Tips to cope with chronic depression in daily life

Depression is one of the most common disabilities worldwide affecting 1 in 20 people but what is meant to happen in depression there is no magic test to diagnose depression which makes it a clinical diagnosis, It gets diagnosed with signs and symptoms that are present in the client. To help and understand depression, it’s useful to think of our moods always being somewhere along a spectrum with mania being at the top and major depression at the bottom. Mood can be defined as someone's emotional state at a particular point in time, it’s normal for our mood to fluctuate but doesn’t often reach the extreme ends of the spectrum. An individual who live with depression will experience their mood reaching the extreme low ends. These episodes can be severe and last for prolonged periods.

When someone experiences moods at both ends of the spectrum this is known as Bipolar Symptoms to diagnose depression are defined by the ICD as being core symptoms and associative symptoms.

Core Symptoms of Chronic Depression Includes:

• Low Mood
• Anhedonia which means it’s difficult to experience pleasure from things
• Low energy

Associated Symptoms:

• Sleep Disturbance typically presents in early morning waking.
• Appetite changes can be either eating excessively or not having a desire to eat which can result in
• Weight change
• Loss of libido
• Suicidality

Mild Depression is when having two core and two associated symptoms.

Moderate Depression has two core symptoms and three associated symptoms.

Severe Depression is having all three core symptoms and four or more associated symptoms.

When someone experiences this, it is known as clinically as a depressive episode and multiple episodes are referred to as having recurrent depressive episodes. Depression can be manageable and should focus on biological, psychological, and social therapies.

• Biological management focuses on medication given by a psychiatrist.
• Psychological management focuses on talking to the clinical psychologist or mental health professional for depression this can be done by using CBT where the focus is on controlling the mind and changing thought processes.
• Social support can be varied but may include supporting someone in engaging with social activities and exercise or working for a voluntary service.

Tips to cope with Depression:

Coping with chronic depression can be challenging but some strategies can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Here are they -

• Seek professional help
• Build a support network
• Establish a Routine
• Stay active
• Set realistic goals
• Practice relaxation Technique
• Identify triggers that limit stress
• Challenge negative thoughts use cognitive restructuring and replace them with positive and realistic ones.
• Engage in an activity you enjoy
• Educate yourself
• Monitor your progress

Other than these highly efficient techniques if you feel that you require more efficient support then consider Mpower the centre near you. Mpower works as a holistic mental health care provider in India. They have highly qualified and experienced mental health professionals to treat your chronic depression completely.