I. What is depression?
It is normal to feel down occasionally, but if your mood stays consistently low, it may be a sign of depression. Major depression is a series of sad moods or loss of interest that lasts for at least two weeks, and this mood can disrupt your daily life. Depression is not a human weakness or a negative disposition, but a serious public health problem that is a curable condition:.
1. Mood symptoms
The main symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that once brought pleasure lose their appeal. Patients may also have feelings of guilt or a sense of worthlessness, loss of hope, and thoughts of death or suicide.
2. Physical symptoms: pain
We know that depression can damage mood, but in addition, it can also have physical effects. About 65% of patients report that depression is accompanied by pain, including headaches, back pain, muscle tenderness, and joint pain. Fatigue, dizziness and too much or too little sleep are also common symptoms.
3. Physical symptoms: appetite
Appetite or weight change is another sign of depression. Some patients will experience an unusually large increase in appetite, while others will lose their appetite completely. Many people with depression experience persistent nausea, diarrhea or constipation.
II. Impact on daily life.
1. If left untreated, these physical symptoms and emotional problems brought on by depression can affect your work, hobbies, and relationships. People with depression often find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. They no longer do activities they previously enjoyed, including sexual activity. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
2. Suicide signals
People who are depressed are more likely to commit suicide. Such suicidal signals include talking about death or talking about suicide, threatening to hurt others, or becoming combative and developing risk-taking behaviors. Anyone who is experiencing suicidal feelings needs extra attention. Call the hotlines immediately at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If you have plans to commit suicide, go straight to the emergency room.
Anyone can develop depression, but many experts believe that genetics plays a decisive role. If you have a parent or sibling with depression, your risk of depression is three times higher than normal. Women have twice the risk of depression as men.
Third, the causes of depression
Doctors are uncertain about the cause of depression, but the best-known theory is that there are changes in brain structure and chemical function. An imbalance in some chemicals called neurotransmitters causes depression. And what causes an imbalance of these chemicals? One cause is the stimulation of an external traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one or a job. Other triggers are taking certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse, hormonal changes, and even weather changes.
1. Seasonal depression
If your mood changes with the weather (sunny in the summer, depressed in the winter), then you may be suffering from seasonal depression (SAD). With shorter daylight hours, SAD usually occurs in the late fall and into winter. Experts say that 3% of Americans (about nine million) are affected by SAD, and most of these patients live in the northern part of the United States.
2. Postpartum depression
About three-quarters of new mothers will experience postpartum depression (baby bules). But only about 12 percent will develop a severe depressed mood, and this mood will last even until the baby grows up. This is postpartum depression, and the symptoms are similar to those of other depressive disorders. An important difference is that the baby’s health and well-being are also at risk. A depressed mother cannot enjoy the joy of motherhood and caring for her baby.
3. Childhood depression
One in every 40 American children is under the cloud of depression. Depression affects a child’s ability to play, make friends and complete schoolwork. The symptoms of depression in children are similar to those of depression in adults, but some children may be more prone to tantrums or risky behavior. If left untreated, depressed children may become suicidal.
IV. Diagnosis of depression
To date, there is no mood test for depression. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors will rely on the patient’s expression of symptoms. You may be asked about some medical history, medications, as these may contribute to your depressive symptoms. Discussion of mood, behavior and daily activities helps to understand the severity of depression and the type of depression. Diagnosis is the most critical step to effective treatment.
Research has proven that three types of talk therapy can treat mild to moderate depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to change the thoughts and behaviors that determine depression. Interpersonal therapy can determine how relationships affect mood. Problem-solving therapy helps discover solutions to specific problems that may take you out of your depressed mood. Some patients find that a few months of therapy is enough to improve symptoms, although some patients may have a longer treatment period.
V. Antidepressant therapy
Antidepressants alter the levels of feel-good chemicals (such as 5-hydroxytryptamine) in the brain. And probably the best known is Prozac (Prozac), although it is only one of the choices. If the first one doesn’t work, try other medications. The side effects of these drugs are generally mild, but there may be problems with gastrointestinal upset, headaches, weight gain, insomnia and sexual disorders. Medication combined with talk therapy seems to be extraordinarily effective.
1. Exercise
Research shows that exercise can be effective against mild to moderate depression. Physical activity releases endorphins, which not only improve mood but also reduce pain. Regular exercise also enhances self-acceptance, improves sleep, relieves stress and increases energy. Any form of moderate exercise, from swimming to housework, can help. Choose something you enjoy for 20-30 minutes, 4-5 times a week.
2.Light therapy (light therapy)
Light therapy is not only effective for SAD, but also for other types of depression. Sitting in front of a specially designed light box, this light box can be adjusted to provide both light and dark light depending on the time of day. Light therapy is particularly effective for pregnant women, as antidepressants may have adverse effects on the fetus. Light therapy can be used in combination with other therapies. Ask your doctor how to purchase a light box and how long the recommended duration of use is.
3.Ganoderma lanceolata for depression
Guan Ye Lian Lian is a botanical that is widely discussed as a medicine. There is evidence that it can treat mild depression, but two large studies have shown it to be ineffective for moderate to severe depression. Together with other antidepressants, it can cause “5-hydroxytryptamine syndrome,” a life-threatening condition characterized by irritability, fever, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and neuromuscular disturbances (including rigidity or convulsions).
4.Pets
Although a mischievous puppy or a coqui-coma can’t replace medication or talk therapy. But researchers say pets can relieve many people of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Pets bring unconditional love, can reduce feelings of loneliness and bring a sense of purpose to patients’ lives. Studies have found that people who own pets have fewer sleep disorders and are more likely to recover.
5. The role of social support
Because loneliness goes hand in hand with depression, building a social support network is important for treatment. You can join a group, find an online support community, or visit friends and loved ones regularly. Even joining a book club or taking a fitness learning class can help ensure you reach out to people.
6. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
VNS is like a pacemaker for the brain. A pacemaker is surgically implanted and fires electrical stimulation to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. These stimuli relieve depressive symptoms by regulating the levels of chemicals in the brain.
7. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
For patients with refractory depression or severe depression, another option is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This treatment uses electric shocks to control depressive symptoms (the patient will not feel them). ECT is effective in 80-90% of patients, giving new hope to those whose symptoms cannot be controlled by medication.
8. A better outlook
When depression occurs, you may feel hopeless and helpless. But the truth is that this condition can be treated, and more than 80% of patients can be controlled with medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both. Even when these treatments don’t work, there are still cutting-edge treatments that can be used.