Depression

Depression is a mental disorder characterised by low mood, accompanied by low self esteem and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.  It has multiple causes; you may never know why it struck you. It is thought that it may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.  Some risk factors are.

  • Family history. Some types of depression tend to run in families. On the other hand, other types of depression can occur in people without family histories of depression as well.
  • Trauma and stress e.g. financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, etc.
  • Negative personality. Low self-esteem and a negative outlook can put you at higher risk of becoming depressed. A negative personality may be caused by low-level depression called dysthymia.
  • Medical conditions. Severe medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, and HIV can have an impact on depression, partially due to the physical weakness and stress they bring on. Depression weakens the immune system and makes pain harder to bear and this can lead to serious medical conditions. In some cases, depression can also be caused by medications used to treat physical medical conditions.
  • Psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse often increase the chances of depression.

Types of depression

  • Major depressive disorder,
  • Dysthymic disorder,
  • Psychotic depression,
  • Postpartum depression,
  • Seasonal affective disorder

For more details on types of depression, click here.

Symptoms

  • Feeling down or sad most of the time
  • feeling tired all the time
  • failure to enjoy things that used to bring happiness
  • isolating yourself from friends and family
  • bad temper, anger, or anxiety
  • inability to concentrate
  • major weight loss or gain
  • significant change in sleep patterns (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning)
  • feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • aches and pains (with no known medical cause)
  • distrust and indifference (not caring about anything in the present or future)
  • Thoughts of death or suicide. Cited: Kidshealth, 2009.

If you have five or more of these listed symptoms most of the time for 2 weeks or longer, it is possible you are depressed.

Treatment

Depression is treatable. Most patients show improvement after they obtain treatment. Doctors prescribe treatment based on the type of depression, its severity, persistence of symptoms, and history.

  • Antidepressants. It usually takes time for antidepressants to work.  You may start to feel better within a few weeks. You must be patient and give the medicine some time to work.
  • Talk therapy or psychotherapy. Talking with a mental health professional about what and how you are feeling is a vital tool in the treatment of depression. There are many types of therapists who can help to relieve depression, namely psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. For severe depression it is advisable to combine medical treatment and psychotherapy.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is normally used only in the most severe or life-threatening cases where medication and therapy has failed to work. It works by sending an electrical charge to the brain that causes a brief and controlled seizure. Patients receive it while they are unconscious and awaken with no memory of the procedure. Normally, people receive 6 to 12 ECT sessions over several weeks. For more information on ECT, click here.

You can also relieve depression by engaging in mood-boosting activities like exercise, yoga, dance, journaling, or art. It can also help to keep busy no matter how tired you feel. Depression doesn't mean a person is "crazy"; it is a normal medical condition.  It is very frustrating and recovery is a process that happens over time.  While you are still in therapy and under medication, you should also try to help yourself. Click here for a self-help guide:

What if I or someone I know is in crisis?

If you are thinking about harming yourself, or know someone who is, tell someone who can help immediately.

  • Call your doctor.
  • Call 10111 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things.
  • Make sure you or the suicidal person is not left alone.

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