Depressive Disorders

Losing a loved one, getting fired from a job, going through a divorce, and other difficult situations can lead a person to feel sad, lonely and scared. These feelings are normal reactions to life's stressors. Most people feel low and sad at times. However, in those who suffer from depression as a clinical disorder, the manifestations of the low mood are much more severe and they tend to persist.

There are some differences in the manner in which the depressed mood manifests. In men it manifests often as tiredness, irritability and anger. They may show more reckless behavior and abuse drugs and alcohol. They also tend to not recognize that they are depressed and fail to seek help. In women depression tends to manifest as sadness, worthlessness, and guilt. In younger children depression is more likely to manifest as school refusal, anxiety when separated from parents, and worry about parents dying. Depressed teenagers tend to be irritable, sulky, and get into trouble in school. They also frequently have co-morbid anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse. In older adults depression may manifest more subtly as they tend to be less likely to admit to feelings of sadness or grief ( Source: Anxiety and Depression Association of America).

Therefore, be sure to check in with your loved ones frequently. Simple questions like how is your day, how are you feeling today (and actually listen to the answers 😌), could make a difference. Be aware of changes of mannerism or behavior of your loved ones, and just try to reach out every now and then. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I don’t think it stops when you grow up. We still need our ‘village’ to look after each other 😉.

Hope you get to tell your ‘village’ how much you care for them this thanksgiving week 😊🙏🏽.