Self-Help Guide: Depression During Difficult Times

By Francis Zeppieri

As the corona virus pandemic has proven to us, life can change quickly and unpredictably. And many times, bottling up how we feel, trying to put on a brave face, or forcing ourselves to be positive feels like a saving grace, but it's actually not. Denying or suppressing our emotions will only increase stress and make us more vulnerable to depression.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zeppieri Francis
• Release date: Mar 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201494834

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By Francis ZEPPIERI

Copyright 2021—All rights reserved.

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Please note that the information contained within this document is for educational and entertainment purposes only. All efforts have been made to present accurate, up-to-date, reliable, and complete information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaged in the rendering of legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. The content within this book has been derived from various sources. Please consult a licensed professional before attempting any of the techniques outlined in this book.

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

What is depression?

Understanding the types of depression and their causes

How does depression affect different people differently (men, women, children, teenagers, older adults)?

MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19-HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MILLIONS OF LIVES

Self-Care Measures to Deal With Depression During A Lockdown

MEDITATION: A TOOL TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION

INTRODUCTION

Several people who have been affected by a pandemic are psychologically traumatized. A pandemic could go a long way in affecting the mental health of people. For example, the 1918 influenza outbreak killed 50 million people globally. They left many of those who survived with mental scars. And now the psychological impact of a pandemic in the modern world is still very significant. People become more restless when someone constantly bombards them with news from the media, and therefore, they become more The news feels overwhelming. Despite the efforts of health specialists, the world feels like a giant hospital. The worry, uncertainty, and sadness that surround the situation could be a trigger for depression in many individuals. One’s emotional and mental well-being is at a high risk of deteriorating. The COVID-19 pandemic lends credence to the fact that unexpected change can happen.

As the coronavirus pandemic has proven to us, life can change quickly and unpredictably. And many times, bottling up how we feel, trying to put on a brave face, or forcing ourselves to be positive feels like a saving grace, but it’s actually not. If we ignore or hide our feelings, it will only make us more stressed and more likely to get depressed.

Humans are social. We designed both the bodies and minds to be interactive and be in association. I don't mean for us to live alone. It is natural and inherent to want to engage with others, share our feelings and experiences with them, and allow them to be a part of our personal lives. Even introverts do not live all by themselves. The pituitary gland also releases oxytocin, which makes us happy and calm when we are together with our loved ones. Forlornness and disengagement can cause depression and uneasiness, as well as affect our overall wellbeing. While physical distancing is required to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, social isolation can distort mental health and increase the chances of developing depression.

Depression is a very common mental health problem that can affect anyone. But it rages more during a time such as a pandemic era. Despite the fact that it is not communicable, it is quite prevalent. Some of us are depressed. Many of us know someone who is. To prevent or treat depression, especially during a pandemic or post-pandemic, you have to get an accurate and thorough understanding of what depression is and the depression it causes. This way, you get to know which category you, or anyone close to you, falls into. Hence the need for this book. I have experienced depression firsthand, and I’ve tried many things until I discovered what works. In subsequent chapters, we shall focus on getting the right understanding of what to do to suppress depression to lead a healthy and happy life.

This book explores the true meaning of depression. It covers all the feelings embedded in different depressions. It exposes readers to the fact that the effects of depression vary in different individuals. Readers also get to learn how to care for themselves to ease depression during a pandemic, a time when there’s a limit to access to mental health facilities. Meditation, which is quite a powerful instrument in alleviating depression, also comes as a study case in this book. You know that the very first step to overcoming depression is to learn all you can about it.

What is depression?

Depression does not mean being unhappy or frustrated. However, these feelings can be part of depression. Depression can last for a long time and can make you feel no interest in doing things that you usually enjoy. It can stop you from sleeping well and eating properly and leave you feeling tired all the time. These symptoms are called depressive episodes. If left untreated, depression can become damaging, so it’s not advisable to ignore the symptoms and hope they will disappear.

It is a mood disorder that can negatively affect the possibility of enjoying life and cause pain for both you and those around you. Depression affects the way you think, speak, feel, and act. It causes feelings of sadness and low self-esteem. Although depressed mood can be a sign of psychiatric disorders such as major depression, it could also be a normal response to life events like grief or the