By Maryam Umar Shehu
Symptoms of depression include, depressed or irritable mood, sleeping problems (sleeping too much or too little, sleeping mainly during the day), excessive guilt or unrealistic low self- image, significantly low energy or low self-care, change in appetite, agitation or several anxiety/ panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, plans or behaviour.
As a student you have a feeling of depression, what should you do? You can contact the school guidance and counselor and medical experts.
Apart from that you can employ the following coping skills: (acronym- MY PEERS).
Meaning: Find small ways to be of service to others.
Your Goals: Find workable goals that give you a sense of accomplishment. A goal is workable if it is something you can control (it does not depend on others).
Pleasant events: Schedule pleasant activities or events. Don’t wait for yourself to be in the mood, practice gratitude by observing what went well, not just what went wrong.
Engagement: Stay in the present. This practice is sometimes called mindfulness. As best as you can, during activities try not to be in your head with self judgment.
Exercise and eat right too: Doing moderate exercise about five times a week for a few minutes can dramatically help your mood. Also pay
attention to how the type of food or drink you are eating influences your mood.
Relationship: Focus on people who lift you up. Interact with people who bring you up not people that bring you down. Avoid isolating yourself for too long.
Sleep Regularly: Try to keep a regular sleep schedule. Keep a balance between too little and too much sleep. Also don’t try to solve problems late at night when your brain is half-asleep.
As you practice these coping skills know that you are on the path to overcoming depression. It may take time and practice but if you don’t take the time to be well now, the force upon you is late.
Maryam is of Premier Pace Setters Schools, Daura, Katsina state.
