Comments on Depression-a common mental illness

Being a Chipmunka Author I thought I should touch on Mental Health here but please I am not a qualified practitioner and am basing my comments on observation so if you think this is all to familiar seek professional help.

There are various psychiatric conditions and illnesses. If you think that you might suffer from one, please seek professional help.

We all experience loss, sadness, stress, anger, heartbreak, irritation, grief, a sense of unfulfilling and general unhappiness at some point in our lives. It's the human condition. After all, life is hard, and everyone we know will die, if we don't beat them to it.

So when does one know whether it is a problem needing help or just one of those days when one gets miserable a bit or sad because of a loss of a loved one.

I think the following five symptoms might be an indication.

You don't enjoy things anymore. Even the things you used to enjoy

It's called anhedonia and it is the clinical term for lack of pleasure. So if, for example, you used to enjoy cooking, or going out with friends, or reading,etc and you suddenly find yourself not enjoying it anymore, it might spell trouble. Of course if you are in the middle of grieving then it’s normal.

You're eating too little or too much

Depression often goes hand in hand with lack of appetite. Sometimes, if you're really, really, really unlucky it might go with an increased appetite. So a marked change in diet and weight is something to look out for.

You can't sleep or you can't wake up

Like eating habits, sleeping habits also manifest as 2 sides of the same coin. Either you can't sleep or you can't stay awake - even if your very life depended on it.

You're a burden on your nearest and dearest, or you ignore them completely –Mood Swings

Sometimes even the people who love you the most will eventually get exhausted with your sadness, your low opinion of yourself, and your selfishness (depressed people can only see their own pain) and eventually you will alienate even your staunchest supporters.

You don't care about important stuff

You keep on messing things at work, missed an important deadline. You could be just slow but maybe it’s time to see a doctor for a chat.

Whether it be meds or therapy or a variety of alternative treatments, or all of the above I urge anyone who felt this article struck a chord - either for yourself or a loved one, to visit someone who specialises in Mental Health. There is help out there. Don’t be afraid of being labelled.