Conquer Depression, Embrace Hope.
Depression is also referred to as Major depressive disorder. As a mood disorder, it can cause symptoms affecting not just how the person feels or thinks but also can affect his day-to-day activities including changes in the sleep pattern, eating habits, and loss of interest in work or school for an extended period. It can affect other aspects life of such as our relationships with our loved ones and community.
Depressive disorders, though more prone among victims of abuse or traumatic events like the loss of loved ones, can happen to anyone. As per the statistics published by the WHO, nearly 280 million people around the globe suffer from major depressive disorder with around 7 lakh people dying due to suicide every year making it the 4th leading cause of death among the age group of 15–29 year old.
Depression can affect any age and gender, according to data published by the WHO, women in the prenatal and post-natal periods are more prone to experience these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of depression:
Those with depression experience the symptoms almost the entire day and every day for at least 2 weeks. The symptoms are:
- Loss of interest not just in work or school but also in leisure activities that used to give pleasure to the person earlier
- Feeling low on energy or tiredness throughout the day
- Trouble falling asleep or oversleeping
- Fluctuation in weight and changes in eating habits, eating too much or too little
- Trouble concentrating or even remembering things.
- Body pain and frequent headaches
- Having suicidal thoughts
- Some may even experience Sexual dysfunction
- Excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Keeping oneself away from close friends and family
- Feeling of emptiness, feeling low and sad all-day
- Some may even experience irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Thoughts of vulnerability, worthlessness
Causes of depression:
There is no concrete scientific evidence on factors that cause depression. However, it is known to occur following a physically or mentally demanding event, though in some depression can start spontaneously without a preceding cause. There are several factors known to play a role in depression.
They are-
• Changes in certain neurotransmitters in the brain can lead to depression.
• Depression is known to have a genetic basis and hence thought to run in families.
• People with pessimistic/ negative thoughts and a lack of confidence or self-esteem are more prone to experience depressive disorders
• Also, constant trauma or stressful events makes a person more likely to develop depression.
• People with certain medical conditions like a thyroid hormone imbalance or certain vitamin deficiencies can also experience above mentioned symptoms hence a thorough physical examination and blood workup is essential before starting medications for depression.
Treatment of depression:
Depression is known to be one of the treatable mental health illnesses. With up to 90% of patients with depression responding well to treatment. The treatment modalities are
- Medications: Antidepressants, carefully prescribed to alter the brain chemistry that may have led to depression, can provide relief, and restore balance.
• Psychotherapies: This includes counseling sessions and talk therapies which can help in training people with depression to react to certain stressful events in a better way and have a positive outlook on life. One such therapy is referred to as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) which focuses on problem-solving techniques and bringing about behavioral changes. Depending on the severity of symptoms, a person with depression may have to take therapy sessions for a few weeks to a few months.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): People with depression who fail to respond to the above-mentioned modalities of treatment are advised ECT. This works by brief stimulation of the brain by electric current or magnetic fields and is done under anesthesia. ECT has shown remarkable efficacy, particularly for severe depression or when a rapid response is needed.
Self-help:
Apart from the conventional modes of treatment, certain lifestyle modifications can help in reducing symptoms of depression. These include:
• Regular exercise or yoga or meditation
• Consuming well-balanced diet
• Getting adequate sound sleep
• Staying connected with loved ones and seeking their support
• Doing things that bring pleasure which includes pursuing hobbies or exploring new interests
- Avoiding consumption of alcohol also helps in reducing symptoms as it is known to be a depressant.
Depression is a real psychiatric illness that can lead to suicidal thoughts. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms early and talking to someone trustworthy and understanding can help. If that fails one must seek professional help from a healthcare provider or a counselor.
Remember, depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support and treatment, individuals can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
References:
1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
5. Smith, K. Mental health: A world of depression. Nature 515, 180–181 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/515180a
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions. The use of this blog implies agreement with this disclaimer.
