Fighting Depression



By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo

Life is in stages!

The good, the bad and the ugly times all sums up to make life even more interesting especially as a young professional or entrepreneur. Sometimes, we get lost and confused in our pursuit of happiness, growth and life goals that we lose ourselves in the process. Pressures from offline and online quarters tend to throw us into even deeper state of depression and anxiety especially when we feel like we aren't catching up with the rest of the world. 

According to Cremedes (2019), young entrepreneurs and professionals are two times more likely to suffer from depression. Understanding what depression is and its signs are major moves in overcoming it. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with your daily functioning (Mayo Clinic, 2021). It can affect how we fell, think and act to people and can result in serious emotional and psychological issues if not properly managed on time.

How to tell whether you're depressed?

- Feeling of hopelessness, restlessness, frustration and/or sadness,

- Loss of interest in fun things

- Emotional outburst over little issues and anxiety

- Tiredness 

- Reduced or increased appetite for certain foods

- Difficulty concentrating, thinking or remembering things

- Suicidal or harmful thoughts and/or actions

Life has its high and low times and sometimes we experience some of these symptoms but a while. However, when it persists and last for more than 48 hours or longer than necessary, then you might want to double check yourself and get help. 

One simple way of getting over depression is by learning to take deep calming breaths. This helps to relieve anxiety and stress, prevent illness, improve your sleep, help you manage your pain, lower high blood pressure, promote weight loss, and has many more benefits (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Also, surround yourself with positive energy. Decide you want to move out of depression and be with people who make you make you happy or do things that make you feel positive. The mind is a powerful tool, use it to your advantage. Whatever you tell yourself, the mind passes the message to other parts of your body and they comply, because you're the boss!

Focus on the good side of life. Try to count your blessings and not your mistakes. Practice gratitude. look around, there is always something to be thankful for. 

Lastly, eat healthy and rest well. Sometimes, the kind of food consumed, may deepen one's depressive state. Hence, taking lots of fruits and vegetables as well as food with other classes of food. Find time to rest uninterrupted, no matter how busy your schedule is. Exercise and stay healthy.

In conclusion, take care of your mental health, it matters as much as your physical health. Observe yourself and starve whatever makes you depressed. Surround yourself with positive vibes within and outward.

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