This personal story provides insights and practical advice for managing depression, written by Wolfgang Wolf, a specialist with firsthand experience of navigating life after a stroke. Drawing on years of counselling individuals with disabilities and their families, Wolf explores the challenges of depression – its subtle onset, its debilitating effects, and the societal stigma surrounding it.
By shedding light on the symptoms, offering actionable steps, and emphasising the importance of professional support, the article aims to empower readers to regain control of their lives and prioritise mental wellbeing.
Read: How Aphasia Affects Speech And Communication
After my first stroke, I studied again. I specialise in counselling people with disabilities and their families. Even though I met people with a variety of disabilities, there was one issue that came up again and again – depression.
There are many different reasons why people experience depression, and it is not known exactly how many people suffer from it. The fact is, too many. The exact figure may never be known because people dislike talking about it or are simply ashamed.
Even though the last few years have seen a wider acceptance of mental health issues, there are still many people who feel uncomfortable talking about it. Also, more services are available in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.
Above are the readership results of an article in a single publication. As can be seen, in the first 14 days, approximately 30 to 40 people visited the site daily. Then, the article about depression was published, and it was read by 375 people.
How do you know if you have depression?
It’s not a matter of only feeling a bit blue, but depression can be quite debilitating. Many of those symptoms can go either way or differ in severity. I want to list a few here:
- The absence of everything positive
- Feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness and self-loathing
- Thinking everyone hates you
- Change in sleeping patterns (too much or not enough sleep/insomnia)
- No energy and feeling tired all the time
- Change in eating habits (over-eating, comfort eating, not enough/regular eating or loss of appetite)
- Feeling helpless, irritable or guilty with no hope of ever getting out of it
- Isolating yourself rather than being with others and pursuing a social life but, at the same time, feeling lonely
- Self-harm or even thoughts about suicide
All these symptoms seem obvious when you see them written down. But in reality, they might be difficult to spot.
Firstly, your perception might actually be far from reality. Remember, it is subjective.
Secondly, if you are indeed depressed, it’s likely that “Depression” gives you a justification for just about anything. It is very difficult for a depressed person to be objective.
Thirdly, some of the symptoms, like fatigue, occur in the aftermath of illness or treatment and might, therefore, be mistaken for “normal” after-effects accompanying a stroke or several other medical conditions.
Also, the onset of depression can be so subtle that it is difficult to notice. There is a lot of frustration around that sometimes can be controlled but also easily lets you slip into darkness.
Ask a good friend or family member. But be careful whom you talk to. Remember, you need objective feedback, not blame.
Practical steps and professional guidance for managing depression
Here are a few steps that may help you to keep your life uncomplicated and stop the dark clouds from gathering above you.
- Put purpose in your life – This might mean finding a hobby or some kind of work, even if it’s voluntary.
- Make an effort to get out of bed and make the bed as soon as you get up and take a shower
- Getting into a routine helps you start the day
- Don’t feel guilty about your condition
- Ask for help – People like to help and you are not a burden on anyone
- Eat healthier and regularly – Make it a routine and don’t over-eat or have snacks
- Keep a journal – Make a list of your plans/goals and keep track of your success
- Sleep if you’re tired and get up if you can’t sleep
- Most importantly, look after yourself – Other sufferers said that self-care is vital in the management of depression
All this is only part of what you can do to fend off depression and gain control of your life. However, if it takes over your life, you should talk to a health professional.
Some people need drugs to get better. Others talk therapy. Others are a combination of both. In serious cases, your doctor might even consider Electro Convulsive Therapy (ETC), and I’m told it’s not as bad today as it was when portrayed by Jack Nicolson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
To find out more and get further support on depression and other conditions, visit The Stroke Mentor and Computers Against Isolation.
You can also find out more about Wolfgang Wolf by visiting his website.