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Depression

APSARA KATUWAL DANGOL

Depression is a serious illness related to emotions, in which person loses interest in his daily activities and often remains sad and hopeless. During the depression, if one can't get good support and care then it can make a person to attempt suicide too.Due to depression, a person suffers physically, mentally and socially.
Causes of Depression
There are many causes of depression and some of the main causes are as follows:

i. Being physically and sexually abused,

ii. Taking drugs,

iii. Conflicts with beloved ones,

iv. Death or loss of beloved ones.
v. A family history of Depression,

vi. Major events like marriage, pregnancy,

vii.Serious illness,

viii.Substance abuse,

ix. Seasonal Affective Disorder


Sign and Symptoms of Depression

the common signs and symptoms of depression are as following:

i. Feeling of sadness and feeling emptiness

ii. Lack of interest in daily activities,

iii. Lack of interest to eat, loss of appetite,

iv. Looks tired,

v.Insomnia,

vi. Feeling of hopelessness and guilty in nature,

vii. Thought of harming ownself,

viii. Thought of suicide

ix.Digestive problems,

x. Poor health and muscle cramps.


Effects of depression on body

The effects of depression are as following:

i. Lasting sadness or guilt,

ii. Emptiness or feeling of hopelessness,

iii. Trouble remembering things,

iv. Unable to make decisions,

v. Preoccupation with hurting oneself,

vi. A risk of suicide,

vii. Clinginess- refusing to do the task,

viii. Headaches and other aches and pains,

ix. A risk of Cardiovascular disease,

x. A risk of obesity-related illness,

xi. Change in appetite,

xii. Weakened immune system,

xiii. Risk of heart attack,


Diagnosis of Depression


Depression can't be diagnosed only by physical examination. A doctor has to put extra care while noting about the symptoms of depression. It can be noted when patient talks and shares about his/her mood and while come for visit. A doctor takes the mental health examination and refers a patient to a psychiatrist for in-depth assessment. After structured questionnaires related to depression is taken, feedback from family members are taken and diagnosis is made through DSM 5. Symptoms must last at least for 2 weeks for a diagnosis of depression as even thyroid problem can mimic symptoms of depression.


Treatment of Depression


Treatment of depression is possible. One can really get recovered from depression.

i. Lifestyle changes can reduce depression-like regularly doing exercise, starting to read, write and be interested in learning new skills, reducing stress.

ii.Psychotherapy or talking therapy can help reduce depression,

iii. Relaxation technique can also benefit,

iv. Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps in changing negative patterns of thoughts into positive one.


Medications


Medication has to be used only after the prescription of mental health professionals as many medicines have side effects too like nausea, nervousness, tremors, trouble sleeping, and sexual problems. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), a tetracyclic antidepressant, dopamine reuptake blocker,5-HT1A receptor antagonist,5-HT2 receptor antagonists,5-HT3 receptor antagonist, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), noradrenergic antagonist. But using appropriate medicine according to the related symptom is necessary.


About Writer

Apsara Katuwal Dangol, is writer, educator, and psychosocial counselor. She writes articles which covers topics related to general and developmental psychology. She teaches to MA Clinical Psychology students as Developmental Psychology Mentor at Tri-Chandra College, and General Psychology at Shubhashree College of Management.




References:

Causes of Depression

www.webmd.com/depression/guide/causes-depression#1


Depression

www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression


Depression Also called: Clinical depression, Dysthymic disorder, Major depressive disorder, Unipolar depression

www.medlineplus.gov/depression


Diagnosis of depression

www.healthdirect.gov.au/diagnosis-of-depression


Depression treatment

www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression-treatment


Depression Treatment

www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-treatment


The Effects of Depression on the Body, Ann Pietrangelo

www.healthline.com/health/depression/effects-on-body


Medications Help To Treat Depression?

www.healthline.com/health/depression/medication-list

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