What Exactly Is Depression?
Can Depression be controlled or suppressed? !!
- Sadness or a gloomy mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously appreciated activities
- Appetite changes — weight loss or increase unrelated to diets
- Sleeping difficulties or excessive sleep
- Energy loss or increased weariness
- Intentionless physical activity (e.g., difficulty to remain still, pacing, handwringing) or delayed motions or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
- Feeling insignificant or sorry
- Problems thinking, focusing, or making judgments
- Suicide or death thoughts
For a depression diagnosis, symptoms must endure at least two weeks and show a change in your previous level of functioning.
Furthermore, medical diseases (e.g., thyroid issues, a brain tumor, or vitamin deficiency) can resemble depression symptoms, therefore it is critical to rule out general medical reasons. Blood test and further diagnosis is a must to determine the cause of your illness.
In any given year, one in every 15 individuals (6.7 percent) suffers from depression. And one in every six persons (16.6%) will suffer depression at some point in their lives. Depression can strike at any age, although it usually strikes between the late teens and the mid-20s.
Disclaimer : Please note that we do not diagnose or treat mental illnesses, nor do we prescribe medication. Our services are intended to offer support and guidance but are not a replacement for professional medical or psychological treatment. If you require more extensive help, please consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. For any serious mental health concerns, seeking the advice of a qualified mental health professional is essential. Your well-being is important, and appropriate professional care should be sought as needed.
So what causes People to be depressed??
Women are more prone than males to be depressed.
According to some research, one-third of women will have a severe depressive episode over their lives. When first-degree relatives (parents/children/siblings) suffer from depression, there is a significant degree of heritability (about 40%).
Depression Is Not the Same as Sadness or Grief
The death of a loved one, the loss of a career, or the termination of a relationship are all painful situations to go through. It is typical for such events to elicit sentiments of melancholy or grief. Those who have suffered a loss may describe themselves as “depressed.”
However, sadness is not the same as depression. Millions are going through some moment of sadness but that doesn’t mean they are prone to dealing with severe bouts of depression.
In case of grief/ losing someone special, the mourning process is normal and unique to each individual, yet it has certain characteristics with depression.
Grief and depression can both cause deep sadness and withdrawal from normal activities. They also differ in significant ways which is important to understand the differences :
In sorrow, unpleasant emotions come in waves that are frequently intermixed with happy recollections of the departed. Mood and/or interest (pleasure) are reduced during the majority of the first two weeks of serious depression.
Self-esteem is frequently preserved throughout sorrow.
Feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are typical in serious depression. When thinking about or daydreaming about “joining” the departed loved one, thoughts of death may arise.
Major depression is characterized by thoughts of suicide as a result of feeling worthless or undeserving of life or being unable to cope with the anguish of despair.
Depression and grief may coexist.
The death of a loved one, the loss of a career, or being the victim of a physical attack or a big tragedy can all contribute to depression in certain people. When sorrow and depression coexist, the grief is more profound and lasts longer than sadness alone. However, with time and proper therapy, all wounds can help and you will be able to get back to normalcy.
Depression Risk Factors ??
Several things can contribute to depression:
@Depression can be passed on via families.
For example, if one identical twin develops depression, the other has a 70% probability of developing the disorder at some point in their lives.
@Biochemistry : Variations in specific substances in the brain may lead to depressive symptoms.
@Environmental factors : Prolonged exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty may predispose certain persons to depression.
@Personality : People who have low self-esteem, are quickly overwhelmed by stress, or are gloomy in general tend to be more likely to suffer from depression.
A full diagnostic assessment, including an interview and a physical examination, should be performed by a health professional prior to a diagnosis or therapy.
In rare circumstances, a blood test may be performed to ensure that the depression is not caused by a medical issue such as a thyroid problem or a vitamin deficiency (reversing the medical cause would alleviate the depression-like symptoms).
With the purpose of arriving at a diagnosis, the examination will identify specific symptoms and investigate medical and family histories, as well as cultural and environmental variables.
But here is some good news
Depression is one of the most curable mental illnesses.
Between 80% and 90% of persons with depression eventually react favorably to therapy.Almost all patients have some symptom alleviation.
How To minimize Depression symptoms ?
Medication (Our coaching practice DO NOT prescribe medication)
Brain chemistry may contribute to depression and may have a role in therapy. As a result, antidepressants may be administered to assist alter one’s brain chemistry.
- These are not sedatives, “uppers,” or tranquilizers.
- They do not establish habits.
In general, antidepressant drugs have little stimulating impact on persons who are not depressed.
Although antidepressants may provide some relief within the first week or two of treatment, full effects may not be realized for two to three months.
If a patient shows little or no improvement after a few weeks, his or her psychiatrist may adjust the medication’s dosage or add or substitute another antidepressant.
Other psychotropic medicines may be beneficial in some cases.
It is critical to notify your doctor if a drug fails to function or if you have adverse effects.
Psychiatrists typically advise patients to continue taking medication for six or more months after their symptoms have improved.
Here are some Psychotherapy modalities helping with depression ?
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, often known as “talk therapy,” is occasionally used alone to treat mild depression; however, for moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy is frequently used in conjunction with antidepressant medicines.
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) has been shown to be useful in the treatment of depression. CBT is a type of treatment that focuses on problem solving in the present moment.
CBT assists a person in recognizing distorted/negative thinking in order to change ideas and actions in order to respond to difficulties in a more positive manner.
Psychotherapy can be a contributing part of the soluton for someone suffering from depression.
Family or couples counseling (LMFT), for example, might assist in addressing challenges within these intimate relationships. Group therapy puts people with similar conditions together in a supportive setting, and it can help participants understand how others manage in similar situations.
Treatment might take a few weeks or much more depending on the severity of the depression. Significant progress may often be realized after 10 to 15 sessions.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT is a medical treatment that is often reserved for individuals suffering from severe serious depression who have not responded to conventional therapies.
It consists of a short electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is sedated. ECT is normally administered two to three times each week for a total of six to twelve sessions. A team of skilled medical experts, comprising a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant, is normally in charge.
ECT has been utilized since the 1940s, and many years of study have resulted in significant advancements and acceptance of its usefulness as a mainstream treatment rather than a “last option.”
Coping and Self-Help
People may do a variety of things to assist minimize the symptoms of depression. Regular exercise helps many individuals feel better and boosts their attitude. Regularly getting enough quality sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding alcohol (a depressive) might also help lessen depression symptoms.
Depression is a serious condition, but help is available and tons of resources are also listed online. Make sure to NOT self-diagnose yourself when it comes to depression.
The great majority of patients suffering from depression will recover with proper diagnosis and therapy. If you are suffering depressive symptoms, the first step is to consult with your family physician or a psychiatrist.
” Discuss your problems and ask for a comprehensive review “
This is the first step toward addressing your mental health concerns. Plenty of resources are available your fingertips, just make sure you take advantage of them in time of need.