Hi there,
I’m here to let you know something.
Don’t pick at your differences,
they’re what makes you you.
You’re never going to look like someone else
but you don’t need to.
There’s something I learnt that might help,
a rose and a sunset are nothing alike,
but they’re both undeniably beautiful in their own way.
You’re beautiful,
and the person you’re comparing yourself to is too.
You have features that other people would die for.
If you don’t have someone already to tell you,
I think you look perfect the way you are
and I’d never change a single thing about you.
Animation: Karen
#shorts
How to Overcome Depression
Depression is a serious health condition that affects how you feel, think and act. It’s different from the normal mood changes we all have from time to time, and if left untreated can lead to feelings of extreme despair and a loss of interest or pleasure in everything. It can also cause problems at home and work, and make you more vulnerable to illness. It’s more common in women than men, but everyone can get it.
Many things can trigger depression. It’s often a reaction to an upsetting event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or losing your job. But it can also happen if you have been feeling down for a long time. And it can be made worse if you isolate yourself from friends and family, drink too much or try to cope with stress by taking drugs or other chemicals.
If your symptoms are severe, talk to your GP or healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will do a full examination, ask about your past health and family history and check for other causes of your problem, such as a thyroid condition or vitamin deficiency (reversing these would alleviate the depression-like symptoms).
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication. Your GP will suggest the best course of action for you, based on your particular situation. They may recommend psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”), either individually or in a group, and can refer you to specialist services if necessary.
Talking therapies can help people of all ages and backgrounds overcome depression, and there are different types of therapy available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy. These are generally delivered by a trained psychologist, a psychiatrist or a clinical nurse specialist. They may also prescribe antidepressants, which belong to a broad category of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
These medications work in different ways, but they all increase the amount of certain chemical messengers in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass signals between nerve cells. It’s important to know that one antidepressant doesn’t work for all people, as the way our bodies and brains work is individual and complex. You may need to try several before you find the right one for you.
Symptoms of depression can be hard to recognise and explain to others. You might find that your GP or mental health care professional is unfamiliar with the condition, so it’s worth asking for references from friends and family before making an appointment. You can also seek out support groups and charities that offer advice, education and guidance for people with depression.
Getting enough regular exercise, sleeping well and eating a healthy diet can all help to lift your mood. Keeping in contact with family and friends is very important, too, as is finding a therapist that you click with. Word of mouth and referrals from colleagues are common, but you could also look for a therapist through national mental health organizations or your local senior center or religious group. They often have referral lists of licensed credentialed providers and can provide help on a sliding scale for payment.
