Do you sometimes feel like the whole world is crashing down on you? Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a dark hole full of loneliness, with nothing to do, bored with everything? This is the nature of depression, or what we medically call ``Major Depressive Disorder''. This is not like getting over a cold. We have to learn to live with it, to manage it. Today I am going to tell you about my own experience. I will tell you about how I came out of this situation, maybe it will be of strength to you too.
My Story: The Time When Darkness Reigned
I have been living with this type of depression since I was 16. But the worst part of my life was when I was 28. At that time, I was living with my family. My life was just a cycle of getting up in the morning, going to work, coming home, and going to sleep. Gradually, I was dragged into severe depression and anxiety.
I felt like I was being swallowed up by waves of never -ending despair. I felt like I couldn't take it any longer. Finally, I had to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital for help. There, I was told that I would have to wait a few weeks, maybe a month or two, before I could see a psychiatrist . Hearing that made my head spin. It was terrifying to have to wait months when I couldn't take another minute.
My only comfort in those days was sleep. But it didn't give me any rest. When I woke up, I felt weak, had no desire to eat, and had no reason to smile. I wanted to escape this situation, so I got in my car and went into town to buy books on mental health. I thought that if I understood what was happening to me, I would be able to get out of this.
But one day my father told me, "Son, you can't get out of this just by thinking." That's when I realized that the story was true.
Medicine and beyond
Luckily, it was during this time that a new drug called Prozac became popular. The doctor prescribed it to me. I was one of the lucky few, because it helped me quickly. One morning I woke up and realized that the dark cloud that had been hanging over my head was gone.
It's been almost 30 years since that incident. I still take my medication as prescribed. But not only that, I've learned a lot about how to prepare for and manage depression when it comes back. Because depression is not a disease that you get over once. It can come back at any time, sometimes for no reason. So it's best to be prepared in advance.
My Depression Action Plan
You can also create your own plan. It's like planning to get to a safe place before a flood. You should start taking action as soon as the dark symptoms of depression start to appear. Here are some examples of plans I've created for myself. You can also look at this and create your own.
| Early Warning Signs of Depression | What should I do at that time? (My Action Steps) |
|---|---|
| Sleep changes: Sleeping too much or not sleeping at all. | Set a consistent time to go to bed and wake up. Put your phone and TV away an hour before bed. |
| Anorexia or overeating: You don't feel like eating, or you eat out of control. | I try to eat something small and nutritious. Something like a banana or yogurt. |
| Social withdrawal: Feeling isolated and alone, away from friends and family. | I call a trusted friend or family member. I'm not afraid to say, "I'm having a hard time." |
| Boredom from doing things you used to enjoy: Losing interest in watching movies, listening to songs, and reading books. | I force myself to listen to my favorite song for about 10 minutes. I go outside and take a short walk. |
| Getting angry and upset over small things: Feeling hurt by small things, easily angered. | I take a deep breath. I count to 10. I try to distance myself from that moment and calm down. |
| Most importantly: If these symptoms get worse... | |
| I will immediately call the doctor who is treating me. I will follow his instructions exactly. I will not make decisions alone. | |
Who is your 'support team'?
It's hard to fight this journey alone. Build a "support system" that can help you.
- Your doctor: He is your main advisor. Don't be afraid to talk about anything.
- Trusted friend or family member: Someone you can tell what's on your mind and who won't judge you.
- Counselor: If necessary, you can seek psychological counseling on the advice of your doctor.
The most important thing is not to be afraid to ask for help. Depression is not your fault or a weakness. It is a medical condition that requires treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Major Depressive Disorder is a real illness caused by chemical changes in the brain. It is not laziness or weakness.
- You are not the only one going through this. Don't be afraid to ask for help and talk about your feelings with someone you trust.
- It is very important to seek medical advice and proper treatment. See your doctor or a mental health professional.
- Medication is only one part of the treatment. Also, identify coping strategies that you can use to help yourself manage this condition and make a plan for them.
- Some days may be harder than others. That's normal. Even if you fall, try to get back up. You can do this.
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