One of the most prevalent mental disorders in the United States is depression. In fact, it ranked as the leading cause of disability in the world. Sadly, depression affects the person experiencing it and the family members and friends who surround them. Because of this, you should look out for the possible causes and risk factors of depression before you employ the aid of a depression helpline.
Potential Causes of Depression
There's a wide range of possibilities that can lead to depression. Some of the most common causes include:
Major life events (e.g., divorce, loss of a loved one, unemployment, car accidents)
Emotional and physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Medical illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, infections, and chronic pain
Medications
Substance abuse
Lack of social support
Separation or loneliness
Lack of sleep
Unhealthy diet
Poor self-esteem
Other mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder or schizophrenia)
These situations can be highly stressful, and encountering them can make a person feel helpless and isolated. If a person has a predisposition to developing depression, these events can trigger the illness.
The Signs of Depression
There are a variety of factors that can indicate depression:
Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
Daily sadness
Eating too little or too much
Feeling worthless
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Loss of interest in sex
Loss of interest in hobbies
Physical aches and pains
Social isolation
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Thoughts of suicide
If you notice these symptoms or have experienced specific causes of depression, please do not hesitate to reach out to a depression helpline. Seeking therapy as soon as possible is essential because your mental health can significantly improve after undergoing treatment.
What to Do If a Loved One Has Depression
It can be seriously overwhelming if you find out your loved one is diagnosed with depression. After all, you want to be supportive and encouraging, but it's not that easy when you struggle to understand the condition. Thankfully, you can do a couple of things to help them and yourself cope with the disorder.
1 - Set an Open and Honest Environment
Tell your loved one that it's okay to talk about their depression. The more they talk about it, the more they'll feel comfortable. In addition, you can talk about the cause of their depression and how the depression helpline is there for them.
2 - Encourage Them to Talk About Their Symptoms
Opening up is challenging, especially if it's something that makes you uncomfortable. You don't have to delve into the actions of their condition. Just let them know you're there to listen and help to the best of your ability.
3 - Take Note of Warning Signs
Some symptoms of depression include a feeling of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, and emotional emptiness. You must act fast if you spot these symptoms in a loved one. Call the depression helpline for immediate help.
Final Thoughts
Depression is not easy to spot on yourself or someone else. However, the help is readily available if you know where to look. So if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, don't hesitate to reach out to the depression helpline. They are here to help you or your loved one with the treatment and support you need.
Hope Seed Support Center is an organization that provides a high-quality depression helpline to those experiencing depression and other mental health issues. Contact us today for more information.
