What is Depression ?
Continuously feeling sad, hopeless, lifeless for long period of time is state of intense depression. There is no proper medication for depression, one needs family and friends support to come out of the situation and proper counseling. Severe depression presents psychotic symptoms. They include delusions and hallucinations. Severe cases and especially suicidal thoughts should be treated as an emergency. The greatest threat during depression is suicidal thoughts. Most of the people who die from depression related suicide are labeled as being in accidents, range shooting or even overdose on drugs. Up to 15% of the people who do not get treatment for depression end up in suicide.
What are the Signs of Depression?
It is worth noting that these signs are not exclusive to depression. Their severity also varies.
- Obsessive drug and alcohol abuse
- Excessive sleeping or total lack of sleep
- Irritability at the slightest provocation
- Losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
- A feeling of hopelessness, dissertation or uselessness
- Fear and a persistent feeling that something wrong is about to happen
- Lingering thoughts of death and contemplating suicide. The victim may even attempt suicide.
Who Is at Risk Of Depression?
Note that depression can still develop without the risk factors. These factors only increase the likelihood of depression. The factors may be environmental, genetic, psychological or even physical.
- Family history- if you come from a lineage with a history of depressive disorder, chances are higher for you.
- Chronic mental or physical disorder- chronic pain is a rampant cause of depression. Other conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or even a heart disease will multiply your chances.
- Stress and major life changes- this is mainly episodic and especially happens before your body acclimatizes. Social situations like trauma, a troublesome relationship, financial problems, a significant loss, etc are also triggers.
- Lack of support- men and women are social beings. In the absence of such support, the feeling of loneliness kicks in. People who live and work in seclusion or whose social skills are not advanced are likely to suffer from depression.
How to treat depression?
There is no known treatment for depression. There only exist management interventions focusing on reversing the causes. Solving psychological issues through therapy, change of environment, socialization will pull a patient from depression. Medical intervention includes the use of antidepressants that may be combined with anti-psychotic and mood stabilizing drugs. It is advisable to talk to a mental health expert since each person has a different challenge and thus a unique solution is required.
