How to Overcome Depression and Anxiety in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown?

How To Overcome Depression and Anxiety in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

Do you know?

India is the second most depressed country in the world after China. As per WHO 1 in 7 Indians suffered from mental illness and depression. The least depressed country is Solomon islands.

"Janam kab lena hai aur marna kab hai yeh hum decide nahi kar sakte, lekin kaise jeena hai woh toh hum decide kar sakte hai",- a dialogue from Sushant Singh rajput's last movie-Dil bechara

     English translation:

"We cannot decide when to take birth and when to die, but we can decide how to live",- a dialogue from Sushant Singh rajput's last movie-Dil bechara

Hello friends, welcome to my blog. In this blog post, I am going to share with you symptoms of depression and anxiety, risk factors that cause depression, complications and what exactly you can do to get out of this depression, anxiety and stress.

All feel down sometimes. It can last for a week or so without affecting our lives too much. Sometimes there is a reason, sometimes not. But with depression, your feelings go on for weeks and months and they do interfere with your life.

Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain. But, it is more common and also harder to bear. However, today it is more than common, as according to WHO 1 out of every seven people in India may be suffering from depression. But, there is nothing to be ashamed of. 

Video shows a person suffering from depression.

Depression can hit you at any stage of your life, even the brightest of people who always look happy have faced depression at some point in their lives. But they have overcome it with their will and determination and so can you. 

Here I have provided you with a few list of celebrities who gone through their bad times and have battled depression.

Modern medical science defines depression as prolonged sadness for over 2-3 weeks, though, depression is not just sadness it is emptiness, it is misery.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety:

• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Nightmares
• Loss of motivation
• Feeling depressed, low, sad or empty most of the day.
• Sleep problems and other physical concerns
• Feeling restless or feeling slowed down
• Low energy or fatigue
• Tearfulness or crying
• Problems with decision making, concentration and memory
• Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a failure
• Social withdrawal and irritability
• Thoughts of death

Risk factors that cause depression:

• Domestic abuse or violence
• Major life change ( eg., moving to a new city, new job)
• Chronic health problems or pain
• Stressful life events and traumatic events
• Unemployment, low income, etc.

 Complications:

• Alcohol abuse
• Anxiety
• Work or school problems
• Family conflicts
• Relationship difficulties
• Social isolation
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Self-mutilation
• Excessive weight gain or loss
• Premature death from other medical conditions
• Suicide 

Just to think about:

• If untreated, depression leads to suicide in about 15% of the people it affects.
• Depression is the leading cause of disability and premature death in adults and is predicted to be the second leading cause of disability in people of all ages.
• You'll be shocked to know that 300 million people worldwide are suffering from depression. Depression and anxiety have been ignored as a serious issue since ages.

Luckily there are steps you can take to lift yourself out of depression. If you know what's behind your depression try tracking it. Write down your problems then make a list of solutions and pick the best.

Here are a few natural ways to beat depression:

1) Talk to someone: 

It can incredibly helpful to talk about your feelings with a close friend or family member. Once you share your feeling with others you get a second person perspective on things and that can help you make better decisions. 

2) Take a long walk:

Keep active. Get out-of-doors for some exercise, even if it's just a walk it can uplift your mood instantly. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help with depression. Running and walking are some of the safest activities people can do right now " assuming they follow the actual social distancing guidelines". If you don't feel up to it try housework and day to day tasks keeping active will help you sleep. If sleep's trouble relax by watching television or listening to music.

3) Read a book:

Read something that uplifts your mood and spirit and which can help change your perspective on life.

4) Eat healthy:

Depression can ruin your appetite or cause you to overeat. Try to eat three times a day, making sure you get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. 

5) Quit drinking:

Drinking may help you feel better for a short time but alcohol is depressant and it will make you feel worse in the long run. Don't drown your sorrows with a drink. Alcohol actually makes depression worse.

6) Love yourself:

Treat yourself like the way you would treat someone dear to you. Learn to silence the voice in your head that says you are not good enough.

7) Laugh out loud:

Laughing really does make you feel better. Watch a silly movie or video and get your giggle on.

8) Do something creative, have encourage to change:

Do something creative that makes you feel great and get your mind off other issues. Accept that you need help and then seek it.

Things will get better if you make a conscious decision to move towards happiness with yourself and others.

First, remember no situation is permanent and stressful events heal with time. Depression is an illness but surely a curable one, don't worry, being depressed doesn't mean that you are being from inside its just a temporary issue. Don't expect much from others, take charge of your situation and consider this as an opportunity to get out stronger.

Whatever you decide, remember lots of people have had depression, you will eventually come out of it, perhaps even stronger.

I hope that this information is useful to you; if you enjoyed this post I would appreciate it if you share this blog post with your friends.

Stay tuned for more advanced posts on a similar topic. Thank you. Stay safe and healthy.

• What other ideas can you add to this post that I may have not mentioned?
• What is the biggest thing you are struggling with right now that I can help you with?

Please let me know in the comment section.