Depression and Symptoms
Depression is a medical condition that can be treated. Early intervention can decrease the duration of symptoms. Treatments could include psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication.
Sadness and feeling "down in the down" are normal feelings. However, if these feelings persist for longer than two weeks and impact your daily life and relationships, then you could be depressed.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion which is triggered by the amygdala a part of your brain associated with fear and anxiety. It is a normal response to a perceived danger, but can become debilitating when the situation becomes out of hand. Many suffer from anxiety disorders. According to the latest edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, anxiety disorders can include generalized anxiety disorder, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder.
People with a phobia have an extreme, irrational fear of an object or situation like spiders, flying or being in open spaces. Obsessions are repeated and unwanted thoughts or ideas that feel impossible to stop, while compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions that are repeated over. Panic attacks are brief feelings of terror and apprehension usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, breathing difficulties and feelings of uncontrollability or a lack of reality.
About half of those suffering from anxiety or depression suffer from the other condition. The presence of both conditions can worsen symptoms for both. It's important to seek treatment for both because they can cause issues with school, work or relationships, and can lead to physical ailments and eventually death.
There are many ways to manage depression or anxiety symptoms. These include psychotherapy and talk therapy, relaxation techniques and medication. Finding a therapist who understands the connection between these two conditions and can provide you with the tools to cope is important.
A therapist will help you identify the triggers that cause you stress, such as seasonal changes or grief. They can also teach you how to fight untrue and unhealthy thinking. They can help you stay active, eat well and remind you that you're never alone. A therapist may also refer you to your doctor if they think medication might be an option for you. Antidepressant drugs like SSRIs and SNRIs are effective in treating anxiety and depression. However, it might take some time to find the most effective combination of medications.
Depression
Many events and circumstances may trigger feelings of depression and sadness, including the loss of a loved-one or a job, health problems, divorce, and other life changes. While it is normal to feel upset and sad at times, those who suffer from depression suffer from persistent low moods that affect their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Depression is an illness which can be treated with psychotherapy and medicine, also called talk therapy. Some people with depression have physical symptoms like aches or pains. The type and severity of depression symptoms vary between women and men, as well as between adults and children.
Some people exhibit symptoms such as depression, hopelessness, and apathy. They might lose interest and experience difficulty sleeping or eating. They might feel angry or angry, or have feelings of guilt. People with a severe depression might have suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide.
While a variety of factors can trigger depression, biochemical variations in brain chemicals play the most significant part. The disorder can be triggered by certain illnesses, injuries or other stressors. It is often inherited from families. Depression can be caused by hormonal imbalances as well as vitamin deficiencies, neurological problems and alcohol or drug abuse.
If you know someone who is suffering from depression, try to offer support and reassurance. Encourage them to look for ways to get help, such as seeking out support groups and taking action to improve their lifestyle. If severe clinical depression symptoms are using alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms, assist them develop healthier strategies for coping.
Exercise, a healthy diet and a good night's sleep can help those who suffer from depression. Avoiding negative people and participating in activities that are positive such as social, religious or other activities can help. Depression can be treated and many patients who receive treatment experience improved moods and are able to live active lives. The majority of people receive treatment by psychotherapy, medication and sometimes electroconvulsive therapy or repetitive transcranial magnet stimulation. Certain people suffering from severe depression who don't respond to treatment may require hospitalization or residential treatment.
Medication
These feelings are only temporary. Depression is different and is diagnosed when certain symptoms are present every day, most of the time for a period of two weeks or more. Those with depression may also be angry or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They may also lose interest in the activities they normally take pleasure in. Depression affects women and men equally, but people who have experienced abuse or severe losses are more likely to be affected by the condition.
Depression can be treated through medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy. Psychotherapy helps people identify unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors and discover healthier ways to cope. Antidepressants alter the balance of brain chemicals that influence mood. It can take some time for these medications to begin working, and a physician must be on the lookout for your progress.
It is essential to inform your doctor if taking any other medications. Certain medications can cause or trigger depression symptoms. Corticosteroids and anticonvulsants as well as some medications to treat heart disease or high blood pressure can all trigger depression. Certain over-the-counter medicines, like sedatives and pain relievers, can trigger depression.
Depression can be a sign that you may have other medical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or anemia. A blood test and other screening methods offered by your health care provider will determine if any of these conditions is behind your depression.
Certain clinical trials are investigating new treatments for depression and other diseases. Ask your doctor about what you can expect from a clinical study and how to choose the right one for your needs. The knowledge gained from these research studies can assist in determining the best treatment options for the future. The National Institute of Mental Health, among other organizations, has information about clinical trials on their websites. Local health departments and hospitals also often list information about clinical trials on their websites.
Therapy
Depression is more severe and is more prolonged than "the blues". It can also affect your daily functioning. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association describes several symptoms that are necessary to establish a diagnosis of clinical depression. Symptoms can include a persistent depression, loss of enthusiasm for activities, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness and trouble sleeping (insomnia).
A therapist can show someone who is suffering from depression healthy ways to deal when confronted with negative thoughts and difficult situations or experiences. They can also offer emotional support and find out the root of depression. Psychological treatments are often paired with medication.
There are many kinds of therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy. Interpersonal therapy can help people to understand the root causes of problems that contribute to depression such as unresolved grief, changes in relationships, family conflicts and work-related issues.
It is crucial to find a therapist that you can trust and with whom you feel at ease working. You may want to consider a new therapist if you do not feel like you are connected to the one you are currently working with. It could take a while to locate the right therapist.
Depression is a very common illness that can be treated. It's crucial to seek help when you've experienced depression previously, as the symptoms can return or get worse. The key is to remain active, practice good self-care and avoid unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol or other drugs and not getting enough rest or eating healthy and balanced meals.
In general, it is recommended to start with psychotherapy, or talking treatments prior to moving on to medications. It's an excellent idea to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of every treatment alternative with your physician, including side effects. Some people with mild depression prefer medication on its own, while others benefit from both psychotherapy as well as medication. If your symptoms do not improve within a reasonable amount of time consult your therapist regarding other treatment options.