EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION

Depression is one of the commonest psychiatric disorder or mental illness. Depression in young people is becoming increasingly common. Many times, individuals are not able to identify the symptoms of depression.

Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they commonly occur together. They also have similar treatments.

Feeling down or having the blues now and then is normal. And everyone feels anxious from time to time — it's a normal response to stressful situations. But severe or ongoing feelings of depression and anxiety can be a sign of an underlying mental health disorder.

We are going to talk about DEPRESSION in this blog. First of all, we will have to understand that what is depression? What are the symptoms of depression? How to deal with it? What are the natural ways to deal with it?

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? 

Depression is more than just a feeling of being down in the dumps or blue for a few days. It is a serious illness that affects many people. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health -  Depression is also called “clinical depression” or a “depressive disorder”. It is a mood disorder that causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Two of the most common forms of depression are:

1. Major depression—having symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks that interfere with your 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 (dysthymia)—having symptoms of depression that last for at least 2 years. A person diagnosed with this form of depression may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

Sadness is only one small part of depression and some people with depression may not feel sadness at all. Different people have different symptoms. Some symptoms of depression include:

• The sadness of mood or feeling down
  
  
• Loss of interest in activities
  
  
• Excessive guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  
  
• Low energy level
  
  
• Poor concentration, remembering, or making decisions
  
  
• Appetite change with significant weight gain or loss
  
  
• Sleep disturbance (too much or too little)
  
  
• Hopelessness or pessimism
  
  
• Social isolation
  
  
• Restlessness or irritability
  
  
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
  
  
• Suicidal thoughts
  
  

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression.

Depression can occur along with other serious illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression symptoms.

TREATMENTS OF DEPRESSION

The first step in getting the right treatment is to visit a health care provider or mental health professionals, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

• Medications

Medications called antidepressants can work well to treat depression. They can take 2 to 4 weeks to work. Antidepressants can have side effects, but many side effects may lessen over time. Talk to your health care provider about any side effects that you have. Do not stop taking your antidepressant without first talking to your health care provider.

• Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy helps by teaching new ways of thinking and behaving, and changing habits that may be contributing to depression. Therapy can help you understand and work through difficult relationships or situations that may be causing your depression or making it worse.

• Brain Stimulation Therapies

Psychotherapy helps by teaching new ways of thinking and behaving, and changing habits that may be contributing to depression. Therapy can help you understand and work through difficult relationships or situations that may be causing your depression or making it worse.

NATURAL TREATMENT

As you continue treatment, you may start to feel better gradually. Remember that if you are taking an antidepressant, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to start working. Try to do things that you used to enjoy. Go easy on yourself. Other things that may help include:

• Trying to be active and exercise.
  
  
• Breaking up large tasks into small ones, set priorities, and do what you can as you can.
  
  
• Spending time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative.
  
  
• Postponing important life decisions until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well.
  
  
• Avoiding self-medication with alcohol or with drugs not prescribed for you.
  
  
• You can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of yourself. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities.
  
  
• Eat healthy food - Healthy eating means eating a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals. Avoids white things to eat.
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  According to the Cambridge Dictionary, "Healthy food means food that is naturally grown or prepared, without artificial substances or processes".

  
  
• You should use only 5 classic substances to keep yourself healthy.
   Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Sky
  
  
  1. Earth (Soil): Heathy food like vegetables especially greens, fruits.
  2. Air: You should go to a walk-in park, a terrace where you find peace, fresh air.
  3. Water: The foremost important thing is water. We can't live without water. Drink plenty of water.
  4. Fire: One of the best aspects of fire is Sunlight. You should take sunlight at least 15 to 30 minutes. Make sure you take sunlight before 9am.
  5. Sky: It means open space. You can go wherever you find an open space from where you can feel the air, you can see the sky. You can go to a terrace, park, or on the walk-in the street.
  
  
• If you take the right kind of food for your body, the food is a medicine without any side-effects. You don't need additional medicine.
  
  

HOW CAN I HELP A LOVED ONE WHO IS DEPRESSED?

If you know someone who has depression, first help him or her, see a health care provider or mental health professional. You can also:

• Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
  
  
• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one’s health care provider or therapist.
  
  
• Invite him or her out for walks, outings, and other activities.
  
  
• Help him or her adhere to the treatment plan, such as setting reminders to take prescribed medications.
  
  
• Help him or her by ensuring that he or she has transportation to therapy appointments.
  
  
• Remind him or her that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
  
  
• If depression is in the major stage then please contact health professionals.
  
  
  
  

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, GET HELP QUICKLY.

Call your or your loved one’s health professional.

Call 911 for emergency services.

Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TYY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).

The preservation of health is easier than the cure of the disease.