How to deal with depression
Millions of people in the United States suffer from depression, and about twice as many women as men suffer from it.
Everyone experiences periods of sadness now and then. However, if these feelings last more than a couple of weeks or interfere with daily life, a person may be suffering from depression.
Depression involves a set of symptoms that can last for months and sometimes years. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with depression cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better.
Causes
The causes of depression are not always known. Research shows that it may be inherited and that an uneven balance of naturally occurring mood-influencing chemicals in the brain can play a role in its development. People who have a poor self-image, who view themselves negatively, or who are easily overwhelmed by life challenges may be more likely than others to experience depression. A serious loss, chronic illness, difficult relationship, or unwelcome change can also trigger it.
Depression Symptoms
· Feeling sad, blue, or hopeless
· Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities once enjoyed
· Sleep problems, including having trouble falling asleep, waking up early in the morning or sleeping too much
· Change in eating habits
· Being anxious, pessimistic, or worried
· Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
· Difficulty concentrating
· Fatigue and loss of energy
· Appearing slowed or agitated
Types of Depressive Disorders
There are three main types of depressive disorders:
· Major depression is a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
· Dysthymia causes long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable individuals, but keep them from functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. Sometimes, people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes.
· Bipolar disorder (manic-depression) is a chronic, recurring condition that includes cycles of depression and excessive elation, or mania.
Diagnosis
For a doctor to diagnose major depression in an individual, that person must exhibit five or more of the known symptoms during the same two-week period.
Because depression has been shown to co-exist with other medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, and other psychiatric disorders, such as substance abuse, or anxiety disorders, seeking early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to recovery.
Treatment
Treatment may include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, family therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or a combination of those remedies.
Two-thirds of people with major depression do not seek the appropriate treatment, although 80 percent of all people with clinical depression who seek treatment see improvement, usually within weeks. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or years. Continued treatment may help prevent symptoms from recurring.
Source: localhealth .com
