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Beware Of These Signs And Symptoms Of Depression!

Feelings like sadness, loneliness and bouts of dejection can affect you every now and then. Most often, these are only temporary reactions to having low self-esteem, dealing with a loss or the daily struggles of life. However, if these feelings become too overwhelming and persistent, lasting for days, weeks or months on end, then chances are that you are going through depression.

What are The Behavioural & Mental Signs of Depression?

What are the Physical Symptoms of Depression?

What are the Symptoms of Depression in Children & Teens?

Does depression affect young people as well? Yes, depression affects teens and children as much as it affects adults.

When children suffer from depression, it becomes harder for them to make an effort or even engage in daily activities. They may feel rejected, unloved and worthless. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes.

Emotional Symptoms

Behavioural Symptoms

Depressive symptoms, particularly in teens and kids, may vary based on the severity of the condition.

How to Be Sure If You Have Depression?

Feelings of despair are very normal, even as you go through the tough patches of life. Therefore, it may be hard to tell if you have depression. For example, in teens, an angry or irritable mood might appear as an attitude problem; lack of interest and low energy can be confused with laziness.

As depression is hard to detect, your best bet is to consult a doctor at the earliest.

Energy reduction can be a symptom of depression, however some times anemia will cause both depression and excessive fatigability. So getting treated for anemia is very important before treating depression

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How is Depression Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will most likely ask you questions regarding the symptoms – how long have they been present, how severe do they get, etc. A doctor may also perform a thorough examination to check for physical symptoms, and conduct a blood test to dismiss other medical conditions. Apart from this, the following tests may be used to diagnose depression –

These tests are designed in the pattern of a questionnaire that helps to evaluate the severity of depression. The higher you score, the more serious the condition.

Perinatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy or in the first year after having a baby. It’s one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy. Seeking medical assistance is very crucial if you encounter this situation.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

How Can You Treat Depression?

Depression can be challenging to deal with, but treatment can help improve the quality of your life.

The treatment options include –

Anti-anxiety, antipsychotics and antidepressants can ease the symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

Talking to a therapist may help you learn skills to deal with negative thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a part of psychotherapy. The therapy involves interacting closely with the patient and focuses on problem-solving. CBT aims to identify distorted thought patterns and change a person’s thinking and behaviour.

Other treatment options are yoga, meditation and exercise. They can help you de-stress and improve your mood.

When to See a Doctor?

If signs and symptoms of depression impede your routine activities or think about harming yourself, then you should consult a doctor.

You have a severe case of depression when symptoms intensify with time and continue for over six months. During this phase, a person may experience hallucinations, delusions or suicidal thoughts.

Clinical depression affects millions of people globally. However, there are various treatment options available, ranging from anti-depressive medications to lifestyle changes and therapy. Whichever path you choose, the first step to getting your life back on track is to seek professional help and support from the people you trust.

Also Read: Clary Sage Oil: Unlocking Its Research-Backed Benefits and Uses

Ways You Can Help Yourself Through Depression

The first step toward fighting depression is identifying and accepting that you may be dealing with it. Be kind towards your mental health and the emotions underlying your mental state. The key to helping yourself through this state is firstly identifying where you stand and then treating yourself with love, empathy and compassion.  

Suppressed emotions are feelings that are waiting to explode and the explosion can only deteriorate your present state of mind. It is important to talk about your feelings and things that are important to you and unburden yourself. Emotions that are bottled up for too long reappear as negative outcomes in your life.  

When you refrain from letting out your feelings, you are blocking your own happiness and stopping yourself from feeling liberated. Suppressed emotions are just negative emotions that you are holding on to and negativity only pulls you down.

Understand and accept that your present state won’t always be your current state. It gets difficult to believe in ”better days are coming” when there is no indication of it in front of you but it is important to remember that while there are days that cause you emotional damage, there will also be days that are going to uplift you. Give yourself the time to cope with grief but keep reminding yourself that tomorrow brings with it a fresh start.  

