helps me not to despair now. My experience turned out to be positive, so all friends who are faced with depression, increased anxiety and other problems, I advise to consult a specialist.
Getting rid of bad thoughts and protecting yourself from stress alone is sometimes not as easy as it seems. So if you feel that you need support in a difficult time, do not be afraid to ask for help.
Some psychologists, meanwhile, argue that depression is more of a friend than an enemy, because it helps fight inner demons. What do you think about that? Write in the comments, we are very interested to know your opinion!
Also share an article with friends in social networks, maybe someone the story of our heroine will help you decide to take the first step on the way to finding peace of mind.