We all go through feelings of happiness and sadness from time to time. Sadness is a common emotional reaction to many difficult situations in our lives. People use the word ‘depression’ to describe these feelings of sadness, despair, and disappointment. But depression is much more than mere sadness – it’s a mental illness.
Depression is one of the most common health problems faced by people of any age. Depression can cause a wide variety of physical, psychological, and social symptoms. At times, people don’t consider this a serious illness and ignore the symptoms. But this can be a major threat to life as sometimes depression can also lead to suicide. Hence, help from health care professionals should be taken at the right time.
Types of Depression
It is important to understand different types of depression to manage the symptoms and to take the right treatment.
1. Major depression
This is also called unipolar depression and the depressed mood can last from two weeks to six months. People suffering from this fail to enjoy and experience the pleasures of life.
2. A typical depression
In this there can be temporary upliftment of mood in expectation of a good time or news. But the good mood flaots away soon and the episode of depression recurs. There are other symptoms associated with it – like weight gain, increased appetite, excessive sleeping, and increased level of emotional sensitivity.
3. Dysthymia
This is a mild depression where the symptoms are not as severe as of major depression. But these symptoms last for years and make it difficult to enjoy life. It can be referred to as chronic depression.
4. Psychotic depression
In this condition, depression is mixed with symptoms of psychosis. Patients usually suffer from hallucinations and paranoia.
5. Bipolar disorder
In this case, there are alternate periods of depression and mania. Patients suffer from temporary lows and highs in mood.
Symptoms of Depression
Sometimes it becomes difficult to distinguish whether you or your acquaintance are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress or any other related disorder. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms of depression:
1. You may have constant feelings of sadness and unhappiness.
2. You may feel helpless, hopeless, and worthless. You may start assuming that your life is a ‘black hole’ with no rays of happiness.
3. There will be mental agitation or restlessness.
4. There will be trouble in thinking, concentrating, remembering things and making decisions.
5. You may notice a change in your sleeping patterns. There can be either insomnia or oversleeping problems.
6. There will be a significant change in body weight. This can be due to reduced appetite or excessive increase in diet.
7. Usually, loss of interest in all activities and family is also seen.
8. Physical symptoms like headache, back pain, and feeling of weight in limbs may also occur.
9. A loss of interest in sex is also noticed.
10. You might be entertaining frequent feelings of committing suicide.
Treatment for Depression
1. Ask for help from family and friends
If you realize that you are suffering from the symptoms of depression, do not ignore them. Don’t be hesitant and discuss the situation with your family or a close friend. Asking for help and support can be the starting point of recovery from depression.
2. Make changes in your lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can have a great impact on your mental state. You should eat healthy, get adequate sleep, practice relaxation techniques like yoga, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Spending quality time with friends and family can act as a great mood booster.
3. Take professional help
This includes certain psychotherapies, medication, and alternative treatments. Psychotherapy is counseling with a professional. Therapies include sessions on relationship management, handling problems, and employing behavioral skills. Medication is not suggested usually. It can be given to relieve certain symptoms but only therapies and lifestyle change can actually help you. Other alternative treatment includes yoga and acupuncture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the causes of depression?
Causes of depression are varied. Some of the common causes are loneliness, unemployment, financial problem, lack of social support, social rejection, relationship problem, excessive drinking of alcohol, drug abuse, or any other health problem.
2. Are anti-depressants safe?
Yes, they are safe. But they should be taken only after proper consultation from your doctor. Other therapies and alternative treatments should be given preference over medication.