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| Here’s
how to undo depression |
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Do
you feel really sad, tired and worried most of
the time? Do these feelings last more than several
days? If your answer to these questions is “yes”,
you may have depression.
Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behaviour
and physical health.
Sometimes a stressful life event like the loss of a job, loss of a loved
one, chronic illness or disability triggers depression. At other times,
depression seems to occur spontaneously, with no identifiable specific
cause.
Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression at any
given point in time. Those who seem most likely to experience depression
are married women, women in poverty, adolescents and unmarried men.
When depressed, you may have: |
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feelings
of sadness and cry a lot |
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feelings
of worthlessness |
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feelings
of anxiety and irritation |
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feelings
of tiredness and simple tasks seem difficult |
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recurring
thoughts of death and suicide |
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difficulty
in sleeping or you sleep too much |
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loss
of appetite or you may overeat |
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poor
concentration |
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little
or no interest and enjoyment in life |
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many
physical complaints and worry about having
an illness |
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If
you have five or more of the above symptoms for
more than two weeks, you are likely to be suffering
from depression.
However, keep in mind that depression
is treatable. Do not suffer in silence.
Often, counselling and support from family and friends will give you the
courage you need to overcome depression. Medications available are generally
safe and effective, even for those with the most severe depression.
With proper treatment, most people with serious depression often improve
within weeks and can return to their normal daily activities. So do not
hesitate to see your doctor early.
You can also actively manage your depression by: |
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keeping
your body healthy - exercise and stick to
a healthy diet |
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getting
enough sleep |
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making
time for leisure and relaxation |
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being
realistic about yourself |
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planning
your time well |
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making
friends |
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spreading
out the major events in your life, e.g. changing
jobs, moving home |
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sharing
your problems with a friend or relative |
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dealing
constructively with negative feelings |
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building
a happy family |
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being
positive |
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| For
more information, call: |
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Counselling
and Care Centre at 6536
6366 |
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Care Corner (Mandarin)
at 1800 353 5800 |
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Samaritans
of Singapore (24-hour
hotline) at 1800 221
4444 |
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Singapore Association
for Mental Health (SAMH)
at 1800 283 7019 |
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Website
http://www.hpb.gov.sg
http://www.healthylife.org.sg |
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“The
foolish man seeks happiness in the
distance, the wise grows it under
his feet.”
James Oppenheim
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