To overcome stress or depression sometimes gets very tough as depression, the word itself is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events, such as unemployment, bereavement, and traumatic events are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.
Though depression or stress and grief share some features, depression is different from grief felt after losing a loved one or sadness felt after a traumatic life event. Depression usually involves self-loathing or a loss of self-esteem, while grief typically does not. Whereas in grief, positive emotions and happy memories of the deceased typically accompany feelings of emotional pain. Whereas in major depressive disorder, the feelings of sadness are constant.
However, it has been observed that people experience depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily work, resulting in lost time and lower productivity. It can also influence relationships and some chronic health conditions.
Causes of Stress
- Age – People who are elderly are at higher risk of depression. That can be made worse by other factors, such as living alone and having a lack of social support.
- Certain medications – Some drugs, such as isotretinoin, which is used to treat acne, the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
- Conflict – Depression in someone who has biological vulnerability to it may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
- Death or a loss – Sadness or grief after the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, can increase the risk of depression.
Ways to Overcome Stress
There are proven ways to overcome stress and this is necessary to make it happen in order to get it out of it. Depression is the sole cause of many health-related problems. A depressed person is always prone to health problems and has greater chances to get sick and attract major illnesses. Depending on the severity and pattern of depressive episodes over time, healthcare providers may offer psychological treatments such as behavioural activation, cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, and antidepressant medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
1.) Regular Exercise – A 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day will certainly help you to overcome stress. Besides all, you can dance, stretch, or do yoga. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. But get yourself to do it anyway. If you need a push, ask a friend to do it with you. Getting into any activity that boosts your mood is also one of the ways to combat depression.
2.) Eat healthy foods – Eating healthy foods helps you to overcome stress Some people with depression don’t feel much like eating, and there are some who tend to overeat. But what you eat can affect your mood and energy. So, with depression, you need to be sure to eat right. It is advised to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit simple carbs and foods with added sugar. Don’t go for too long without eating. Even if you don’t feel hungry, eat something light and healthy.
3.) Be an extrovert and express yourself – With depression, your creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked. But it can help to do things that get your creative juices flowing. Try to express yourself and nurture your creativity to overcome stress through painting, drawing, or doodle-making. Sew, cook, or bake. Write, dance, or compose music. Chat with a friend or play with a pet. Find something to laugh about. Watch a funny movie. Do things you can enjoy. Every little thing will work in terms of overcoming depression.
4.) Always notice good things – Depression affects a person’s view of things. Things can seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. To shift your view, make it a goal to notice three good things every day to overcome stress. The more you notice good things, the best you will notice.
5.) Avoid alcohol and other drugs – To overcome stress, people tend to consume alcohol. Well, it is advised not to consume the same, as it ruins one’s life at a drastic level. Consumption of long-term drugs could change the way your brain works and worsen or lead to mental health problems. So it is highly advised to reduce alcohol and drug intake if depression is hampering you.
Conclusion
It is to be noted that there is no fixed remedy to cure depression. The way we carry out ourselves is the sole mantra to keep ourselves away from depression. However, treatment often makes symptoms more manageable. Managing symptoms of depression involve finding the right combination of medications and therapies. If one treatment doesn’t work, talk with your healthcare professional. They can help you create a different treatment plan that may work better in helping you manage your condition.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
