How to Recognize and Treat Depression
Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It can be described as feelings of sorrow, loss, or anger that interfere with the daily activities of an individual. Significant life events may cause depression, such as sadness or job loss. However, feelings of pain are only considered by doctors to be part of depression if they persist. Depression is an ongoing problem, not a temporary one. It comprises episodes lasting at least 2 weeks during which symptoms last. For weeks, months, or years depression may last.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, each with distinct characteristics:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) : Characterized by severe, persistent symptoms that impact daily functioning.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) : A long-term form of depression with less severe symptoms that last for at least two years.
- Bipolar Disorder : Includes episodes of depression and mania or hypomania.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) : Depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during the winter months.
- Postpartum Depression : Occurs in new mothers after childbirth, involving severe mood swings and fatigue.
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Causes of Depression
- Abuse: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.
- Family history: You are at an increased risk of developing depression if you have a family history of depression or another mood disorder.
- Early childhood trauma: The way your body responds to anxiety and stressful circumstances influenced by certain incidents that happened in childhood.
- Brain structure: The risk of depression is higher if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active. However, scientists do not know whether this occurs before or after the onset of depression signs.
- Certain medications: Certain drugs can raise your risk of depression such as isotretinoin, the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids.
- Conflict: Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression can result from personal conflicts or disputes with family or friends.
- Death or loss: Sadness or grief over the death or loss of a loved one, even natural, can increase the risk of depression.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions can put you at higher risk, such as chronic diseases, insomnia, chronic pain, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Drug use: A history of drug or alcohol abuse can affect your risk.
Diagnosis of Depression
If a person suspects they have symptoms of depression, they should seek professional help from a doctor or mental health specialist. A qualified healthcare professional can rule out various causes, ensure an accurate diagnosis, and provide safe and effective treatment. To diagnose any form of depression, a doctor is likely to do:
- Physical exam: Your doctor can do a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. Sometimes, depression may relate to an underlying physical health problem.
- Lab tests: Your doctor may perform a blood test called a complete blood count or analyze your thyroid to make sure it works properly.
- Psychiatric evaluation: Your mental health practitioner talks about your symptoms, feelings, emotions, and patterns of action. To help answer these questions, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire.
Medicines for Depression
Your healthcare provider may prescribe:
- antidepressants
- anti-anxiety
- antipsychotic medications
Each type of medicine used to treat depression has potential benefits and risks.
Depression Treatment
Effective depression treatment typically involves a combination of:
- Medication: Antidepressants can help balance chemicals in the brain.
- Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health professional can provide support and coping strategies.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and healthy sleep patterns can enhance overall well-being.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice.
When to Visit a Doctor?
The following is a list of signs that may show that a person has a depressive illness. If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible:
- If you feel sad and hopeless almost every day, for most of the day
- If you have experienced a loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy (for example, hobbies, sex, going out with friends, etc.)
- If you feel guilty, helpless, or useless
- If you have thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide, or if you've tried to commit suicide
- If you have undergone sleep pattern shifts (i.e. sleeping too much or too little, waking up early in the morning, or difficulty falling asleep)
- If you have experienced involuntary weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, or overeating
- If you feel tired almost every day, for most of the day, and you lack energy for daily activities
- If you suffer frequent crying episodes
- If you have difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
- If you have persistent aches or pains, headaches, or digestive problems that do not improve with treatment
- If you feel restless, irritated, or easily upset regularly
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Home Remedies of Depression
Sleeping more
Sleep and mood go hand in hand. Take very little of the first, and the second will weaken (whether you have depression).
Cut down on caffeine
Coffee, tea, soda, and even chocolate contain caffeine. If you tend to be dependent on caffeine, try tapering off gradually to avoid unpleasant caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Meditation
Guided imagery is meditation in which you visualize a goal in as much detail as possible. This technique uses the power of positive thinking to help you achieve something specific, like happiness.
Beat with Music
To help boost the mood of persons with depression, music therapy has been used. Sometimes it's about listening to music that promotes relaxation and positivity.
Hot kava
Kava is a root of the kava plant known for its sedative and anesthetic properties. It is most commonly used as an ingredient in relaxing teas.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol itself is a depressant. Interestingly, drinking can interfere with sleep, and quality sleep is the key to fighting sadness.
Learn to say no
Feeling overwhelmed can make symptoms of anxiety and depression worse. Setting boundaries will make you feel happier in your professional and personal life.