You are your biggest supporter and if you aren’t kind to yourself, who will be? The irrational voice laced with depression inside our heads is always negative. This voice is the part of you that will suggest you to follow through with things that will cause you harm and sadness to those around you. Listen to the kinder and optimistic voice in you that knows that bad phases are a part of life. Now read it again, bad ”phase” and like most other phases this will pass too. This is the voice you need to listen to. This is the voice that tells you that motivates you to never give up, it tells you that you are worth it and everything will fall into place.  

Depression causes us to give up on a lot of things that matter to us and makes us forget who we were before the negativity hit us. It demotivates us and takes us to a dark place where we forget to enjoy the little pleasures of life. It makes us recognize only the negative aspects while completely overlooking the positive bits. Make genuine efforts to get out of bed and do something that makes YOU happy! Even if it’s as small as treating yourself to something you enjoy, spending time in nature or listening to your favourite tracks. Make an effort to daily do something that reminds you of the joys you’ve been missing out on. A small step can make a huge difference.  

Apart from ourselves, our loved ones act as our biggest pillars of strength. On the days when you feel down, they are there to cheer you up and remind you that you matter. Spend time with them and talk to them. Talk to them about your emotions and the problems you are facing and if that is something you don’t want to dive into straight away then have conversations that distract you from the negativity inside your head. And when you do that, you will immediately know that there are people who love you, care for you deeply and will hold your hand through the bad times.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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World Suicide Prevention Day – Providing Support To Those Who Need It

Introduction

According to ‘The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2016′, suicide is the most common cause of death among Indians between the age groups of 15 and 39 years. To prevent such an alarming number of suicides, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10th September every year since 2003. This day has been dedicated to creating awareness of suicide, understanding the causes and signs of suicidal tendencies, as well as methods of prevention and providing support to people exhibiting these symptoms.

The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

Primary causes of suicide

Just like each year, World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is significant because it helps spread awareness about the primary causes that can lead up to suicide. According to Dr. Alex Lickerman, the former Director of Primary Care at the University of Chicago, USA, there are five primary causes of suicide.

  1. Depression is usually considered the leading cause of suicide and World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 also focuses on making support available to people suffering from depression.
  2. Psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia which trigger fearful delusions and hallucinations are also one of the primary causes of suicide.
  3. Impulsiveness that may result from substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) has also been deemed to be one of the primary causes as most people who have failed to take their own lives have regretted it when sober.
  4. People suffering from incurable terminal illnesses often seek death as a final escape from their suffering and World Suicide Prevention Day also aims to spread awareness regarding the demerits of this.
  5. Financial troubles including unemployment and business loss have also led to some people committing suicide out of utter hopelessness and despair.

Signs of suicidal behaviour 

There are many early warning signs displayed by people with suicidal tendencies. World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 seeks to educate people so that they can identify these indicators at the earliest-

Suicide prevention 

Despite the high prevalence of suicide, they can be prevented with the right level of intervention done at the right time. Understanding the several warning signs and not ignoring them can potentially help save a life.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having regular contact with a primary healthcare provider can help prevent suicide.

However, if thoughts of suicide have crossed your mind, then-

Conclusion

Therefore, the significance of World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 lies in continued support as well as recognition of suicide as a potent public health problem. Suicide can only be prevented by increased awareness about mental health as well as by the cooperation of friends and family members. It is important to understand that any person exhibiting the warning signs of suicide, talking or thinking of self-harm should not be taken lightly, consult a psychiatrist and let him/her understand and evaluate the condition. Act at the earliest to prevent a mishap. Every life is precious, let’s be the source of hope, happiness and support to someone in need.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

What Is Depression? Here’s Your Complete Guide

Depression is a mental health disorder that induces a lasting feeling of sadness and loss of pleasure or interest in activities once enjoyed. It is a common yet debilitating condition, which can affect a person’s physical and emotional well being, and interfere with one’s daily functioning.

