Depression; Symptoms and Treatment

Depression is a serious mental condition and is becoming really common these days. With the increasing number of problems around the world such as the COVID 19 Pandemic with the resultant global recession and massive unemployment rate, it is little wonder why the depression cases are on the rise. For a significant part of the world, depression is grossly misunderstood and handled too lightly. 

Depression is not just the feeling of sadness momentarily. It is an illness that needs urgent attention at the hospital.

Introduction

Depression is a mood disorder associated with a prolonged feeling of loss, anger, sadness, and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. These feelings disturb a person’s personal and professional life. It affects all ages, genders, races, and people from all walks of life.

When depression interferes with work-life, there is reduced productivity and loss of concentration. If depression is not treated, it can affect a person’s health and relationships as well. It can be potentially harmful when there is another underlying medical disease. Here is a list of some conditions that particularly get worse when they coexist with depression:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Obesity

Causes

There are certain factors associated with depression. Each factor could exist in isolation or along with other factors. Generally, depression could be caused by biological, psychological, social or environmental factors. The following touch these main areas:

• Family history

If there is another family member suffering from depression or any other mood disorder, there’s a high chance of a person developing depression.

• Early childhood trauma and tragic situations

Your early past experiences may affect the way you respond to stressful or terrifying situations. Depression could also be triggered by sad events such bereavement, unemployment and a heart break.

• Medical conditions

There are specific medical conditions that can result in depression. These conditions include insomnia, chronic pain, ADHD, and many other diseases.

• Drug use

A history of alcohol and drugs misuse can increase your risk of developing depression.

• Brain structure

If the front lobe of your brain is less active than it should be, it poses a greater risk for having depression.

Symptoms

Depression is not just a state of sadness. There are a number of peculiar clinical features that are strongly associated with this condition. They are:

• Lack of focus and concentration. 
• Sleep disturbance
• Sudden change in mood
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Difficulty in your daily work
• Headache, fatigue, and pain in the body
• Lack of interest even in your hobbies
• Digestive problems
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness and anxiousness
• Feeling of emptiness and sadness
• Sudden weight changes
• Adaption of bad habits
• Excessive drinking and usage of drugs
• Loss or decline in sexual desire
• Suicidal thoughts

How to test for depression

Recently there is no known test to diagnose depression. Your doctor however, can make a diagnosis through psychological evaluation and identifying the symptoms present at the time of hospital visit. The questions mostly asked by the doctor are about your sleep patterns, diet, activities and mood.

Treatment

When a diagnosis of depression is established, treatment is essential in order to avoid complications.

Here is the list of treatment methods to consider:

• Psychotherapy

In psychotherapy, your doctor engages you in a detailed discussion. They commonly ask you about your daily routine, activities and mood. The psychiatrist or psychotherapist points out your problem to you and helps you through different strategies to overcome them.

• Medication

After pointing out your problem, the doctor may prescribe some medication if necessary. These drugs play an effective role to reduce your symptoms.
These medications may include an anti-depressant or anti-psychotic.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways for improving both physical and mental health. According to studies, regular exercise increases the amount of endorphins – which bring the feeling of well-being – in our body. One of the primary functions of this hormone is that it improves mood.

Healthy diet

Eating healthy is the secret of healthy living. Your doctor recommends to you a number of healthy foods that will improve both your mental and physical health. 

A few of these foods include:

• Olive oil
• Fish
• Fruits
• Vegetables

In conclusion

Depression is fast becoming endemic in various populations around the globe. One of the major problems associated with it is the poor level of diagnosis and too little attention accorded it especially in a time like this when there is an obvious risk of having an increased number of cases.

Sadly, a lot of depressed individuals are faced with a lot of problems, probably having little threshold for pain, and their stories only usually get heard after their demise. If you find someone struggling with depression, try to help in any way you can.

“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” – Anonymous.