This post is about are depression attacks a thing.
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Are depression attacks real? In this blog post, you will learn what these attacks feel like and what symptoms to look for.
I have had double depression and suffered from this debilitating condition. It was scary especially when sometimes the symptoms got worse and depression attacks happened out of nowhere.
Keep reading to learn what worked for me and how I survived depression to become a healthy mum and wife, thriving and loving life.
Are Depression Attacks A Thing
1. What are Depression Attacks?
Intense episodes of profound sadness, hopelessness, and despair, referred to as bouts of overwhelming emotional distress, can arise unexpectedly and disrupt your well-being, leaving you feeling frightened and overwhelmed.
“When depression strikes, doctors usually probe what’s going on in the mind and brain first. But it’s also important to check what’s going on in the body, since some medical problems are linked to mood disturbances.”
Harvard Health Publishing
The challenges individuals face when coping with these sudden and intense episodes of sadness and hopelessness can be so rough.
Here are 5 tips to remember about depression attacks:
- Depression attacks are not like chronic depression because they are short but have a big effect.
- Unlike long-lasting ongoing sadness, sudden episodes of feeling really down can catch people by surprise, appearing out of the blue.
- People find it hard to know when depression attacks will happen or get ready for them.
- During episodes of intense emotional distress, you can experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and being down. These feelings can be incredibly strong.
- Coping with depression attacks requires special ways to deal with sudden and strong feelings.
2. Possible Causes of Depression Attack
Triggers: Certain events or circumstances, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, financial stress, or significant life changes, can trigger depression attacks.
For example, I was in a fatal car accident many years ago. Still to this day, if I drive past the area where the car accident occurred, I will be triggered, causing intense emotions that can lead to bouts of depression.
Managing the factors that set off intense emotional experiences can be approached by learning these effective strategies to cope with triggers:
- Knowing what triggers depression attacks can help manage and prevent future episodes.
- Imbalances in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, can also cause depression attacks.
- These chemicals are important for controlling mood, and when their levels get disrupted, it can lead to sudden feelings of depression.
To learn more about triggers and depression attacks go here.
3. Coping Strategies for Depression Attacks
Seek Help:
The best thing you can do to get better from depression is to seek help from a licensed therapist. They are professionals at helping you understand what causes your depression, what you can do to survive it and how to get better, quickly.
- If you experience episodes of persistent sadness, it is crucial to seek support from a mental health expert who can assist in understanding your situation and developing a personalised plan to address it.
- They might suggest different things like talking therapy called cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medicine, or a combination of both to help you feel better.
- Seeing a mental health professional is really important to find the best way to deal with your depression attacks. To chat with an online therapist go here.
Build a Support System:
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mental health communities.
Sharing your experiences and feelings with trusted individuals can provide emotional support during challenging times.
Practice Self-Care:
Participating in activities that encourage self-care and relaxation can help prevent sudden episodes of feeling down from happening.
This can include practising mindfulness or meditation, enjoying regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and making sure you are getting enough sleep.
Develop Coping Mechanisms:
Discover effective strategies to manage challenging moments of sadness by recognising the coping mechanisms you employ.
While unhelpful responses such as excessive drinking, overeating, or excessive TV watching may arise, consider embracing more constructive approaches like journaling, practising deep breathing exercises, immersing yourself in beloved hobbies, or indulging in soothing music.
Engage Support Groups
Support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into managing your mental health effectively.
According to Healthline, the 6 Best Online Support Groups for Depression can be found here.
Final Thoughts:
While depression attacks can be overwhelming and challenging, it is important to remember that help and support are available.
By seeking professional assistance, building a support system, practising self-care, and developing coping mechanisms, individuals can better manage and navigate through these sudden episodes of depression.
Remember, you are not alone in your journey, and with the right resources and strategies, it is possible to overcome and thrive.
This post was about are depression attacks a thing.