Depression. Searching for light in the darkness.

Depression is a mental health disorder that can have serious emotional and physical effects on a person, impacting their ability to function in all areas of life. However, depression is treatable with appropriate care and support.

The symptoms of depression are:

• Feeling sad, anxious, worthless, helpless, quilty
• Loss of interest in activity once enjoyed.
• Changes in appetite and unplanned weight changes
• Difficulty in sleeping or oversleeping
• Loss of energy or increase in purposeless physical activity
• Difficulty in concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

For someone to be diagnosed with depression the symptoms must persist for at least two weeks.

Typically, treatment for depression involves a combination of antidepressant medication prescribed by a qualified psychiatrist and psychotherapy.

During treatment, individuals can improve their emotional and physical well-being by following these steps:

• Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Maintain a consistent sleeping and eating schedule.
• Connect and communicate with trusted individuals.
• Accomplish small tasks at your own pace.
• Refrain from using substances such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs, and non-prescribed medications.