Are you depressed?

Ok, so I haven't been active here in a while, and I mightn't be a huge poster or a well known character, but I decided I'd post this. IMO depression/sadness is a huge issue among people today in society but especially young people, so I decided I would try and offer my insight and advice on the topic

So, the time is roughly 3 in the A.M, I was sitting here, super bored, drinking tea and listening to music, thinking "hmm, maybe I could post a help topic about depression and the like". I think I would be able to give a good account on the subject since I spent a lot of my life being upset or sad, and have experienced depression for long lengths of time. I'm grateful at the moment in life because I was able to overcome it and look past what wasn't there/was there and embrace what is. I know it's cliche that people say you need to be optimistic and look on the bright side, but believe me, it's the first step

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Me?
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First off, just a little background info. Name's Eoin IRL, I'm 18, and I live in Ireland. I spend most of my time playing guitar, listening to music, and hanging around with my friends. I'm an average kind of guy, I like to think of myself as down to earth and ordinary. I'm mature and I can have an adult conversation about anything. I am an atheist and have differing views on humanity and the like, but I wont get into that atmo. Just thought I should give a little background info since you guys will be reading this, right?

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What is Depression?
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So, might seem stupid, but just a little info on the subject itself. Depression can loosely be referred to as a state characterised by sadness or being upset. People feel like their problems or issues are weighing down on them and making them feel helpless, hence the term "Depression", since people feel like they are being depressed or deflated in life.

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Symptoms
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The main symptoms of depression are :

# you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
# you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
# you feel hopeless and helpless
# you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
# you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
# you are much more irritable and short-tempered than usual
# you have thoughts that life is not worth living

These are generally evident in people who feel depressed, and if you feel you possess these symptoms, then you're more than likely depressed

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Why do I feel depressed?
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It might not seen logical, but if you feel you are depressed you really need to ask yourself why this is so. Everyone has problems and issues in life, some small, some big. These can vary from current issues or issues from the past. Many people find it hard to let go of past issues such as childhood, be it family issues, being bullied, or anything of the sort. Childhood/upbringing affects people beyond some people's comprehension, since people find it hard to forget or let go, and let it control or shape their modern lifestyle. Believe me as I talk from experience, I don't want to go into details and I'm sure you don't want to know, but I had many problems growing up and I still find it hard to do certain things etc, but I've gotten over a lot of stuff and I'm sure you can too

People may have money issues and poverty, may be heartbroken, be unsure about the future, may have had a fight with a loved one or friend, or maybe there was a Death in the family. All of these and more similar subjects make people feel depressed or upset in life

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So, where do I start?
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So, imo, getting started and motivated is the biggest, hardest and most important step in getting over depression. People wallow and that's completely normal, and then get caught in the endless chain. Some people cling to self pity and view everything as pointless or bleak. The first thing is to acknowledge your sad or depressed and take heart in the fact that you want to get over it and know you can. Most help comes from yourself, but of course there are numerous resources to help. Personally, I used to spend a lot of time in bed, used to have bad eating habits, or NOT eating habits, you could say. Personal hygiene also played no real purpose in my life at that point too, and nothing really seemed to matter. If you feel that way, then I implore you to keep reading

There are numerous things you can do to help. There is an old saying I really like and it means something to me, and it's :

A problem shared is a problem halved

Talking about problems, airing them and getting them off you're chest is so important, I can't stress it enough. I know some people might be embarrassed or afraid to talk about it, but trust me, I guarantee you will feel better, if even a little, afterward. I had a mindset growing up that if I told anyone I was upset then it would upset them, and then I'd never be able to forgive myself. I thought this for a long part of my life, until I talked about it for the first time. I kind of felt like an idiot but believe me, you're far from an idiot for talking about it

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So, who can I tell?
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This seems to be a big issue with people, as they feel they have no one to talk to. Your parents are personally the best people to tell, but for some people they might not be close to their parents or their parents might be abusive, absent etc. Tell a sibling, relative, neighbour, friend, or even a nurse, doctor or figure of authority if you feel there is no one to talk to. School is also a great resource as it's an environment governed by adults and there are numerous resources and people to talk to in confidentiality. I know it sounds stupid, but you will not be judged and these people are here to help. There are free chatlines and services also if you feel like none of the above cater.

Talking about it to someone and asking for advice and guidance is so important. Why? Because it makes you feel better and gets you motivated to move on, and take another step towards beating your depression. Trust me. I know personal conditions such as financial situations, family problems and other social issues might make you feel like you're less than other people and you can't level with anyone else, but you can. You might think I'm just saying this bt I personally know from experience. You might think everyone is better than you and only giving you advice because they are happy in life and have better opportunities than you, and its easier for them to talk about it. But anyone can talk and air their troubles, and I recommend you take this as a first step

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Pseudo/Pathological sadness
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I don't know if this is the official term for it, but it's what I call it. Many people are products of their environment, and if they experience sadness or depression most every day, it wont stop there. Mentally people usually have self pity and sympathy addiction issues. People sit around all day making up problems for themselves, and making themselves feel worse. People will then start to believe their own lies or maybe even feel sad over things which don't exist or maybe are completely irrelevant to everyday life. There has to be perspective Imagine if everything in life was 100% amazing and wonderful, we'd be depressed over the stupidest things. Well, some people will stay in this mindset and continue to make the world bleak for themselves. My advice is to stop, and realise what matters/what's real, and what isn't

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GET OFF THE COMPUTER
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Honestly, regarding Pseudo and Pathological sadness, things like this are the main contributors. Ok, you're upset, it's not easy, I'll level with you. But some people, mainly today's generation, sit around all day gazing at a computer screen, and it's exactly here where fantasy unveils and imaginary problems are created, It's a never ending cycle that only makes you feel worse, less self dependent, and wastes your life away. My advice is to get off the computer, turn off the TV and get motivated. Honestly, it works wonders, it did for me. Take interest in the small things, and even the big things. Get cleaned/sobered up, get up early, make the bed, wash yourself, eat regular meals, GO OUT more, seriously, go outside more! Even for a walk, or maybe to kick some football around for ten minutes, DO IT! Getting active, if even like I said, going for a stroll is great as it gives you fresh air and gets you out of the house. Arrange to meet up with friends as much as possible, and spend time around loved ones. Listen to music, play music, write, the list is endless. There are so many activities that take such little effort and reap such amazing benefits, you wouldn't believe. Take the leap!

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Have more pride/self esteem
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This is a very important step and a very common issue with many people. Personally I have close to no self esteem, but I've been doing a lot better lately. If you constantly think you're not good enough, or put yourself down, ask yourself, do you honestly deserve to be any better off? You're as good as you think you are. So don't be afraid to speak your mind and have a little self esteem and pride, cause it will make doing bigger things a lot easier and make approaching life an honestly realistic task, because it is! So what if you get rejected or you mess up the first time? Perseverance is the key, if you give up the first time you'll never attain it. And this is again coming from experience

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Conclusion
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Ultimately, talking about your depression and getting motivated is the most important step. When you feel a little better and start to feel more optimistic, you start to take part in more things and soon start to feel better, and this continues. Personally you can achieve what you mgiht have seen as unachievable! It's all about self image and mentality

I don't know if anyone found this interesting or helpful, if you did please tell me. These are just my personal tips and theories on depression and getting help. My advice to people is to take the first step and try and get over your depression, as the biggest sin in this life is a wasted one, imho. If people have anything they want to add, or say, please let me know

Also, if anyone wants to contact me, feel free to, I'll always take time to listen and give my best advice. My contact details are in my profile



WaytotheDawn aka Eoin

 

Exactly