Depression - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
July 29, 2009 by Depression and Anxiety Tips
Filed under About Depression
Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It’s more than just a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days. If you are one of the more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. Depression can occur for what seems like no reason at all or can be triggered by a traumatizing life event within a person’s life. The cause of depression still remains a mystery among the medicinal world, however many experts say genes may have an effect on the likelihood of depression within a family and a lack of the chemical serotonin in the brain may be linked to depression. Just like all other medical conditions depression has a series of symptoms that can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional and can be defined as a never ending sad mood or affect as well as a loss of interest in life and life’s activities. Although a low mood or state of dejection that does not affect functioning is often colloquially referred to as depression , clinical depression is a clinical diagnosis and may be different from the everyday meaning of “being depressed.” Many people identify the feeling of being clinically depressed as “feeling sad for no reason”, or “having no motivation to do anything.” One suffering from depression may feel tired, sad, irritable, lazy, unmotivated, and apathetic. Clinical depression is generally acknowledged to be more serious than normal depressed feelings. It often leads to constant negative thinking and sometimes substance abuse . Extreme depression can culminate in its sufferers attempting or committing suicide . Without careful assessment, delirium can easily be confused with depression and a number of other psychiatric disorders because many of the signs and symptoms are conditions present in depression , as well as other mental illnesses including dementia and psychosis .
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Sometimes this is because of a loss, or a change. The feeling of sadness, though, is appropriate and transitory. When such feelings persist and impair daily life, they may signal an underlying depressive illness. So it is the severity and duration of symptoms, plus the presence of other features, that help distinguish this normal sadness from a depressive disorder. Depression is more than just a mood disorder, it is a real illness that not only affects one’s mood and thoughts but also appetite, sleep patterns and one’s self esteem. It may also involve physical symptoms, such as stomach pains, headaches and rapid heartbeat. There are several different types of depression, so you will hear terms like major depression, endogenous depression, chronic depression, and so on. These terms tend to describe the predominant symptoms, their severity or their duration.
Causes of Depression
Depression may be triggered by stressful life events, other illnesses, certain drugs or medications, or inherited traits. Although causes of depression are not entirely understood, we know it is linked to an imbalance in brain chemistry. Once the imbalance is corrected, symptoms of depression generally improve. Some researchers feel that severe depressions are caused by a physical defect in the body, such as a biochemical imbalance in the brain or other factors. Other things that have been linked to depression have to do with a person’s lifestyle. Things such as; food allergies, prescription drugs, caffeine, alcohol, illicit drugs and even tobacco. If a person has some sort of health problem such as; cancer, aids, hepatitis, diabetes, hypoglycemia, chronic pain, hormonal (glandular) disorders such as those of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands; malignancies, anemias or other blood problems, or even somethings like nutritional deficiencies, heredity and bad childhood experiences can cause depression.
Symptoms of Depression
1. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping.
2. Change in weight.
3. Feelings of worthlessness.
4. Loss of identity.
5. Lack of concentration.
6. Feelings of anxiety.
Treatment of Depression
There are many treatments available for depression, including counselling and medicines, but the first step is always to get a physical and psychological assessment to find out whether you have a depressive illness. Anti-depressant medications are often used. There are different types and the doctor will recommend which is the right one under the particular circumstances.
Thanks to Juliet Cohen for contributing this article to our Depression blog:
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Sometimes this is because of a loss, or a change. The feeling of sadness, though, is appropriate and transitory. When such feelings persist and impair daily life, they may signal an underlying depressive illness. So it is the severity and duration of symptoms, plus the presence of other features, that help distinguish this normal sadness from a depressive disorder. Depression is more than just a mood disorder, it is a real illness that not only affects one’s mood and thoughts but also appetite, sleep patterns and one’s self esteem. It may also involve physical symptoms, such as stomach pains, headaches and rapid heartbeat. There are several different types of depression, so you will hear terms like major depression, endogenous depression, chronic depression, and so on. These terms tend to describe the predominant symptoms, their severity or their duration.
Causes of Depression
Depression may be triggered by stressful life events, other illnesses, certain drugs or medications, or inherited traits. Although causes of depression are not entirely understood, we know it is linked to an imbalance in brain chemistry. Once the imbalance is corrected, symptoms of depression generally improve. Some researchers feel that severe depressions are caused by a physical defect in the body, such as a biochemical imbalance in the brain or other factors. Other things that have been linked to depression have to do with a person’s lifestyle. Things such as; food allergies, prescription drugs, caffeine, alcohol, illicit drugs and even tobacco. If a person has some sort of health problem such as; cancer, aids, hepatitis, diabetes, hypoglycemia, chronic pain, hormonal (glandular) disorders such as those of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands; malignancies, anemias or other blood problems, or even somethings like nutritional deficiencies, heredity and bad childhood experiences can cause depression.
