Depression is very common in today's world. It is more than simply feeling unhappy. Often, the symptoms are so severe that they affect most areas of your life, particularly your social relationships, work, finances, health and so on. It impacts your friends and family, and anyone close to you. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms. It isn’t something you can just snap out of by pulling yourself together. Not a good night sleep, a funny joke, or a hug can get you out of depression easily once you’ve gotten it.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is common among people with depression as they may ‘self-medicate’ to feel better. Sometimes though, the main disorder is substance abuse and depression just follows. However, there’s great evidence that substance use only worsens depression. 

Problems at Work and School

Depression makes it hard for a person to stay productive and deal with work issues. It can also cause sleeping problems, particularly insomnia. And if you can’t sleep, you will feel sluggish the next day. If you are having depression, it is important that you inform your boss about your condition. Pressure at work could make things worse for you.

Severe Loneliness

When you’re dealing with depression, the things you used to enjoy before don’t feel enjoyable anymore. There’s basically this general loss of interest in life. You’re likely to turn down invites from friends and family, and choose to sit at home and isolate yourself in the room. When there’s loneliness, there’s often hopelessness. You may feel helpless and deserted. And the feeling that ‘you are alone’ gets more intense. Social support makes a very good addition to the standard treatments for depression because it helps ward of loneliness.

Thoughts of Self-harm and Suicide

People with depression may feel like there’s a dark cloud hanging over their head. You may feel like there’s ‘no way out’ of this black hole and the only way to end the suffering is to stop breathing. At first, you may think of harming yourself, up to the point of committing suicide. It is important to discuss with your doctor or therapist on what to do when self-harm thoughts occur.  

Family Issues

Letting your family and friends know that you have a depression is crucial to the success of your treatment and recovery. If you are a relative or friend of a person dealing with this mental illness, it is also important that you also learn about it. Consider reading books about depression, or asking a health professional about it.

Relationship Problems

Major depression can affect your relationship with your partner, who may start asking what’s wrong and might blame himself/herself for your behaviour. You may also experience loss of sex drive, which fuel more relationship issues. 

Whilst depression can really be tormenting and all, you can overcome it. Many people with major depression benefit from making lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol and eating more healthily. Meanwhile, self-help measures such as joining a support group are also worthwhile. Most importantly, seeking help from a professional therapist is essential to overcoming depression.