Depression needs treatment!

Don’t ignore the constant feeling of despair and saddens

While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason.

Understanding, that Depression is more than just a low mood ,is vital as it affects your physical and mental health. Depression interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It can cause pain for both the person with depression and those who care about him or her. It is not a sign of a person’s weakness but a sign of an illness. Depression needs treatment and should not be ignore.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

1) Sadness is just one small part of depression. If you experience any of the below signs and symptoms for at least 2 weeks, it’s time to see a doctor.

2) Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Feelings of hopelessness.

3) Feelings of guilt, worthlessness

4) Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

5 )Decreased energy, fatigue.

6) Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.

7) Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping Appetite and/or weight changes Thoughts of death or suicide Restlessness, irritability

What are the causes of depression?

Many factors may play a role in depression, including genetics, brain biology and chemistry, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, an early childhood experience, or any stressful situation.

What ages can depression happen?

Depressioncan happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s.

Most chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children.

What are the Types of Depression?

1. Major depression: Severe symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. An episode can occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, a person has several episodes.

2. Persistent depressive disorder: A depressed mood that lasts for at least 2 years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for 2 years.

3. Psychotic depression, which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions), or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).

4. Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the “baby blues” that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

5. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer.

How can depression be treated?

1)      Psychological treatments

Psychological treatments also known as talking therapies  or counselling can help change thinking patterns and improve your coping skills so you’re better equipped to deal with life’s stresses and conflicts.

There include cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, behaviour therapy.

2)      Medical treatments for depression

The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressant medication.

In case you are having any of the above symptoms of depression and would like to solve it, don’t wait visit Wockhardt hospital your mental health is as important as your physical health also.