Symptoms of Depression
1. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping.
2. Change in weight.
3. Feelings of worthlessness.
4. Loss of identity.
5. Lack of concentration.
6. Feelings of anxiety.
Treatment of Depression
There are many treatments available for depression, including counselling and medicines, but the first step is always to get a physical and psychological assessment to find out whether you have a depressive illness. Anti-depressant medications are often used. There are different types and the doctor will recommend which is the right one under the particular circumstances.
Thanks to Juliet Cohen for contributing this article to our Depression blog:
Juliet Cohen writes articles for health doctor. She also writes articles for depression treatment and cancer treatment.
Depression Treatment – Try These Useful Home Remedies for Depression
July 27, 2009 by Depression and Anxiety Tips
Filed under About Depression
This Article provides Information on most of the Home Remedies for Depression which are especially recommended by users. First we will discuss about Depression.
People with depression are simply not able to carry on their lives normally. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. When these symptoms become very intense, they start interfering with one’s ability to normally carry out even the daily chores. The person feels unable to do anything about it; other people need to help him out of this depressive situation. Appropriate treatment is required to help most people who suffer from depression.
Symptoms:
The symptoms that help identify depression include:
1) Constant feelings of sadness, irritability.
2) Feeling exhausted most of the time, despite lack of activity.
3) Decreased interest social activities.
4) Significant weight change.
5) A change in sleeping pattern, such as difficulty sleeping or early morning awakening.
6) Lack of confidence.
7) Spends a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong or what will go wrong.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
9) Physical pain, which has no apparent physical
10) Thoughts of suicide or death
If you or somebody close to you is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor right away.
What causes depression?
Causes of depression are still unknown, Depression has no single cause - it may result from a combination of things. However, it can be triggered by:
1) Trauma and stress - financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a near one can bring in depression.
2) Loss of social support such as the loss of a job
3) Poverty.
4) Physical conditions - chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, HIV or cancer
5) Side-effects of medications.
6) Hormonal changes that affect mood, such as the onset or end of menstruation, menopause.
7) Alcohol abuse
Hereditary - depression may run in families, and parents may pass on the defective genes.
9) People with low self-esteem, or who are pessimistic.
10) Psychological disorders such as anorexia.
11) Some scientists suggest that overexposure to electro-magnetic smog from computer terminals and kitchen appliances, especially the microwave oven, upset the balance of the body’s own electromagnetic field and leads to depression.
12) Being physically or sexually abused.
13) Family conflicts, especially between parents.
Depression in women
Women are prone to depression twice as compared to men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly factors as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Many women also face additional tensions such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children.
How to diagnose depression:
A good diagnostic assessment will include a complete history of the patient’s symptoms, i.e., when it started, how severe they are, are they recurrent, whether any previous treatment was given, if yes, then what treatment. The doctor should enquire about physical abuse or alcohol and drug use. Further, a history should include information about whether other family members have had a depressive illness.
Can depression be treated?
• Yes, depression can be treated.
• About 80% of people treated for depression get better.
• Both medication and therapy can effectively treat depression.
What happens, if depression is left untreated?
Depression if untreated, can affect:
1) Social behaviour, along with normal day to day functioning
2) Self-esteem and confidence
3) Can lead to drug abuse, disruptive behaviours, violence and aggression,
4) Even lead to suicide
Depression is a serious problem that demands a serious medical approach. However, you need to first recognize what is causing it.
How to treat depression?
Most people with depression never seek medical help, even though the majority will respond to treatment. Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Depression is a curable illness.
Treatment includes a combination of professional counseling, drug therapy, and family support.
Love, appreciation and normal communication are some of the most important things you should provide to help the person cope with depression. Do not be critical of the person at any stage.
A change in normal lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms of depression. Encourage the person to:
• Go in for some light exercise regularly, such as swimming, walking.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
• Get a good and refreshing sleep
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Be optimistic. Positive thinking is very important in recovering from depression.
Change will not come overnight - but with the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life. Early treatment of depression will bring about the best results. Think positive, recovery will happen, but gradually.
Are anti-depressants helpful?
Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in patients, so we do not know for sure the risks or the benefits of these medications.
