Introduction
It is a condition that severely impacts many in the population, worldwide. It refers to protracted dysphoria, lack of motivation and anhedonia, as well as somatic complaints of fatigue and insomnia. In this article, I shall unveil the experiences of such a condition as depression as well as some of the signs one needs to look out for, and how to manage such a state. By using extensive literature, professionals and patients’ testimonies, we try to give the best information about the topic and the effects of depression.
Depression: A Complex Condition
Depression is a state of decreased mood and is a disorder of the brain that impacts multiple aspects of a life. It’s a sickness of mood that results in the presence of feelings of depression, helplessness, and low self-esteem. What people may term as being sad or even upset, depression, is a state that rarely dissipishes independently. It may show itself differently in anyone and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In addition, depression can be present together with other mental illnesses which only makes it worse to diagnose and treat.
Causes of Depression
As a multiplicative condition, depression doesn’t need a specific cause, and it is caused by biological, psychological and social factors. Heredity, sexual hormones and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers to pass nerve cell signals) are biological causes of depression. Persons with distorted thinking patterns, whether from psychic trauma or grief, may precipitate or exacerbate depression. Stress, social isolation and life events have been confirmed to have influence over environmental factors that leads high chances of occurrence of depression.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression can vary widely, but common signs include:
1. Passive emotions such as persistent sad, hope or empty feelings
2. It leads to a person failing to get pleasure from stuff that used to give them pleasure.
3. They can range from trouble focusing or making choices to problems with memory.
4. Sleeplessness or over-sleeping
5. Abnormalities in appetite that causes the patient to gain or lose weight
6. Fatigue or lack of energy
7. Responsibility over what has happened or over other mistakes, or regrets, hopelessness, pessimism, shameful thoughts, or bad thoughts.
8. Thoughts of death or suicide
One should consult a psychologist or a therapist if one or someone they know is suffering from the above symptoms.
Causes of depression: diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of depression is based on symptoms, a medical history and possible causes. Like anywhere else, it is Doctor trained in mental health who use things like the Beck Depression Inventory or the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, to get a sort of gauge on depression. Depression can be cured by therapy, medications or both. As regards therapy, I considered options including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal and psychodynamic.
First are drugs like SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants that help to dispense with chemicals in the brain that produce symptoms of the condition. In some instances where specific symptoms persist, the doctor may prescribe for the patient to undergo electro convulsive therapy (ECT).
Other aspects that are within the subject’s control include the running activities, good diet and sleep as a way of reducing symptoms of depression. Also, enduing support of friends, families and community agencies could offer hope at some point of difficulty.
Breaking the Taboo of Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that people experience which continues to need recognition and acceptance. Depression stigma should be avoided because it may lead to a situation where people never go for a treatment to be treated. So when people and the society at large is well informed about depression it will be easy for them to appreciated mental illness and accept those who are depressed.
Conclusion
Depression cannot be described as a simple mental health disorder since millions of people from all over the world suffer from it. This has been helpful due to its insight that depicts the causes of depression which if comprehended, the signs of the disorder that if perceived, everyone can get help and fight the severity of depressions. Keep in mind too that you are not necessarily alone and you can get some help. Ask family members, friends, doctors, and community health workers about ways of coping with depressive symptoms and other obstacles towards a healthier functional future.
