When your doctor tells you that you have depression, a lot of things may come to your mind. You may feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Some may feel sad or angry. Others may feel a little relieved, thinking, "Oh, I'm glad I found out what's going on." Whatever this feeling is, it's normal. The most important thing is to understand that you are not alone on this journey. Let's talk about this in a little more detail .
Why is this diagnosis so complicated?
People react differently to this diagnosis. It's like two sides of the same coin.
Relief felt by some
For some people, this is a great relief. Imagine finding an answer to a problem that you have been unable to find a reason for for a long time. You think, "Oh... I've been suffering from this for so long because of an illness, it's not my fault." When you learn that this is a treatable medical condition, you feel a little hopeful about the future. It's a very reasonable feeling.
The shame and fear some feel
However, many people struggle with this diagnosis. Questions like, "Am I depressed? Does that mean I'm weak? Is there something wrong with my character?" fill their minds.
Our society still views mental health issues in a slightly different way. You may have heard things like, "It's just a mental illness," "Think hard," and "Don't be lazy and do something." Sometimes, adults and parents at home don't want to accept these as illnesses. They may say, "We didn't have these illnesses in our time, and if you work hard and work hard, they'll get better." Therefore, it's not surprising that people feel ashamed, guilty, and lonely when they learn that they have a mental illness.
Depression is not a weakness, it's a medical condition!
The most important thing to remember is that depression is not a weakness in your character, personality, or intelligence. It is a completely medical condition .
To be precise, this is related to certain changes in the neurochemicals (neurotransmitters) in our brain. Just like diabetes and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this correctly.
You can talk to your doctor about this. Also, increase your knowledge by reading about this from websites that have reliable medical information. This will help you to dispel the myths and wrong attitudes that exist in that society. Once you are aware of this, you can explain this to your loved ones as well.
Who do I ask for help from?
It's not good to be alone when fighting depression. We need strong support, good human connections. So, let's look at some places where you can ask for help.
| Ways to get support | What you get and what to do |
|---|---|
| Family and friends | Having family and friends who understand your situation is a great asset. Tell them what you're going through. Maybe your depression makes you feel a little angry and frustrated. When you tell them the real reason, they will be able to understand you and help you with your treatment. |
| Be specific when asking for help. | Instead of saying "I need help" in general, be specific about what you need. For example, say, "It would be great if you could just listen to me when I talk, rather than always calling me and asking how I'm doing." Or, ask for specific help, like, "I don't feel like cooking these days, could you make me some meals for a day or two?" |
| Support Groups | This is a great place to meet people who have had similar experiences to you. It's a great feeling to know that you're not alone. Hearing about how others have overcome this situation can give you new ideas and hope. |
| Religious places and community leaders | If you are religious, you can seek comfort and guidance from your religious place and its leaders. Some religious centers even offer counseling services. |
However, if your family or friends are the type of people who make fun of or ignore such things, you can try to educate them. However, if it makes you feel even more depressed, it is wise not to expect much support from them and to seek help elsewhere.
Things you can do yourself
In addition to helping others, there are many things you can do for yourself that will be a great support in your recovery journey.
Engage in something meaningful.
Being involved in something that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose, such as volunteering , can be very beneficial to your well-being. Helping others and meeting new people can help reduce some of the symptoms of depression.
Engage in physical exercise.
Physical exercise is one of the most powerful natural remedies for depression. A short walk, a run, or a trip to the gym every day can be a great way to boost your mood and body. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals. Also, a gym or sports team is a great place to make new social connections.
Work closely with your doctor.
Above all, it's important to maintain regular contact with your doctor . Ask him or her about what treatments are right for you and what changes you need to make in your lifestyle.
- Take your prescribed medications exactly as prescribed, at the right time.
- If you experience any side effects, inform your doctor.
- Talk openly about changes in your mental state.
Remember, there are many causes of depression. That means there are many different ways to treat it. Your doctor will be able to help you find the treatment that works best for you.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not your fault or a weakness. It is a treatable medical condition.
- When you learn about this, you may feel sadness, shame, anger, and even relief. All of these feelings are normal.
- Talk to family and friends who understand you about this. Ask them for the specific help you need.
- Support groups, volunteer work, and physical exercise can be a great help in your recovery journey.
- The most important thing is to work closely with your doctor and follow the prescribed treatment exactly. You are not alone in this battle.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න