A Global Crisis
Depression is More Common Than You Think
At any given time, 1 in 15 people struggle with depression. Moreover, 1 in 6 people will experience a major depressive episode at some time in their life. Research has shown that, as of 2018, almost 300 million across the globe are impacted by depression.
Physical Impact
Common physical symptoms that people experience include change in appetite and sleeping patterns, lowered sex drive, along with feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
Emotional Impact
Depression can make it hard for people to regulate their emotions. They may feel sad, unhappy, helpless, lonely, anxious, angry or even guilty for no apparent reason.
Cognitive Impact
Depression affects the way people think - which in turn makes them feel worse. Pessimistic thoughts, low self-esteem and exaggerated negative thinking are commonly seen.
Social Impact
Social interaction can be effortful, leading people to isolate themselves. Such withdrawal is hard to detect - to others, those who are struggling might seem happy and content.
What Causes Depression?
Biological Factors
Depression often runs in families; certain genes increase the chances of a person developing depression in the future. The condition can also be caused due to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain or hormonal fluctuations.
Psychological Factors
Studies show that depression is more common in individuals who are prone to easily feeling stressed. Those who tend to overthink or who blame themselves even for small things are also at risk for experiencing depression.
Environmental Factors
A stressful environment or a traumatic event - such as a loss of a loved one or a pattern of abuse - can lead to depression. Having a hostile environment during early childhood increases the chances that one will develop depression later.
Strategies to Treat Depression
Activity Scheduling
Dedicating time to engage in two types of activities - enjoyable and challenging - can uplift one's mood and also maintain healthy energy levels.
Problem Solving
Problem solving skills can give one a sense of control to face and overcome challenges. This way, they can also combat feelings of helplessness.
Thought Work
By identifying negative thoughts, taking action to quash them and learning more positive ways of thinking can help one recover from depression.
Positive Affirmations
Practising affirmations can help one inculcate a sense of compassion. It can also boost self-worth and can drive people to take steps to feel better.
Physical Activity
Exercise is one of the most potent strategies in overcoming depression - regular exercise releases endorphins in your body that make you feel good.
Gratitude Techniques
Creating a habit to express gratitude can not only shift focus away from negative thoughts and emotions, but can also produce positive emotions.
How InnerHour Can Help
The depression programme in the InnerHour app offers a wide variety of tools and content to support individuals to feel better.
Based on a quick assessment, we create a personalised plan with activities that teach critical skills to combat depression.
Through goal setting and tracking, we enable individuals to form healthy habits and create lasting change in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
With our articles, quick tips, and quotes, we strive to keep individuals educated, aware, and motivated on their journey to lead a happier life.
What our users say
I love Innerhour! Using it to improve my emotional state is really easy -- it's pretty much a non-awkward counselor!
InnerHour User30/10/2018
I like it b/c it's not pushy but it makes me come back to the app on my own which makes me feel proud of myself
Sacaria McConaga01/11/2018
I love it already and I only used for one hour. It's good for people that feel really down and are depressive.
thesweetlittledoll01/12/2018
It really helps someone that struggles with anxiety or depression
A Google User30/11/2018
It's a really friendly and easy to use App, but most importantly it contains a lot of useful information that can help you cope with sadness or depression in a healthy way. It also makes you feel that being sad or depressed is nothing to be ashamed for.
A Google User26/11/2018
Best help for stress and depression. Felt better in one day :)
Cheyenne Lawson15/11/2018
It makes me feel happy when I'm sad and it really has helped me with my anger issues.. it's a great app.
A Google User14/11/2018
best app ever! It's actually helping me with stress and depression
Charizard X Gaming Livestreams22/01/2019
Say Goodbye to Depression
Depression can be treated, and we are here to support you in your fight against it. Take your first step today.
References
Cascio, C. N., O'Donnell, M. B., Tinney, F. J., Lieberman, M. D., Taylor, S. E., Strecher, V. J., & Falk, E. B. (2015). Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Social cognitive and affective neuroscience, 11(4), 621–629. doi:10.1093/scan/nsv136
Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/#i1523-5998-6-3-104-b17
Davidson, J. R. T., & Meltzer-Brody, S. E. (1999). The underrecognition and undertreatment of depression: What is the breadth and depth of the problem? The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(Suppl 7), 4-9.
Kuyken, W. (2016, June 01). Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2517515
Nesse RM. Is Depression an Adaptation? Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2000;57(1):14–20. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.57.1.14
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