Last week I was stunned when I read that Kate Spade was found dead in her apartment at Park Avenue in New York. Suspected suicide. Cause? Depression.
Depression is as real as a common cold or viral fever. Yet, people are in denial.
Avicci took his life few months back, who was just in his early twenties. He said in an interview a couple of years back:
“The whole thing was about success for the sake of success. I wasn’t getting any happiness anymore”
Well, why was I shocked? Kate Spade was one incredible designer and her boutiques were all pink and illuminated with everything colourful, gold and the likes.
There have been a lot of actors, celebs and even some people around who we may know might have killed themselves.
The question is that Can they be saved?
In India being depressed, is still considered a taboo. And, people feel ashamed in opening up to their friends or family if this silent bug has bitten them.
In 2016 a movie called Dear Zindagi was released which portrayed SRK as a psychiatrist and the female lead Alia Bhatt would go to him for sessions.
I would like to believe that after this movie a mass of people might have ‘agreed’ to the fact that Depression is real. And, nothing to be ashamed of.
What Causes Depression
Genetics
Not really proven, but our genes may have a huge part to play if we get depression.
Life Happenings
If one grieves a loss of a loved one, or a job or something dear to him it can trigger depression.
Being A Worrier
Some of us just tend to worry more. And, that is not good. Because, what is just plain worrying now may change into depression after a few years. So, its important to not linger on sad situations and let go.
Chemical Changes In The Brain
This can be a reason, but it is not the only reason.
[Tweet “Did you know, women are more prone to depression than men?”]
Some More Reasons Of Depression
Social Media
Our lives has become an open book now. From what we love to eat to how much we work out. To, our vacation pics blow by blow and so on. It can motivate, yes. But, it could even cause anxiety too. There are even terms such as Facebook Depression.
Lack Of Sleep
We have been hearing it from our families since we became teens. And, now we tell the same to our kids. 8 hours of sleep is necessary for you to function well & be in a better frame of mind.
Lack Of Exercise
Exercise is not only physical, but also mental. It is a scientifically proven fact that working-out releases ‘endorphins’ or happy hormones which will lift you up.
How To Deal With Depression
Talk It Out
Yes, talk. Do not feel miserable that you might be depressed. Pick up your phone- call your spouse, mom, BFF. If you do not feel comfortable Google and reach out to a doctor soon.
Make Yourself Happy
Even if applying a red shade of lipstick on a dull day, will give you a smidgen of hope, go for it. You are worth it,
Indulge Yourself
Read good books. Watch funny tv shows, listen to music.
Walk It Off
Go for a walk. Or join a Zumba class, Dancing in the form of workout is so much fun and has extra benefits too.
Don’t Think Negative
I know this is really something hard to combat, but it can be done 8 out of 10 times. Whenever you feel morose just go to your happy place mentally. Or, pray. Praying always seems to help me when I feel extra negative.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
I personally believe that no one is perfect. And, as long as we keep trying its ok to have fall here and there.
There area few helplines in India as well for depression check here.
Depression is real and should not be taken lightly. In fact it should be given a lot more heed than it is given as other medical challenges.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only.
Oh, this is so true! i was nodding along while reading this post.
Indeed, depression is still a taboo, and frankly its scary how prevalent it is today – we may ignore it, but it doesnt mean that it isnt real or isnt there!
Good tips for dealing with it! I really do hope that more and more people open up, talk about it & find help … a.k.a. #OpenNTalk
#NISSAtalks
Nice read… and thank God, I don’t seem to be displaying any of the symptoms leading to depression. 🙂
Arvind Passey
#NISSATalks
http://www.passey.info
Depression is now a days as common as cough & cold. Its better to open up & cure it. Life is beautiful & god gifted. Why to finish or waste in depression. Well Written dear. I was not aware about some of the points you mentioned.. Thanks for upgrading my knowledge. #NISSATalks Silja Nair
Excellent post Z. Depression is one such mental disease that people don’t consider as illness. Most of the time they could not understand the change of their behavior is due to depression. The more we talk about the early we can break it. #OpenNTalk #BlogAMile
Depression can get to anyone. It is good that all our movies and definitely the celebrities have begun accepting it in their own lives. Atleast it would be a learning to their fan following in our society. It exists and no one is spared.
#NISSATalks
Informative post! Hope it can help someone who may truly need it.
Nupur
#NISSAtalks #OpenNTalk
I have heard that depression has so many levels. I dont know I have depression or not but sometimes I feel down, lethargic and tired. But I also do things that motivates me, that makes me happy. Very well written detailed post.
Nice one! It’s tough and definitely easy said than done because, as you pointed correctly, most of the people under depression live in denial. #roarwillrock
Can’t agree more. Been through this phase so can say that every point you listed is true. Very finely penned giving all the information and awareness. 🙂
– Anami from #InvincibleGang for #OpenNTalk #Week2
A very pertinent topic that needs to be discussed as openly and as much as possible. Thank you, Deepika. We need to keep writing such eye opening posts.
I like to believe that every time someone calls out on depression, it will help to change the perspective of someone somewhere in the world. And every drop in the ocean matters, especially when we are fighting a colossal issue like this…
With celebrities like Spade and Bourdain succumbing to this silent killer, it appears that we will forever know just the tip of the iceberg of someone’s life and state of mind.
#OpenNTalk #Crossbordersisters
A very pertinent topic that needs to be discussed as openly and as much as possible. Thank you, Zainab. We need to keep writing such eye opening posts.
I like to believe that every time someone calls out on depression, it will help to change the perspective of someone somewhere in the world. And every drop in the ocean matters, especially when we are fighting a colossal issue like this…
With celebrities like Spade and Bourdain succumbing to this silent killer, it appears that we will forever know just the tip of the iceberg of someone’s life and state of mind.
#OpenNTalk #Crossbordersisters
Apologies for the name-goofup in the previous comment. I realised it only after posting and have hence edited the comment and reposted it.
I really hope you believe in Shakespeare! 😉
This is as detailed post about symptoms and causes of depression. It is really sad to see people taking extreme step when depressed.
#Bloggingdivas
#OpenNtalk
Having seen a dear one struggle with the disease I know how terrible it can be. I am glad you did this post. The more people write about it the more chances there are of saving lives.
Great post! It was very much needed. Depression is a difficult phase, everyone has the potential to overcome it but it is very important to be reminded about that potential. This post of yours will be a great help for many.
Thank you so much. I really feel people should talk about it.
Very useful post. Depression is real and in many cases not visible to others. Your post will help many people to understand and cope with the issue. Keep writing. #RoarWillRock
Depression is as real and common as common cold. Sadly, its signs are sometimes ignored until its too late. Thanks for sharing these pointers.
#OpenNTalk #BloggerBabes
Excellent post! loved it. super informative #Viddhreads #MyFriendAlexa