Depression is one of the leading mental disorders worldwide. It not only affects one’s mental health but the whole body gets disturbed, such as the gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system, chronic pains, and integumentary system (skin). Levels of depression vary from person to person. Moreover, some people cope with it effectively, people who are unable to cope with it get it severe and go into severe mental disorders. However, managing strategies and identifying symptoms in the early stages can prevent complications.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
A person with depression will experience the following symptoms.
- Low mood/less talkative
- Irritability
- Lack of interest in daily activities
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Social isolation/do not want to make friends
- Do not want to share ideas with others/introvert personality
- Lack of sleep/ sleep disturbances
- Lack of appetite and weight loss or overeating and gain weight.
- Low performance in professional life or studies
- Lack of confidence
- Panic attacks
- Joint and muscle pains are usually known as fibromyalgia.
- Headaches
- Want to Cry Easily
- Unable to make decisions
- The feeling of hopelessness.
- Become angry and outbursts even in small situations.
- High blood pressure.
What are the Causes of Depression?
In some cases, it runs in families but most of the pieces of evidence showed it’s due to different factors and stressful events in one’s life Such as,
Chronic Health Issues:
Health issues such as long-term physical disabilities and other health problems put a person at a greater risk.
Financial Issues:
People unable to fulfill their financial needs such as basic life needs put person at greater risk.
Stressful Events in Life:
Unforgettable life events or situations are major risk factors for developing depression such as divorce, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, Failure in life goals such as in studies, loss in business, etc. Moreover, people with an abusive history are also at a major risk.
Lack of Awareness about Coping Strategies:
People who do not have information about coping strategies become depressed easily.
Poor Family and Friends Support: People with poor family support can get depressed easily. The support could be social, financial, behavioral, or mental.
Lack of Expressing Emotions and Feelings: People who do not share their emotions, especially hurting emotions, are more vulnerable to depression. So, try to share your tensions and stresses with your loved one or with a close friend.
Medication and Depression: Some long-term use of medications such as some anti-epileptics, anti-hypertensive, and corticosteroids cause depression when used for a long period.
How it can be prevented?
Depression can be prevented if it is identified in the early stages or if the initial symptoms are recognized and corrected on time. There are some tips to prevent depression.
Always be positive:
Get in touch with your close friends: Always have some trustworthy friends and be in touch with them. Moreover, try to share your feelings with them. In this way, you will also find more
Life Goals: Always set backup goals in your life in your professional life or during your studies.
Be Extrovert in your Nature.
Most introverted people do not share their feelings and emotions with others. This habit increases internal pressure or stress which may lead to depression. Some researchers say people who cry in grief situations are less likely to develop depression because they express their feelings in the form of tears.
Some Vitamins are Linked with Depression:
Vitamins such as vitamin -d and vitamin B12 play a vital role in our body. However, normal levels of such vitamins keep the body active and well-functioning. However, decreased levels can affect the body’s functioning. Check levels of these vitamins by consulting your healthcare provider and taking foods or supplements of these vitamins.
Have a Regular Walk:
Have a regular walk each day. This will enhance some good hormones in your body which will help in decreasing depression and anxiety.
Should Have a Hobby:
One must have a hobby other than professional life, study, or household work. Getting busy with your favorite hobby will help you to prevent it.
Stress Management: You can prevent it if you have good stress and anxiety management strategies.
Gut Health: Improve your gut health as it is strongly associated with depression and anxiety.
When to consult your healthcare professional?
In today’s era each person experiences anxiety and depression in life but when you notice that your symptoms are getting worse and affecting your daily life activities, must consult your health care professional. Some of the symptoms are as follows
- Having suicidal ideation
- Decrease lack of interest in daily activities
- Having fear
- Unable to fall asleep or disturbed sleep
- Being unable to memorize things decreases appetite
- Severe epigastric pain or burning
- Having body aches or joint pains
- Headaches especially the back of the head with shoulder muscle tension
- Panic attacks
- Unable to make decisions
Low confidence and feeling guilty
What are different types of depression?
Major / Clinical Depression.
This type is the most severe form of depression. Needs consultation with a psychiatrist on an urgent basis to prevent complications.
Perinatal:
This type occurs in women during pregnancy. It is essential to notice the symptoms and causes in this period.
Postnatal:
This type of depression occurs in women following childbirth. However, Symptoms always subside with time. If not getting better must contact your health care provider.
Seasonal Depression:
This type of depression is also called seasonal affective depression which occurs with the change in seasons. Most of the people experience symptoms during winter and feel better in summer. However, some people feel better during winter and experience symptoms in winter.
Situational Depression:
This type occurs with stressful life events. Moreover, Symptoms are usually related to acute anxiety attacks. This type is for a short-term period.
Persistent or Chronic Depression:
This type has fewer symptoms than major depression however lasts for a longer period usually more than two years.
So, depression is a severe mental disorder that should be treated on time and must be taken as a serious health issue. Untreated or chronic depression gets severe with time and takes more time for the treatment to work. It affects both the elderly and children. Treatment includes antidepressant medicines psychological counseling or a combination of both.
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