Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses that people suffer from. It causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.
Coping with depression is a journey that may take years of treatment and therapy. In this article, we will focus on the journey of Zeta Makripoulia as she spent seven years in treatment for her depression.
Who is Zeta Makripoulia?
Zeta Makripoulia is a Greek actress, model, and singer born on September 23, 1978, in Athens, Greece.
She began her career in the entertainment industry in the early 2000s and became a household name across Greece through her work in television shows, films, and music. However, her career faced significant obstacles, including her battle with depression.
Zeta Makripoulia’s Battle with Depression
Zeta Makripoulia’s battle with depression began in the early years of her career. She explains that she became depressed due to the industry’s pressures, competition, and her personal relationships.
She was prescribed antidepressant medication and began therapy.
However, her depression did not improve, and she experienced suicidal ideation. She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for her safety and began a more intense therapy regimen, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis.
The Seven-Year Treatment Journey
Zeta Makripoulia spent seven years in treatment for her depression. It was a difficult journey that required patience, perseverance, and courage. Her treatment involved various therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people identify negative patterns of behavior and thinking and replace them with positive ones.
Zeta Makripoulia underwent CBT to address her negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contributed to her depression.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on understanding a person’s unconscious mind and how it influences their behavior.
Zeta Makripoulia underwent psychoanalysis to explore her past experiences and traumas that may have contributed to her depression.
Group Therapy
Group therapy involves a group of people led by a therapist who work through their mental health issues together. Zeta Makripoulia underwent group therapy, which helped her understand that she was not alone in her struggles with depression.
Medications
Antidepressant medication is the most common type of medication used to treat depression. Zeta Makripoulia was prescribed antidepressant medication, which helped her manage her symptoms and improve her overall mood.
Lifestyle Changes
Depression is often associated with a lack of motivation and lack of interest in activities. Zeta Makripoulia made lifestyle changes that helped her improve her physical and mental health.
She started exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and practicing mindfulness meditation.
Zeta Makripoulia’s Coping Strategies
Zeta Makripoulia learned various coping strategies to manage her depression and prevent relapse. These strategies helped her maintain her mental health and improve her quality of life. Here are some of the coping strategies she learned:.
1. Self-Care
Self-care is crucial to maintaining good mental health. Zeta Makripoulia learned to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
2. Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a technique that involves focusing on the present moment and acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts and feelings. Zeta Makripoulia practiced mindfulness meditation to help her manage her anxiety and stress.
3. Seeking Support
Zeta Makripoulia learned to seek support from her friends and family when she felt overwhelmed by her depression. She also continued therapy to help her manage her symptoms.
4. Gratitude
Gratitude is another coping strategy that Zeta Makripoulia learned to practice. She learned to focus on the positive aspects of her life and be grateful for them, which helped her maintain a positive outlook.
Conclusion
Zeta Makripoulia’s journey with depression has been a long and difficult one.
However, through her seven-year treatment journey, Zeta Makripoulia learned various coping strategies, therapies, and lifestyle changes that helped her manage her depression. Coping with depression is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and courage. But with the right support and strategies, it is possible to improve your mental health and live a fulfilling life.