Depression is a problem faced by a significant number of the population. It can be defined as a feeling of severe despondency and dejection. According to statistics, teenagers are the common age group that faces this problem due to hormonal changes. Depression is a matter that should be taken seriously because many have been deeply affected by it.
An example of a person who has faced depression is Adele. Depression started to affect her life at the young age of ten. Her grandfather who she loved so dearly had passed away. Although she had seen a therapist to help her, her depression worsened as she aged and unfortunately, she suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of her son. Postpartum depression is the depression suffered by a mother following childbirth which is usually caused by the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood and fatigue. About 80% of mothers experience this and tend to avoid interaction with their children. However, Adele chose to stay close with her son and this affected her mentally.
There are many signs to indicate if a person is suffering from depression. Some examples of these signs would be the inability to stop feeling sad or hopeless, changes in appetite or energy levels and even shutting others out. It is really important to take note of these signs so as to help prevent further damage on the person, be it mentally or physically. If it is not intervened early, the person may engage in self-harm or even suicide. In order to save a person suffering from this problem, it is important to notice any changes and signs shown so that the necessary intervention can be introduced. For example, we need to identify the cause of the person’s troubles and they need to open up and share their feelings with someone who they are comfortable with. This helps because it releases the negativity and frustrations that is being kept inside. Furthermore, having another person’s view on the situation can really help open up a new perspective on the problem.
In Adele’s case, she was initially hesitant to talk to anyone about her situation due to the fear of being judged by the media and her fans. However, once she started opening up to fellow mothers, she felt like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. She realised that there are other people out there who are also facing the same problem as her. Through proper diagnosis and intervention, she was able to overcome her problems with lots of support and encouragement from others who were like her.
Another way to overcome depression is to exercise. Exercising helps to relieve one’s mind from stress and helps a person to relax. Not only that, it helps to distract us from all the problems we are facing and get rid of the negative emotions that have been built up. Doing it with a friend would be better because we will be able to have the encouragement and support of someone who is close to us. Lastly, depression can be overcome by expressing yourself through creative ways such as music and art. When a person paints and draws their emotions out, it helps to them express how they feel in a way that is most comfortable for them. It helps them to relax and calms their mind when they are engaged in such activities. Thus it is important that a person understands and learns the methods to cope with depression so that their problems can be solved.
Qistina Humaira
Class: 3/4
Writers by the River 