Depression is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It is a compendium of biological, psychological and social factors.
It can also be caused by a person’s reaction to a stressful event in their life. These events can include a breakup, divorce, loss of a job, or illness.
Symptoms
Depression can make people feel sad, hopeless, and unable to enjoy life. It can also interfere with a person’s ability to function at work and home.
Depressive symptoms vary depending on each person. They can include fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, guilt or suicidal thinking. It is important to seek help if you have any of these symptoms.
Sometimes people get depressed because of a stressful event, such as a bereavement or a relationship breakdown. This can lead to a downward spiral, where the problem worsens.
When you are diagnosed with depression, you should see your doctor right away for treatment. This can help you cope with depression and improve your quality of life.
You should also keep a mood diary so you can spot any early signs of depression. It may also be useful to get your physical health in check and avoid excessive stress.
A balanced diet, plenty of exercises, and good sleep can help manage depression symptoms. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits, and limit simple carbohydrates.You should also drink more water to keep you hydrated.
Depression can cause many other physical problems, including unexplained aches and pains. If these problems aren’t treated, they can become more severe and lead to other illnesses, such as diabetes.
Postpartum depression
Having a baby brings on a lot of big emotions – love, joy, excitement, nervousness – but feelings of depression can also occur. There are about 50 to 85% of new mothers suffering from “baby gloom,”
About 10% develop a more serious condition called postpartum depression (PPD).
Many women aren’t aware that they may be depressed, and they don’t want to admit it to their family or friends. This can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.
Doctors and other healthcare providers can screen for depression by asking you questions or using a tool like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. There may also be a need for blood tests to check your hormone levels.
In severe cases, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby can occur. During these times, it’s important to call your healthcare provider right away.
Postpartum depression treatment includes medication and counseling . Your provider will help you manage your symptoms so that you can feel better and bond with your baby.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe antidepressants that balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. These medications are usually safe for breastfeeding.
It’s a normal reaction to childbirth that can be treated if you seek treatment soon after birth. The earlier you get help, the fewer long-term effects on you and your baby.
Clinical depression
Clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder (MDD), is a common mental health condition that affects about 5% to 17% of adults at some point in their lives. The symptoms of clinical depression include persistently low mood, loss of interest in activities that once brought joy, trouble sleeping and eating, and difficulty thinking clearly.
In many cases, symptoms of depression occur in response to a specific stressor or trauma. Losing a job, caring for a family member or friend who is sick, and experiencing a divorce or a robbery are just a few examples of situations that could cause someone to develop this condition.
Genetics, childhood development, and personality traits are other factors that can make you more vulnerable to developing clinical depression. If you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) who has been diagnosed with this disorder, you are about three times as likely to develop it yourself.
Besides genetics, other factors that can increase your risk of developing depression include stressful life events, such as unemployment or loss of a job, and medical illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and hormone disorders. If you have these medical conditions, your doctor can help you work out the best treatment strategy.
Your doctor may recommend antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or both. These treatments may take a few weeks or longer to see results, but they often improve your symptoms quickly and are very effective. Another effective treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you understand and change your thoughts and behaviors that contribute to negative feelings.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants work by balancing the balance of certain chemicals in your brain that affects how you feel. They can help treat depression and anxiety disorders by improving symptoms like mood, sleep, appetite, and energy.
Your provider will prescribe an antidepressant based on your symptoms and other factors. These include your medical history, other conditions, and medicines you take.
There are many types of antidepressants available, and each one works differently. The most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
SSRIs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and citalopram (Celexa), are often the first choice for treating depression and anxiety problems.
They can help people feel better and improve their symptoms in about 70 percent of people who try them. However, they can also cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, or weight gain.
To reduce your risk of side effects, tell your healthcare provider about all the other medicines and supplements you take, as well as over-the-counter drugs and alcohol. You may also need to change your diet and exercise habits to get the best results from an antidepressant.
It is important to keep taking antidepressants for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop taking them too quickly, your symptoms could return.
Bipolar disease
Bipolar disease is a brain disorder that causes mood changes, usually in cycles of highs and lows . High levels are called obsession, and low levels are called depression. The symptoms of a bipolar episode vary for each person but can include feelings of euphoria and energy, overactivity, and racing thoughts.
People with bipolar disorder may also experience disorganized thinking (delusions), hallucinations, and other psychotic features during manic episodes. These symptoms can make it hard to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
These episodes can be so severe that people with bipolar disorder may have trouble sleeping, eating, and functioning at work and in relationships. They also have an increased risk of physical illness, such as heart disease and diabetes.
If you think you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, it’s important to get a diagnosis. This can help you and your doctor understands how to treat it and manage its symptoms.
It can also help you and others understand what it’s like to have this mental health condition. You might also benefit from support groups, which offer an opportunity to talk about your symptoms and get advice from other people.
Diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder is crucial for getting your life back on track. Medication and talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms, learn about your illness, and adhere to your treatment plan.
Major depressive disorder
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect the daily life of the person suffering from it. Symptoms include a loss of interest in things that used to give you pleasure, feelings of sadness, and feelings of hopelessness. It can also lead to physical problems, such as low energy, difficulty sleeping, and weight gain.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Your doctor can diagnose it with a thorough medical history and mental status exam.
A doctor may prescribe medications, including antidepressants, to treat the disorder. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, which helps you express your feelings and learn how to cope.
Women are more likely to develop major depression than men, but it can affect anyone. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can increase a person’s risk of developing depression.
People with depression often experience trouble with sleep, eating, and concentration.
The good news is that most people with depression can get well and stay well with treatment. The most effective treatments are medication, therapy, and other options, such as brain stimulation therapies.
It is important to stay connected with others and seek help from friends and family when you are feeling depressed. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, and it won’t make you feel like a burden.
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