Depression is a condition of extreme sadness that provokes negative thoughts and feelings. When you suffer from depression even small things feel like a huge problem.
You try to stay alone. You feel tremendously low. The things which were the source of joy no longer make you happy. Thus, it is also known as unipolar depression.
Usually, people use the word ‘depression’ to describe a tiring or a stressful day or an unpleasant event. Although depression in the real sense is so much more than this, in reality, only those suffering from this condition can feel the actual meaning of this word.
Additionally, women suffer from this condition more than men.
What is MDD (Major Depressive Disorder)?
Though, sadness, grief, loneliness, stress, and guilt are the natural parts of our lives and last for a short period of time. When these emotions become immoderate and you experience them persistently for extended time (more than two weeks), it means you are suffering from MDD (Major Depressive Disorder).
You are unable to function properly at work or school. Life seems to be worthless. Luckily, it can be treated and you can become normal like you used to be.
How would you know that you’re suffering from Depression?
You experience at least five symptoms for more than two weeks. You must seek medical help when:
- Feeling sad or irritable for no obvious reason
- You no more enjoy the activities you once did
- Your appetite changes
- Abrupt lose or gain in weight
- Insomnia or urge to sleep too much
- Feeling tired
- Difficulty while thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- You are willing to harm yourself or commit suicide
- Feeling of restlessness
Females:
You could experience following noticeable symptoms if you are a female:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- fatigue
- Negative thoughts
Males:
Males can experience following noticeable symptoms:
- Excessive intake of alcohol
- Anger
- Risk-taking acts
- Not engaging with families or social situations
- Continuous working
- Difficulty in taking the responsibility of work and family
- Abusive behavior
Teenagers:
You might notice some physical changes in your body if you are a teenager. Thus, other symptoms are:
- Avoiding friends and family
- Difficult to concentrate on studies
- Experience a feeling of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
- Restlessness
College Students:
As college students get overburdened by syllabus and studies. As a result, they become depressed and might experience some of these symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Sleeping too much
- Decreased or increased appetite
- Difficult to concentrate on studies
- You no more enjoy the activities you once did
Children:
You can notice these symptoms in your children:
- Crying
- Low energy
- Difficulty in concentrating on studies
- Vocal outburst
- Obstinate behavior
- Difficulty expressing emotions
What causes Depression?
The real cause of MDD is unknown, but here are some factors that can make you depressed:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Drugs and alcohol
- Illnesses (such as cancer or hyperthyroidism)
- Genes
- Personality, such as people who take too much stress or have low self-esteem
- Environment, like continuous violence, sexual abuse
- Persistence stress
How is depression diagnosed?
There are many mental health professionals and doctors that can help you deal with your depression. Usually, a doctor may conduct the following:
- Blood test, to ensure that the depression is not due to a medical condition (such as a thyroid problem)
- Evaluation, to know your family history, environmental factors, and your symptoms. He might provide you with a questionnaire for this.
- Physical Exam
Is Depression treatable?
Fortunately, you can treat your depression with the help of:
- Medications
- Psychotherapy
- Changes in lifestyle
Medications:
Your health professional might recommend some antidepressants to deal with this condition. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are mostly prescribed which increases the level of serotonin in your brain.
SSRIs include drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citalopram (Celexa), which have low side effects.
Besides SSRIs, other medications are also used such as Tricyclic antidepressant and atypical antidepressants if other medicines aren’t effective. Moreover, these medicines can cause many side effects like sleepiness.
In addition, you must inform your doctor if you’re breastfeeding, pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Some medicines aren’t safe that treat depression.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy means to talk to your doctor daily to discuss your condition and similar problems. It can help you:
- Cope with your stress
- Replace negativity to positive thoughts and feelings
- Boost communication skills and self-esteem
- Become normal again
- Get preferable techniques to solve problems
- Cope with the challenges
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is effective as it helps to solve problems. CBT helps to alter thinking and replace negative thoughts with positivety.
Electroconvulsive Therapy:
If other therapies and medications aren’t helping you then doctors prescribe this therapy. There are a total 6-12 treatments, out of which, you receive 2-3 ETC in a week.
Changes in Lifestyle:
Despite taking other medicines and therapies you must make certain changes in your lifestyle to reduce depression:
Diet:
Are you taking a sufficient amount of the following?
- Vitamin B
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acid
You must avoid alcohol, processed and deep-fried foods.
Proper Sleep:
Taking a proper sleep is very important in our life. You must sleep properly for 7-9 hours. Do you take a proper sleep?
Regular Exercise:
Although depression makes you feel tired, making yourself active is very important. You must exercise daily for 30 minutes. Do you?
Positivity:
Cut off the sources that make you stressed. Avoid negative thoughts and replace them with positivity. Keep yourself busy and moving.
Before you Leave!
You might feel hopeless and want to commit suicide. But remember, depression can be treated and you can become normal again. Just don’t skip therapy sessions and medicines. Add positiveness in your life. If you feel depressed even though you are taking medicines on time, discuss it with your health professional.
Firstly, accept your condition. Secondly, give time to it. It takes time to overcome. There is nothing that can be cured instantaneously. Thus, seek medical help.
Altogether, you can find a way out. Several people go through this condition and become normal with the passage of time. Lastly, keep in check, try to deal with your condition and never lose hope!