Advice About Depression

3 min readApr 20, 2021

Most of the time, we suffer from depression, and we often don’t know because we don’t believe in that in this part of the world (Nigeria, Africa). Unlike the Europeans who have access to different professional counselors and other facilities, even if we have here, how can a commoner in this part of the world afford or find the time to partake in this. We’re striving to make ends meet most of the time, and we often forget about our essential mental health.

This leads to this question:

What’s depression?

According to Valencia Higuera; Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with everyday activities. Depression affects the way you think, feel, behave, and also your physical health. It can also cause you to withdraw from social relationships, even from people you love. Research has shown that more women are affected by depression than men.

Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school, and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15–29-year-old. (According to WHO).

Symptoms of depression

We will be taking a look at some of the signs that shows you are depressed

Restlessness or irritability

Do you feel easily offended or annoyed at things or other people’s behavior? Or you’re unable to rest or get some sleep? Then you’re having signs of being depressed.

Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

Difficulty in thinking may occur due to over-stressing yourself. Then you start having issues focusing, getting your acts together, and making rash decisions.

Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness

Worthlessness can be described as a feeling of desperation and also distress. Individuals may feel worthless, insignificant, useless, or believe they have nothing valuable to offer the world. They are also unable to help themselves; they feel weak, dependent, and powerless.

Sad mood most of the day, nearly every day

Are you constantly feeling unhappy? Sorrowful? Dejected? Downcast? Awful? Miserable? Most day or every day. Then you’re having signs of depression.

Feelings of anxiety

You often feel worried, uneased, nervous, and uncertain about things either at work, school, or even life.

Thoughts of death or attempts at suicide

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s death. You start thinking about or planning suicide, expressing regret about being alive or ever born, talking about revenge, guilt, or shame.

Your thoughts can range from creating a detailed plan to having a fleeting consideration.

Causes of Depression

Significant causes of depression range from;

· Abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse often led to depression

· Genes: A family history of depression may increase the risk.

· Loss of Job/Unemployment

· Delay in marriage/Divorce

· Scandal/ failure in business

· death: sadness or grief after the death of a loved one

· Substance or drug misuse: Nearly 30% of people with substance misuse problems also have major or clinical depression. Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you feel better, they ultimately will aggravate depression.