It is normal for any of us to feel moody or sad at times. But; With depression, the sad or bad mood lasts for weeks, months, or even longer, affecting the way you behave and the extent of your performance at work or school. For adults and children. It can also affect their energy, sleep, and food intake.
Depression cases
Depression can also contribute to physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach pain. A depressed person will find it difficult to enjoy things as before.
Most of all, depression affects the way people think and feel about themselves. How close (or far) they are to others. People suffering from depression often feel lonely. It may seem like no one understands or cares about them. They may feel bad about themselves. They may blame themselves for having a hard time. They may sometimes feel hopeless and unwilling to live. They may have suicidal thoughts (“I don’t want to live. I wish I were dead”) or even try to hurt themselves.
It is necessary for us all to understand that depression is not the person’s fault and is not a personal failure. It is more common among people than most people think. Depression may start small and then get worse. For this reason; It is very important to take care of this condition as soon as possible.
Yes; Depression can deprive the person of joy in the joys of life, and leave him far from communicating with others. But today, with great medical advances and new developments – in medications, treatment, and self-care – we are seeing something we have never seen before; Joy and happiness are within easy reach. Doctors now have the tools to treat major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. The progress achieved today has been able to break the grip of depression, restore the patient’s old personality more quickly, and restore energy, enthusiasm, happiness, peace of mind, and joy of life.
Medical achievement
A group of practicing doctors at Harvard Medical School were able to participate in discussions to clarify strategies that have proven effective in treating the many forms of depression, its causes, and symptoms, by:
Conduct unbiased evaluations of the most prescribed medications, supporting medications of the most effective antidepressants, the most reliable mood stabilizers, and advanced antidepressants that may relieve symptoms in just two hours.
– Make explicit comparisons between major non-drug treatments. By encouraging constructive ways of thinking; These treatments can restore hope and happiness. There is a cure to revive self-esteem and overcome social isolation, and a simple approach to help withstand adversity.
– Plus more ways to fight depression and win; There are alternative strategies and self-care steps that can be taken to bring joy back to life. There are exercises that can lift depression, a number of foods to improve mood, and a “stimulating” technique with a 90 percent response rate!
The most important symptoms of depression
Every person experiences depression differently, but the most common symptoms of depression are as follows:
– Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, worthlessness, or helplessness.
– Change in weight or appetite; Due to eating too much or too little food.
– Changes in sleep, including interrupted sleep, inability to sleep, waking up early in the morning, or sleeping too much.
– Loss of interest and pleasure in activities previously enjoyed; Including sex.
– Increased insomnia and irritability.
– Low energy, fatigue and feeling sluggish.
– Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
– Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain that do not improve with treatment.
– Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, or wanting to die or attempting suicide. Consult a doctor immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts.
The right treatment can help most people with depression. Treatment can include lifestyle changes, medications, or psychotherapy.
What to do if you think you may be “depressed”? Dr. Lisa M. Buckloh, PhD, a psychologist (behavioral health) at Nemours Hospital, advises:
– Talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher, mentor, or friend. Let them know what you’re going through. This can help you feel more hopeful and less lonely, it’s just important to have someone who listens to you and shows they care.
– Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. He or she can listen to you and check if you are suffering from depression, and can explain the steps for treatment and how to get started.
-If you are having suicidal thoughts or think you may be in danger of harming yourself, seek help immediately.
5 ways to self-care
There are simple lifestyle changes that can be made to help manage feelings of depression. Depression does not go away on its own, so if you feel depressed, it is best to do something about it. If these feelings don’t go away, talk to your primary care provider or therapist about your care options.
These simple changes and strategies can dispel the symptoms of depression. They aim to revive optimism and self-esteem, renew energy and enthusiasm, and reconnect with people and access to what they love. Be certain that “Depression is treatable – and can be overcome!” (Depression is treatable — and beatable!).
Try these five ways to manage depression (recommended by doctors at Sanford-health):
* Exercise: For “mild to moderate depression,” exercise can be as effective as any medical or psychological treatment. Try to exercise for at least 150 minutes every week. Achieving your physical activity goals can positively impact your mental health and increase your motivation to do other activities.
Walk, run or bike, whichever you prefer, for 20 minutes or more every day. Once you get into the habit of exercising, it won’t take long to notice a difference in your mood.
Some yoga poses can also help relieve feelings of depression, such as legs-up-the-wall pose. There are two other aspects to yoga; Breathing exercises and meditation can help people with depression feel better.
* Good nutrition: Depression can affect appetite. One person may not feel like eating at all, and another person may overeat. If depression affects food, be more conscious about getting proper nutrition. Proper nutrition can affect your mood and energy.
due to bad luck; The comfort foods you may crave will not help improve your mood; in fact, they may do the opposite. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat, or sodium; Because they provide little or no nutrition you need. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and eat regular meals. Even if you don’t feel hungry, try to eat something light like a piece of fruit to keep you going. You should also stop consuming alcohol, as it is a depressant that can exacerbate symptoms of depression.
* Connecting with a support system: There is a link between depression and feelings of social isolation and loneliness. These feelings can affect more than just mental health. Loneliness is a serious health problem linked to high rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and much more. Fighting feelings of loneliness can help manage depression, too.
Establishing, maintaining and nurturing social relationships gives mental health a boost. Make an effort to spend time with people whose company you enjoy. It is also important to identify someone or some people in your life to be open with about your feelings. Talk to them about what you are going through; Because this can help you feel better in the moment and strengthen your relationship.
* Help yourself by helping others: Performing random acts of kindness towards others gives a boost to mental health; Showing kindness, empathy, and generosity has been shown to help people recover from depression. These actions lead to more positive relationships with others and a more positive sense of self.
There is also some evidence that these actions boost levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, two chemicals that affect mood. Try these acts of kindness below:
Volunteering or donating – communicating with others and checking up on them – performing household chores for others – sharing or being generous – giving compliments – leaving a positive review – sending thank you notes – smiling.
* Show gratitude: Your life has purpose and meaning! Live a life that supports your core values. Find new communities of like-minded people and reduce feelings of loneliness and despair. Make a list each day of three good things that happened. Focus on gratitude for the little things, this can make a big difference.
Effective ways to treat depression
Most mental health experts agree that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best treatment for depression (also called “major depressive disorder” and/or “clinical depression”). Neuromodulation may also be recommended, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). support groups; Where people who are struggling similarly can connect and share resources, it can also be helpful. How you respond to treatment depends on factors; Such as severity of depression, motivation, level of emotional support, and access to care. It is important to understand that medication will not provide positive results overnight. The medication generally takes time to work in the body. In severe cases of depression, a hospital stay may be necessary.
How long does it take to overcome depression? Is depression a permanent condition?
It is difficult to combat “clinical depression” without professional help, since the passage of time does not usually lead to resolution of the symptoms. Education about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of depression can be helpful. Anger, irritability, and unexplained physical symptoms (such as physical aches, pains, and digestive distress) can be symptoms of depression. If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks – or interfere with the ability to go to work or school – and there is difficulty getting out of bed, it is important to seek treatment. Untreated depression is associated with an increased risk of suicide… Therefore; You must consult a doctor and follow up regularly with him.
Clinical depression is a serious mood disorder and one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. Although there is no average length of time to overcome depression, effective treatments do exist. For many; Depression is a chronic condition; Which means that symptoms can last for many years. Understanding your triggers can help you avoid more difficult symptoms. Working with a trained psychiatrist and counselor is one of the most effective ways to permanently recover from depression.
* Community medicine consultant
2024-02-10 14:01:02
#simple #ways #stay #healthy
