What Is Depression And How Can It Be Treated?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that many people live with. It affects all ages and ethnic groups. From the child or teenager who sits at the school desk to the chairman of the board who leans on the chair, no one is immune to the effects of depression.

We all feel down sometimes, but depression is more than just a temporary feeling. It is characterized by a constant feeling of hopelessness and sadness, and the sufferer cannot get rid of it alone. Depression is a chronic disorder that needs treatment and it is good to know that it can be treated and researchers are still developing treatments for it.

Despite the fact that depression is known in all countries of the world and there are effective treatments for this disorder, many people do not seek help and treat their depression. There are many reasons why people do not seek treatment for depression. Although societies have come a long way in terms of changing the public understanding of depression, there is still a stigma associated with this disorder. 

Many people with depression continue to be discriminated against, and another reason why people do not seek treatment for depression is that they are unable to recognize the symptoms. We must say that sadness and anxiety are not the only symptoms of depression and some of the symptoms of depression disorder are quite surprising and subtle.

Symptoms Of Depression

Here are some of the most common symptoms of depression:

Difficulty In Making Decisions

When you are depressed, it becomes difficult for you to make simple decisions. The little things that you don't normally think about become difficult. Like deciding whether to eat a burger or cheese for breakfast.

Unexplained Physical Problems

Things like chronic pain and stomach aches without a physical reason can be a sign of depression.

Irritability

Irritability is a common symptom of depression, especially in children and adolescents.

Persistent Feelings Of Sadness

A crushing feeling of sadness that does not go away after two weeks can be a sign of depression. All humans feel sad now and then. However, with depression, feelings of sadness prevent you from doing things you normally do, such as going to work.

Social Isolation 

Depression can make you withdraw from friends and family. People with depression may seem lonely and isolated. 

Self-Worth 

Depression causes a person's self-worth to decrease.

Fatigue

When you are depressed, even a minor activity can cause extreme fatigue. Depression makes you not even get out of bed in the morning.

Lack Of Interest In Pleasurable Activities

With depression, there is no interest in doing activities that you used to enjoy. For example, if you used to practice yoga every day, now you don't do it anymore.

 

Excessive Weight Gain Or Loss

Have you lost a lot of weight recently? You may no longer enjoy eating. Loss of appetite is common in depression, which can cause weight loss. Conversely, depression can cause some people to overeat and lead to weight gain.

 

Restlessness Or Agitation

Depression sometimes causes agitation and restlessness. If you are depressed, you may feel sore or spotty. These feelings can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

Weakness Or Psychomotor Retardation

It is one of the symptoms of depression. Psychomotor retardation can slow down a person's movement compared to the normal state. Tasks may take longer to complete. Psychomotor retardation can also affect speech, causing a person to speak more slowly.

Types Of Depression

 There are different types of depression, each with unique causes, effects, and symptoms. Because treatment for depression varies by type, knowing what type of depression you have can go a long way in managing symptoms. Your therapist or doctor will determine what type of depression you have and develop a treatment plan based on that.

 

Major Depressive Disorder

 

When people use the term depression, they are usually referring to major depressive disorder. To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, you must have five or more of the above symptoms for at least two weeks. There are several different subtypes of major depression. Here are some of the most common:

 

●        With A Seasonal Pattern

 

This type of depression is often referred to as seasonal affective disorder. People with this type of depression only experience symptoms during one part of the year, typically in the fall or winter. Symptoms disappear during the rest of the year.

 

●        With The Onset Of Menstruation

 

Depression with the onset of periods, which begins during pregnancy and up to four weeks after delivery. This type of depression is also known as "postpartum depression".

 

●        With Psychotic Features

 

Depression with psychotic features is a type of depression that includes psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or false beliefs and hallucinations, which refer to seeing or hearing things that are not real.

 

●        With Anxiety

 

This type of depression also shows symptoms of anxiety in a person. A person must have at least two of the following anxiety symptoms to be diagnosed with this type of depression: feeling worried that something could happen at any moment, difficulty concentrating due to worry, feeling restless, and fearing losing control.

