Peek on Both Sides of the Wall of Depression

Each year, over 9% of Americans suffer from depression. No matter how mild it may seem, depression may lead to serious illnesses and even death. People who are depressed collectively spend about 30 billion dollars in a year to cure depression. rnThe death of a loved one, stress, relationship problems, and unexpected circumstances are just some of the most common causes of depression. Although it can be cured, the fact remains that depression hurts not only the individual concerned, but that person's family and friends as well. A man in a deserted island rnAlone and lonely are how most people who suffer from depression feel. Although supportive loved ones may surround him, he often isolates himself from the rest, thinking that nobody understands him. rnA depressed person may have difficulty sleeping, often waking up feeling tired. His lack of sleep affects his ability to think clearly and to make sound decisions. Depression also causes him to lose interest in activities, be less productive at work, and to withdraw himself from the society. rnDepression causes a person to lose appetite or even to eat more, which may lead to chronic fatigue, and more illnesses like diabetes, ulcer, and even heart diseases. In extreme cases, people who are depressed resort to suicide. It has been reported that 30 to 70% of suicide cases was caused by depression. rnIgnored rescuers rnThe friends and loved ones of a depressed person often feel helpless. They try so hard to reach out and help to no avail. Because a person suffering from depression builds a wall around him, his loved ones find it very difficult to break or even to just climb that wall. rnThere are instances when a depressed person may unintentionally say angry words, which causes his loved ones to feel hurt and more rejected. It is especially difficult for a family to witness a member suffering emotionally which manifests physically. rnIt may be a burden but the best that a depressed person's friends and family can do is to seek help for him, and to be patient with him. rnA healthy lifestyle to prevent depression rnA mind that is subjected to stress is more susceptible to depression. Nutrition deficiency disables the mind to handle stress well. rnFor example, a deficiency in thiamin (vitamin B1) causes a person to easily get tired and to lack energy. Thiamin converts glucose into energy and this serves as our fuel to endure and accomplish our daily tasks. Insufficiency in minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium are also associated with apprehension, mood swings and fatigue. Exercise is also a good way to prevent depression. Activities help our blood transport oxygen to our brain so our body can function well. rnRight amount of exposure to sunlight balances our natural body rhythm. This increases our serotonin level or "happy" level which influences a person's overall mood. rnEating the right kind of food affects our body functions, too. A diet rich in sugar, combined with a lack in thiamin intake results to increased exhaustion, which may lead to depression. rnIt is good news that depression can be cured, but it can also be prevented by just a fraction of a cost to cure it. Keeping our body healthy is our responsibility to ourselves and to those around us as well.