How prevalent is depression? A report on depression published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing claimed that an estimated one out of every 20 adults suffers from depression1

Does depression affect a specific age group? Depression can set in anytime and affect anyone regardless of age and gender. However, on average, it appears first during the late teens or mid-20s. Moreover, the specific mood disorder is more prevalent in women than in men.

Depression is an ongoing problem rather than a passing phase. Depressive episodes may last for about two weeks or more. Sometimes, the condition may persist for several months, weeks, even years.

Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Common Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person. Different people – men, women, and children – may experience them differently. Nevertheless, the most common symptoms of depression include the following –

The above symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the person’s condition and its causes.

Causes of Depression

Even though the exact cause of depression is not clearly understood, medical experts suggest that a combination of biological, environmental, psychological, and emotional factors may lead to depressive symptoms. The probable risk factors/causes of depression may include –

1. Family history/Genetics

Depression often runs in families. If you have someone in your family – a parent, sibling, or a close relative – who has been diagnosed with depression or some other mood disorder, then chances are that you will develop the condition at some point in your life. For instance – if one of the identical twins has depression2, the other one has an increased 70% chance of having the same illness.

2. Brain structure

Changes in certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may trigger signs of depression in a person.

3. Substance Abuse

A person with a history of alcohol or drug misuse is at a greater risk of developing symptoms of depression. This may happen when the person gives up on the use of these substances, thereby triggering withdrawal symptoms and most definitely causing depression.

4. Certain medical conditions or medications

Some specific and chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and others may be linked with higher chances of having mood disorders, like depression. Sometimes, certain medications can also trigger symptoms of the condition.

5. Environmental factors

Continuous exposure to neglect, abuse, poverty, or violence can put some people at risk of depression.

6. Personality traits

People, who have low self-esteem, are typically pessimistic, or are easily overwhelmed by stress, are more susceptible to mood disorders, like depression.

Also Read: Navigating Bipolar Disorder: How a Person With Bipolar Thinks

Treatment for Depression

Fortunately, depression is among the most treatable of mental illnesses. An estimated 80-90% of people with clinical depression respond well to treatment while almost all patients can manage their symptoms.

The following approaches/methods are used to treat depression –

Medications

Antidepressants are the most commonly used medications when it comes to treating mood disorders. These medications can alleviate the symptoms of depression and prevent its recurrence. Antidepressants work by modifying one’s brain chemistry. A person taking antidepressants may notice some improvement within a week or two of its use. However, it may take up to three months for the condition to recover. The most common types of antidepressant medications include SNRIs, SSRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs. Doctors usually recommend taking the medications for at least six months after the symptoms have improved, as it reduces the risk of future episodes for people at high risk.

It is important to let your doctor know if the medication does not work. These medicines should only be taken if you have an established disorder, under medical supervision. However, in case you experience some side effects, be sure to inform your healthcare provider of the same.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can be used alone for treating mild depression, or can be given along with antidepressants to treat moderate to severe depression. The therapy includes various methods like Interpersonal therapy and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on altering the thought process and behavioural pattern of the individual through close, face-to-face interaction.

Psychotherapy may involve either the individual or many others. Based on the severity of the depression, treatment may take a few weeks or more. Significant improvement may be observed following 10-15 therapy sessions.

Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a conventional procedure that is commonly used to treat people, who have bipolar disorder or major depression. This line of treatment is followed when the patient does not respond to medications or psychotherapy. The procedure involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anaesthesia. ECT is given to patients 2-3 times a week for a total of 6-12 treatments.

Types of Depression

Depression has several forms or categories, depending on the causes and severity of the symptoms. The most common types of depression are described below –

Major depressive disorder/Clinic depression

Major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar or clinical depression, refers to the condition where an individual experiences a constant feeling of hopelessness, sadness or despair, and loses interest in various activities that once seemed enjoyable and pleasurable. How long do major depressive episodes last? Episodes of major depression typically continue for about two weeks or more.

