Have you ever encountered a situation where your friend or family member is always sad, not interested in anything, doesn’t want to talk to people, doesn’t want to go out, and sometimes even says he wants to die? Do you think they are just in a bad mood or overthinking, and you just need to enlighten them or cheer them up and they will get better? In fact, this may be a manifestation of depression. Depression is a mental illness, not an ordinary low mood. It requires professional treatment and care, rather than simply saying ‘you think too much.’ This article will introduce you to some popular science knowledge about depression and guidance for companionship, hoping to help patients with depression and those who accompany them.
What is depression
Depression is a common mental illness that causes people to have persistent low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, no sense of pleasure, significant loss of energy, persistent fatigue for no reason, difficulty in thinking and association, low self-evaluation, or Self-blame, or feelings of guilt, and even thoughts of death or suicidal behavior. Symptoms of depression can affect people’s physiology, thinking, behavior, social functions and interpersonal interactions, seriously affecting people’s quality of life and health.
What are the causes of depression?
Current scientific research has not fully understood the causes of depression, but it is generally believed that there are three factors: physiological, psychological and social factors:
- Physiological: Lack of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, insomnia, or physical illness. Because of these neurotransmitter changes, people with depression need medication.
- Psychology: Childhood growth experience and character development. For example: I learned very early not to pay attention to my own emotions and needs. Although he is good at taking care of others, he has a low self-esteem, has too high or no expectations for intimate relationships, feels a lack of love, and has a fear of loss.
- The influence of the external environment: First, the influence of the natural environment, such as cold winter and spring with large weather fluctuations; second, the influence of the social environment, such as the rapid pace of social development, negative events in life, and invisible pressure and the stimulation of predisposing factors.
How to treat depression
There are two main methods of treating depression: medication and psychotherapy. Drug treatment involves taking antidepressant drugs to regulate the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and relieve the symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy is to communicate with a professional psychological counselor or psychiatrist to find out the psychological causes of depression, change irrational thinking and behavior patterns, enhance self-confidence and coping abilities, and improve life satisfaction. Generally speaking, mild to moderate depression can be treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy, while severe depression requires stable medication first and then psychotherapy.
How do patients with depression self-regulate?
In addition to receiving professional treatment, patients with depression can also use some self-regulation methods to relieve their pain and improve their mood. Here are some suggestions:
- Exercise: Exercise can increase serotonin levels, making people feel happier. Jogging, walking, playing ball, dancing, etc. are all good choices. If you insist on it for more than half an hour every day, you can effectively improve the symptoms of depression.
- Maintain the rhythm of life: simplify life and continue life ’lightly’. First of all, ensure sleep (drugs, meditation) and diet (balanced diet, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, quit smoking and drinking, and ensure the intake of protein and appropriate amount of fat). Maintain the regularity and vitality of life by maintaining the most basic schedule and homework tasks, and do not set too high goals for yourself.
- Find a support system: Seek help from your relatives, friends, classmates, teachers, etc., and try to tell others about your troubles to get their understanding and support. You can also join some support groups for people with depression, communicate with people who have similar experiences, and feel that you are not alone.
- Cultivate interests and hobbies: Find something you like or want to try, such as painting, writing diaries, listening to music, watching movies, growing flowers, raising pets, etc., so that you can have some sources of happiness and improve your self-esteem and confidence.
How to accompany patients with depression
If you are the person who stays with a depressed patient, your existence is of great significance. What you need to do is to give him enough companionship and support, but you do not need to do more so-called education and treatment work. Because they are often ineffective, these recommendations are left to professionals. The companion needs to be relatively stable and do the following five things:
- Prevent the patient’s risk of suicide: Especially when he cannot sleep or wakes up early in the morning, or when there is a fierce interpersonal conflict, or when he directly or indirectly expresses suicidal thoughts in his words, he must pay attention to the risk of suicide and seek medical treatment in time.
- Gentle and steady companionship: This is a huge comfort and encouragement to him, try to just listen without commenting, this is the best gift you can give him.
- Support him to bravely seek help from professionals: including psychiatrists and psychological counselors, conduct regular follow-up visits and consultations, and follow the doctor’s instructions to take medication on time and in the right amount.
- Help him simplify his life: But don’t do everything for him. A fixed daily schedule is very important for him to rebuild his confidence.
-Exercise and eating routine: Accompany him during meals and daily exercise, even a simple walk, to give him the opportunity to be around people every day.
Change may be difficult and slow, but you must believe that your gentle and stable company will slowly take effect. You are very important to him.
The above is the popular science knowledge and care guide about depression. I hope it will be helpful to you. Thank you for reading, I wish you good physical and mental health and happiness every day!
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