 

●        With Unusual Features

 

This subtype, sometimes called abnormal depression, includes the following specific symptoms: increased appetite or weight gain, excessive sleep, feeling heavy, and feeling sensitive to criticism or rejection.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

This disorder was previously known as dysthymia. This state refers to a less severe, but chronic form of depression. People with persistent depressive disorder may experience low levels of depressive symptoms for several years. Its symptoms are mild but persistent.

 

Premenstrual Dysfunction Disorder

 

This is a type of depression that some women experience and it happens about a week before menstruation. These symptoms include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as:

 

●        Frequent crying or moodiness;

●        Irritability;

●        Lack of interest in pleasurable activities;

●        Physical symptoms;

●        Sleep problems, and

●        Appetite changes.

Treatment Of Depression

There is a wide range of effective treatments for depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 80% to 90% of people with depression experience significant improvement with treatment. For most people with depression, treatment usually involves a combination of treatments, including medication and psychotherapy. Treatment is usually done in a combination that includes psychotherapy and drug therapy.

 

Psychotherapy

Research confirms that psychotherapy is very effective alongside drug therapy. In fact, psychotherapy works better than drug therapy in the long run, and it's also cost-effective. But the main thing is to find a good therapist. To find a good therapist, look for someone who:

 

●        Be reliable;

●        Have good interpersonal skills;

●        Provide hope and optimism;

●        Monitor progress;

●        Be flexible and be willing to refer if there is no treatment;

●        Rely on research.

 

There are different types of psychotherapy. They all have one goal, which is to help you understand depression, learn coping strategies, and help you feel more in control. Here are some of the most common types of therapy:

 

●        Individual Therapy

 

One of the most common approaches to individual therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. This treatment involves changing thought patterns and behaviors that help treat depression. You can learn healthier ways to cope with your depression symptoms.

 

●        Couples Therapy

 

Depression can affect relationships. Couples therapy helps with the impact that depression has on a person's relationships.

 

●        Family Therapy

 

Family therapy helps examine family dynamics and family members identify ways to support their loved ones who are experiencing depression.

 

●        Group Therapy

 

Group therapy can help you to accept your depression from other people who suffer from depression and take positive steps to treat your depression by using other people's experiences.

Self-Help Strategies For Depression

Depression is not a disorder that you can treat on your own. Self-help strategies are a good adjunct to psychotherapy and depression medications. Changing some simple lifestyle habits can help you fight depression naturally. Here are some of the best self-help treatments for depression:

 

●        Exercise Regularly

 

Exercise is a great natural way to treat depression. Exercising produces chemicals called endorphins, which help boost mood. Regular exercise (at least two to three times a week) has been found to help reduce symptoms of depression.

 

●        Practice Sleeping Well

 

Depression often affects sleep in many ways. People with depression may sleep too little or too much. To minimize the effect of depression on sleep, ensure the quality of your sleep.

 

Try to sleep at a certain time every night and wake up at a certain time in the morning. Avoid napping during the day and also stop using electronic devices such as mobile phones an hour before sleep.

 

●        Have A Healthy Diet

 

Despite what some online posts and blogs claim, there is no specific diet or food that can relieve depression. However, it is best to stick to a healthy diet. Research has confirmed that a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is associated with a reduced risk of depression, while a diet high in processed foods, high-fat dairy, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk.

 

One of the reasons for this could be that depression causes unhealthy eating behavior. Another reason is that diet affects all aspects of health, including mental well-being.

 

●        Join A Support Group

 

Social support is an important part of overcoming depression. Depression and bipolar disorder, due to their nature, distance a person from society and even family. Connecting with others can be an important step towards cultivating a healthier life.

 

If you also feel that you are suffering from depression and this disorder bothers you, you can contact the mental health care clinic in Mansfield TX Wholesome Mind Psychiatry and treat your depression.