Persistent depression/Dysthymia

As the name suggests, dysthymia or persistent depression is a chronic form of depression, which generally last for several years, thereby interfering with one’s routine tasks and personal relationships. People, who have this condition, often find it hard to be happy even on cheerful occasions. These people may be perceived by others as pessimistic and gloomy when in reality they are coping with a chronic mental illness. How is persistent depression different from clinical depression? The moods experienced in the case of persistent depression are not as severe as those in the case of clinical depression are. However, they may still evoke feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loss of interest.

Bipolar disorder/Manic depression

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood fluctuations and changes in one’s behaviour, thoughts, and sleep pattern. With this type of depression, one not just feels ‘low’ but may even have recurrent or frequent thoughts about self-harm, death, or suicide. These excessive mood swings may happen sporadically – perhaps twice a year – or more frequently, like every week.

Postpartum Depression

Bouts of crying, emotional breakdown, and feeling upset are commonly attributed to dramatic hormonal fluctuations, referred to as ‘baby blues’, which most women experience following childbirth. These feelings are very common and these tend to reduce within one or two weeks after childbirth. However, postpartum depression is a more severe form of ‘baby blues’, which can last for months after the child is born. This type of depression is more likely to affect women, who are already struggling to deal with anxiety, sadness, or other symptoms of mental illness. Does postpartum depression begin immediately after giving birth? Postpartum depression does not necessarily start immediately following childbirth. The symptoms may be observed in the initial few weeks after the birth of the child, or sometimes, they may show up months after, perhaps during the baby’s first year.

Seasonal Depression

This particular form of depression is related to seasonal changes. People suffering from seasonal depression notice symptoms starting and ceasing at about the same time, every year. For many people, the signs show up in the fall and last throughout the winters. Nevertheless, symptoms of seasonal depression may occur in summer or spring.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is characterized by false beliefs and disorganized behaviour or thinking (delusions) and false sounds or sights (hallucinations). As per The National Institute of Mental Health, an individual with this condition is out of touch with reality. They may imagine things and believe them to be true or hear voices. For example – they may think that others are trying to harm them, or that they are wanted for having committed a crime that they did not commit.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

This form of depression is considered a disabling and severe subtype of premenstrual syndrome. This involves behavioural and physical symptoms that generally resolve with the beginning of menstruation. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder leads to drastic mood swings that damage relationships and disrupt work.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a subtype of clinical depression, which describes a pattern of depressive symptoms, such as irritability, overeating, oversleeping, and sensitivity to rejection. Nevertheless, one key characteristic of this type of depression is that individuals experience a lift in their mood when encountering enjoyable, pleasurable activities. How serious can atypical depression be? Just as with any other form of depression, atypical depression is a critical mental health problem. It is linked with a higher risk of anxiety disorders and suicide. Most often this form of depression begins in the teenage years and has long-lasting effects on the person.

Situational Depression

Situational depression is a stress-related, short-term form of depression. It may occur after an individual goes through a series of stressful events or experiences trauma, for instance – the loss of someone near and dear, a financial crisis, a failed marriage, or a terminal illness. Most people suffering from situational depression start noticing the symptoms within three months after the triggering event.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

This is a fairly recent diagnosis. It appeared for the first time in 2013 in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DMDD is classified as a depressive disorder, wherein children struggle to control their emotions and moods in an age-appropriate manner. Due to this, they exhibit periodic temper outbursts, either behaviourally or verbally, in response to frustration.

Having an in-depth knowledge of the various forms of depression can help you identify the symptoms better and seek treatment accordingly.

The takeaway

Depression is a serious but manageable condition. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression can overcome it. If you are encountering signs of depression, the first step should be to see your psychiatrist or family physician. Discuss your concerns and request a thorough evaluation – this is a start to addressing mental health needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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