We all know what the word depression is and what the word means. The word even has complicated medical descriptions, and is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-V).
Morgan and Townsend (2021) tell us that “depression is an alteration in mood expressed by feelings of sadness, despair, and pessimism” (p. 480). Lists of signs and symptoms accompany the definitions and include.
In addition, not all depression is the same. There are different types of depression.
While depression can be complex with different names, and with different signs and symptoms for different individuals, there is one commonality. It makes us feel bad. While feeling ‘bad’ is not official medical terminology, it is the best way I can think of how to describe the combination of different feelings that depression can bring. While dealing with depression is not a pleasant experience, it is important to be aware of this condition and why you are experiencing the different signs and symptoms. The importance of understanding and increasing awareness about depression cannot be stressed enough. Having knowledge empowers those experiencing depression, assisting them in recognizing and dealing with their depression and symptom management. One very important part of this is learning, developing, and using coping skills. Dealing with Depression Having depression can be draining. It can drain energy, hope, and make even the simplest of tasks difficult. Those with depression cannot just ‘shake off’ the feelings they are having. But learning, developing, and using coping skills may help in dealing with some of these feelings, and help with recovery. There are a variety of coping skills to choose from and each person needs to determine what will work best for them. Some coping skills for depression incorporate techniques supported by research and include, behavioral activation, using social support, positive journaling, and practicing mindfulness. Behavioral Activation includes activities such as.
Social Support includes.
Positive Journaling includes.
Mindfulness includes.
Finding coping skills that are right for you is important. It could be helpful to develop a Wellness Toolbox. Along with coping skills, explore different things that make you feel good. Such as.
Feelings of weakness and powerlessness can be overwhelming characteristics of depression, and negativity becomes a part of this. These negative thoughts and pessimistic attitudes, referred to as cognitive distortions, can be irrational and unrealistic. The addition of positive thinking to the Wellness Toolbox can challenge those negative thoughts. Studies reinforce the benefits of positive thinking. Some of the benefits could include.
This October has been Depression Awareness Month. As the month nears its end, it is important to reflect on what we have learned about depression, and those that experience depression. We should also reflect on what we can do to ensure that this awareness is carried on throughout the year. We should recognize depression every month by continuing to promote the knowledge and resources related to it. Helping others in understanding depression may be one of the best coping skills there is. eggy Fossen DNP, RN CNE References Cleveland Clinic. DSM-V. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24291-diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-dsm-5 Casabianca, S. (2022). 15 Cognitive Distortions To Blame For Negative Thinking. PsychCentral. https://psychcentral.com/lib/cognitive-distortions-negative-thinking Fletcher, J. (2023). Depression Awareness Month: Why it’s important. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/depression-awareness-month Fulghum, D. (2023). Types of Depression. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-types\ HPU (2023). Developing a Wellness Toolkit For Your Mental Health. https://online.hpu.edu/blog/wellness-toolbox NIH-National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Robinson, K. (2022). How Journaling Helps Manage Depression. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/writing-your-way-out-of-depression Sherwood, A. (2022). What Is Positive Thinking?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/positive-thinking-overview
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Peggy Fossen
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