Depression

DEPRESSION

Depression is an extremely common problem, and it can be painful one, regardless of the individual’s age of
life circumstance.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder. When a deeply depressed mood comes on fairly suddenly and either seem to be too sever
for the circumstance or exists without any external cause for sadness it is called depression (Major depressive disorder).

It is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel the way you think and how you act. It is an
ongoing problem, not a passing one. It consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for at least 2 weeks. Depression
can last for several weeks, months and years.

Total Population Affected 

Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. More women are affected by
depression than men. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Some people with depression may have thought of death
or suicide, including suicide attempts. A death by suicide is the most serious negative outcome for the person. Close
to 8, 00,000 people die due to suicide every year with depression. It is now the second leading cause of death in 15-29 years
old. More than 90% of suicides are associated with a psychological disorder, with depression being the most likely cause.

Type of Depression

There are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.

Major Depression

A person with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest in activities that they used
to enjoy. Person have five or more of these symptoms on most days for 2 weeks or longer. Treatment usually involves
medication and psychotherapy.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

 If you have depression that least’s for 2 years or longer, it’s called persistent depressive disorder. Treatment usually
involves medication and psychotherapy.

Bipolar Disorder

A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

That exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environments and altered brain structure
and chemistry may play a role.

Psychotic Depression

Psychosis can involve delusions, such as false beliefs and a detachment from reality. It can also involve hallucinations
sensing things that do not exist.

Postpartum Disorder 

After giving birth, may women experience what some people call the”baby blues”. When hormones levels readjust after
childbirth, changes in mood can result. Anyone who experience ongoing depression after delivery should seek medical
attention.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of depression can include:

• Take little or no pleasure in any activities
• Always feel tired
• Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
• Change in appetite
• Weight changes
• Excessive guilt or feelings of worthless
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decision.
• A loss of sexual desire
• Slowed movement and speech
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide.

 In Females

 Depression is 1.5 to 3 times more likely in women that it is in men because the different hormonal structure of the female
system (Menstruation, hormonal changes during and after prudence etc.

Symptoms of depression that tend to appear more often in females:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Negative thought

In Males

Males with depression are more likely than females to drink alcohol in excess display anger and engage in risk taking as a
result of the disorder.

Symptoms of depression in males may include:

• Avoiding families and social situations
• Working without a break
• Having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities.
• Displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships.

 In College Students

Time to collage can stressful and a person may be dealing with other life style, cultures and experience for the first time.
Some students have difficulty coping with these changes, and they may develop depression, anxiety or both as a result.

Symptoms of depression on college students may include:

• Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
• Insomnia 
• Sleeping too much
• A decrease or increase in appetite
• Avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy

 In Teen

 Physical changes, peer pressure and other factor can contribute to depression in teenagers.

They may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Withdrawing from friends and family 
• Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
• Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
• Restlessness, such as an inability to sit 

In Children 

In the U.S, 3.2% of children and teens age 3.17 have a diagnosis of depression. In children, symptoms can make schoolwork
and social activities challenging. They may experience symptoms such as:

• Crying 
• Low energy
• Clinginess
• Defiant behavior
• Vocal outbursts

 Cause

Number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following:

• Abuse: past physical, sexual or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.

• Certain medication: some drugs such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and 

corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.  

• Conflict: depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from persona

l conflicts or disputes with family members or friends

.

• Death or loss: sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, thought natural may increase the risk of depression.

• Genetics: a family history of depression may increase the risk. It’s through that depression is a complex trait, meaning that

 there are probably May different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk.

• Major events: even good events such as starting a new job, graduating or getting married can lead to depression, so can

 moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced or retiring.

• Other personal problems: problems such as social isolation due to other mental illness or being cast out of a family or 

social group can contribute to the risk developing clinical depression.

• Serious illness: sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.

  

• Substance abuse: nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major clinical depression. Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you feel better, they ultimately will aggravate depression.

Treatment for depression

• Living with depression can be difficult, but treatment can help improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare 

provider about possible options.

• You may successfully manage symptoms with one form of treatment, or you may find that a combination of treatments 

works best.

• It’s common to combine medical treatments and lifestyle therapies, including the following:

Medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe:

• antidepressants
• antianxiety
• antipsychotic medications

Psychotherapy

Speaking with a therapist can help you learn skills to cope with negative feelings. You may also benefit from family or group
therapy sessions.

Exercise

Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 5 days a week. Exercise can increase your body’s production of endorphins,
which are hormones that improve your mood.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

Drinking or misusing drugs may make you feel better for a little bit. But in the long run, these substances can make
depression and anxiety symptoms worse.

Learn how to say no

Feeling overwhelmed can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms. Setting boundaries in your professional and personal
life can help you feel better.

Take care of yourself

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.

Sometimes depression doesn’t respond to medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options
if your symptoms don’t improve.

Natural Treatment for Depression

It’s important to remember that many of these natural treatments have few studies showing their effects on depression, good
or bad.

Essential oils

Essential oils are a popular natural remedy for many conditions, but research into their effects on depression is limited.

People with depression may find symptom relief with the following essential oils:

• Wild ginger: Inhaling this strong scent may activate serotonin receptors in your brain. This may slow the release of stress-inducing hormones.

• Bergamot: This citrusy essential oil has been shown to reduce anxiety in patients awaiting surgery. The same benefit may

 help individuals who experience anxiety as a result of depression, but there’s no research to support that claim.

Other oils, such as chamomile or rose oil, may have a calming effect when they’re inhaled. Those oils may be beneficial
during short-term use.

Vitamins

Vitamins are important to many bodily functions. Research suggests two vitamins are especially useful for easing symptoms
of depression:

• Vitamin B: B-12 and B-6 are vital to brain health. When your vitamin B levels are low, your risk for developing depression may be higher.
• • Vitamin D: Sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because exposure to the sun supplies it to your body, Vitamin D is important for brain, heart, and bone health. People who are depressed are more likely to have low levels of this vitamin. Many herbs, supplements, and vitamins claim to help ease symptoms of depression.

Preventing Depression

Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable. It’s hard to recognize what causes it, which means preventing it is
more difficult. But once you’ve experienced a depressive episode, you may be better prepared to prevent a future episode
by learning which lifestyle changes and treatments are helpful.

Techniques that may help include:

• regular exercise

• getting plenty of sleep
• maintaining treatments
• reducing stress
• building strong relationships with others