We are all so used to certainty and things going according to our plans. When things start to feel uncertain or unsafe, it is
TRIGGER WARNING:This article talks about sensitive issues like suicide, self-harm and drug use.
“Are you okay?” is a question that can be both daunting and overwhelming for anyone put on the spot. Although these questions come from a place of concern and empathy, usually, they hold the power to make us feel jittery when there really is a lot going on. At that very moment, being able to recollect the value of pi seems easier than gathering our thoughts to answer how we truly feel. This does not suggest an absence of feelings but rather indicates the struggle of being unaware of what these emotions truly mean. We might find it hard to connect these dots and understand how these thoughts come into play. Each individual embodies these feelings differently.
What Depression Can Look Like:
It is normal to feel worried about things when you are going through difficult periods of uncertainty. But, some people
In real life, depression looks a lot different than its portrayal in films and television. Most people associate depression with despair; lying in bed all day and crying. This is merely a representation of what it truly is.
In reality, it is a lack of motivation to get the most basic of tasks done, a disconnect from reality, a sense of unworthiness and having the constant thought of “things will never get better”. It elicits emotions that are hard to express. What might feel like gut-wrenching panic at one moment, holds the capacity to turn into emptiness and pure numbness the very next. Most of us experiencing these symptoms prefer keeping them under covers. We put up a facade to hide our true feelings from those around us. This might be done for a variety of reasons such as:
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Feeling like discussing our issues or mental health concerns with others might burden them.
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We might feel ashamed to let others see our weaknesses and the state of our mental stability.
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Not being able to accept the fact that we might be suffering from mental distress and require help/support.
Consequences Of Untreated Depression:
Inhibiting these feelings and living in denial might work and keep negative thoughts at bay for a short period. However, they can have long drawn effects on one’s physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. We may ask why is it so important to address these issues? Here is why.
Unaddressed depression can lead to substance abuse
Emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms such as stomach troubles, aches and nausea. Turning a blind eye to these symptoms might delay the diagnosis of physical ailments hiding undTo cope with the dreads of life, people might often resort to consuming substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. This starts as a coping mechanism to neuter the pain temporarily but unfortunately turns into an addiction.
Suppressing these feelings could cloak severe illnesses:
Emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms such as stomach troubles, aches and nausea. Turning a blind eye to these symptoms might delay the diagnosis of physical ailments hiding under the shadow of mental distress.
Increases the risk of self-harm/suicide:
People suffering from depression long for these ruminating thoughts to stop. They might consider ending their lives as the only way to get out of this misery. Taking control of our thoughts becomes difficult and therefore, resorting to self-harm instils an unhealthy sense of gaining control.
Steps To Addressing Depression:
The first step to treating depression is self-acceptance. For most people, this might be the hardest step in the process of healing. To aid this process here are a few steps one could follow.
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Step 1: Address your feelings one step at a time.
Feeling intense emotions can sometimes be a good thing. Embracing these emotions will allow us to understand the source of this distress. Identification of the source provides a pathway for quicker recovery.
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Step 2: Surround yourself with people who care.
People around you are there to support you. Your family, friends and loved one’s care about you and are willing to stand by you through this journey. While pushing people away and dealing with this alone might seem like a better option, company and having someone to share your feelings with is ideal to overcome this discomfort.
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Step 3: Understanding the benefits of Therapy.
Therapy enables us to freely express the issues that are bothering us. It provides us with a non-judgemental space to voice our deep-seated emotions that may be hard to express within our families. By identifying underlying factors that cause disorders, the therapist helps us develop coping strategies for a healthy recovery. Therapy sessions are 100% confidential. Any information disclosed during these sessions stays between the client and the therapist.
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Step 4: Choose what works best for you.
There are several kinds of therapeutic techniques that are commonly used during the recovery process. Choosing the right kind of intervention technique is extremely important. Your psychologist will guide you through this process and help you pick the one most suitable for you. Different types of psychotherapies which include cognitive therapy, behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapies, etc are prescribed by therapists with the single motive of making their clients feel better.
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Step 5: Do not be afraid of setbacks.
The process of recovery isn’t always linear. The chances of a relapse are as likely as things getting better for good. Most people might give up and be convinced that they cannot go through this process again. It is important to have faith in a time like this. Be aware of your triggers and stay connected with your support network (your therapists, friends and family).
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Step 6: Trust the Process.
It might seem like a never-ending journey but remember that things will change. You will overcome this and there is so much more the world has to offer.
All of these steps are easier said than done. But correct guidance, a positive attitude and support from your loved one’s goes a long way. Be mindful of the struggles people around you might be facing. Be observant and do not hesitate to offer help. At this point receiving love and support becomes a necessity.
Heart it out provides you with a safe space where someone will hear you out and guide you in the right direction. Our therapy services provide a pathway towards accepting life situations and setting reachable goals to live a happier life. Remember, it's a slow process and may take time to overcome but we are here for you.
Do not hesitate to reach out for help or encourage those around you who might need it too. Book a session with us here and allow us to support you in the journey of mental well-being.
Written By: Aastha Joshi
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