Important Facts About Depression

    

• Depression ranks second to schizophrenia in terms of admission to hospitals in the US.

• Depression has been recognized as a clinical syndrome for over 2,000 years.

• The chief complaint by depressed people often points to the diagnosis of depression.

• Depression is considered the leading cause of disability worldwide.

                                                                  
Depression as we know it today has been called "melancholia" since the ancient times. 

If you are currently suffering from this disorder I want to tell you that up to this day, there is no definite explanation or answers to many questions that you might have regarding the disorder. 

Even the experts have not found the exact answers to all your questions. For example, some of the questions that might be bugging you are:

• Is the depression you are experiencing merely your over reaction to a particular mood?

• Is it a kind of disease or is it merely your reaction to certain stimulus?

• What could be the most effective treatment for your type of depression?

• Can this depression you're experiencing be attributed to your biological or psychological condition? 

Some medical experts says that depression is a psychogenic disorder which means that it is caused by emotional and mental stress, some say it is an organic disorder and a third group say it is both.

Regardless what's causing your depression, here are 7 things that can worsen Depression

• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Certain food
• Memories
• Negative people
• Social networks
• Media 

Try to avoid them and you will be able to somehow properly deal with your sickness.

Effective Sleep Practices to Help Alleviate Severe Depression 

1. Follow a consistent strict sleeping schedule. 

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s internal clock. 

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine 

Engage in calming activities before bed such as reading, gentle stretching, or meditation to signal your body that it’s time to sleep. 

Avoid using your phone, tablet, and other gadgets or watch TV at least an hour before bed, as the blue light can interfere with melatonin production. 

3. Make Your Sleep Environment Comfortable and Inviting 

Use a comfortable mattress and pillows that support restful sleep. 

Make your bedroom dark (consider blackout curtains) and quiet (use earplugs or white noise machines) to create an ideal sleep environment. 

Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature, ideally between 60-67°F (15-19°C). 

4. Be Mindful of Food and Drink 

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, as it can disrupt sleep. 

Try not to eat large meals or spicy foods within a few hours of bedtime, as they can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. 

5. Incorporate Physical Activity 

Engage in regular physical activity during the day, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime as it may energize you and make it harder to sleep. 

6. Manage Stress and Anxiety 

Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote relaxation before bed. 

Consider writing down thoughts or worries in a journal to clear your mind and reduce anxiety before sleeping. Expressing your thoughts greatly helps. 

7. If you need to take a nap, keep it short, about 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid napping late in the day to prevent interference with nighttime sleep. 

8. Seek Professional Help 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): If sleep issues persist, consider seeking therapy specifically designed to address insomnia, which can be effective in managing both sleep and depression.