WELLBEING: How to deal with depression

Depression is a situation when one feels sad, unhappy and miserable. Most of us get this feeling for a short time. However there are people who may suffer persistent depression which may require some medical intervation.These people may experience clinical depression, where feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration interfere in everyday life for weeks or longer. Depression may be caused by chemical changes in the brains or certain stressful events or a combination of both factors. Some of the causes include alcohol or drug abuse, sleeping disorders, stressful events like the death of someone close, divorce, childhood abuse and social isolation, especially in the case of elderly people.According to various counselors, a lot of the depression women incurred after the Genocide was rooted mainly in the loss of their families and property while others got it from the things that they did during the GenocideWomen suffering from depression often feel agitated and restless, have very low concentration, lack energy, feel helpless and suffer self-hatred and guilt. Other people become withdrawn and feel isolated, get sleeping problems and often get a change in appetite, leading to drastic weight gain or loss. Depression can be dealt with by using anti-depressant medications and/or counseling. Counselors can help people fight negative thoughts and become more aware of your symptoms. This helps one understand the issues that are behind their feelings and thoughts. You can help people suffering depression by always being there for them, listening and talking to them, engaging them in group activities to help them not think too much about their problems, encouraging them to exercise, eat healthy and seek activities that bring them pleasure.