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Depression is a mental illness and although it is not as transparent as a physical disability, it is still very real. Please note that these are only suggestions and should not be used as treatment.

Please seek professional help if you experience any symptoms that you think may be caused from depression.

The following are some possible symptoms of depression:

• loss of interest in things or events that you used to favor or were passionate about;
• loss of appetite, or increase in appetite;
• persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, loneliness;
• thoughts of suicide;
• irregular sleeping patterns (either insomnia or over-sleeping);
• loss of control over negative thoughts; and
• you are easily annoyed or disturbed or moody.

Maintain the normalcy in your daily life as best as you can

When one is depressed, it is easy to fall into a rut and the urge to crawl into bed is strong. If you force yourself to continue with your daily schedule, the structure actually helps you to keep in contact with the outside world. The schedule instills a sense of responsibility where you have an obligation to wake up and function to accomplish the tasks.

Keep in contact with family and friends

It is crucial to keep in contact with your loved ones. The interaction with people creates a feeling of intimacy and belonging. Usually, a person under depression feels isolated and disconnected, so a close circle of family and friends help to decrease the intense emptiness and loneliness one may feel.

Find a support group you feel comfortable in

A support group consists of individuals who are undergoing a similar situation, and are experiencing the myriad of emotions you may face. It is helpful to find other people who can relate to your condition, thus providing each other with moral support.

Find a counselor or psychologist

If the symptoms increase or are intense, you may find it necessary to seek professional help. A counselor or psychologist would understand depression and the various treatments available; the professional expert can determine the best kind of treatment.

Have hope that you will get through this

Despite the low feeling, it is crucial to maintain hope that you will get through this. As long as you maintain hope, you will envision a future that can be depression-free. It is this hope that will encourage you to persevere.

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Therapy and professional help can give you practical approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to shift your habitual negative thought tendencies.