The thumb rule is caution while giving antidepressants - They should be neither a first nor a last resort. If given, anti-depressants should not be stopped abruptly, because it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome that includes dizziness, nausea, seizures and anxiety.
Side effects of anti-depressants:
The side effects vary depending on the drug, but can include:
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Increased anxiety
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weight gain or loss
Beware! Anti depressants can trigger off suicidal behaviour!
Some helpful Home Remedies for Depression –
Home Remedy for Depression is the best solution as it is free from any side effects.
1) Ayurveda recommends yoga, massage and meditation, which increases the energy of life. Yoga exercises help to increase the circulation of oxygen in the system and helps keeps the mind relaxed. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help the body and mind to relax. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.
2) Try to distract your mind. Listen to your favourite music, do the things you are fond of, eat something good, go out with friends – bring a change in your daily routine, and it will help cope with depression.
3) Aromatherapy helps the body relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit are considered a natural remedy for depression.
4) Cashew nuts are extremely beneficial in treating depression, as it is a rich source of vitamin B. It ensures body activeness and energy levels. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.
5) Take daily walks. Fresh air and deep breathing exercises are both good in aiding relaxation.
Avoid black tea, kava tea, tobacco and alcohol. Eat more wheat germ, which is an energizer. Pears, apples, and nuts assist the nervous system in functioning properly.
TALK TO SOMEONE IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPRESSED…….IT MAY JUST WORK!!
Thanks to Dr James Sameul for contributing this article to our Depression blog:
People with depression are simply not able to carry on their lives normally. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. When these symptoms become very intense, they start interfering with one’s ability to normally carry out even the daily chores. The person feels unable to do anything about it; other people need to help him out of this depressive situation. Appropriate treatment is required to help most people who suffer from depression.
Symptoms:
The symptoms that help identify depression include:
1) Constant feelings of sadness, irritability.
2) Feeling exhausted most of the time, despite lack of activity.
3) Decreased interest social activities.
4) Significant weight change.
5) A change in sleeping pattern, such as difficulty sleeping or early morning awakening.
6) Lack of confidence.
7) Spends a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong or what will go wrong.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.9) Physical pain, which has no apparent physical
10) Thoughts of suicide or death
If you or somebody close to you is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor right away.
What causes depression?
Causes of depression are still unknown, Depression has no single cause - it may result from a combination of things. However, it can be triggered by:
1) Trauma and stress - financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a near one can bring in depression.
2) Loss of social support such as the loss of a job
3) Poverty.
4) Physical conditions - chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, HIV or cancer
5) Side-effects of medications.
6) Hormonal changes that affect mood, such as the onset or end of menstruation, menopause.
7) Alcohol abuse
Hereditary - depression may run in families, and parents may pass on the defective genes.9) People with low self-esteem, or who are pessimistic.
10) Psychological disorders such as anorexia.
11) Some scientists suggest that overexposure to electro-magnetic smog from computer terminals and kitchen appliances, especially the microwave oven, upset the balance of the body’s own electromagnetic field and leads to depression.
12) Being physically or sexually abused.
13) Family conflicts, especially between parents.
Depression in women
Women are prone to depression twice as compared to men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly factors as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Many women also face additional tensions such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children.
How to diagnose depression:
A good diagnostic assessment will include a complete history of the patient’s symptoms, i.e., when it started, how severe they are, are they recurrent, whether any previous treatment was given, if yes, then what treatment. The doctor should enquire about physical abuse or alcohol and drug use. Further, a history should include information about whether other family members have had a depressive illness.
Can depression be treated?
• Yes, depression can be treated.
• About 80% of people treated for depression get better.
• Both medication and therapy can effectively treat depression.
What happens, if depression is left untreated?
Depression if untreated, can affect:
1) Social behaviour, along with normal day to day functioning
2) Self-esteem and confidence
3) Can lead to drug abuse, disruptive behaviours, violence and aggression,
4) Even lead to suicide
Depression is a serious problem that demands a serious medical approach. However, you need to first recognize what is causing it.
How to treat depression?
Most people with depression never seek medical help, even though the majority will respond to treatment. Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Depression is a curable illness.
Treatment includes a combination of professional counseling, drug therapy, and family support.
Love, appreciation and normal communication are some of the most important things you should provide to help the person cope with depression. Do not be critical of the person at any stage.
A change in normal lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms of depression. Encourage the person to:
• Go in for some light exercise regularly, such as swimming, walking.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
• Get a good and refreshing sleep
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Be optimistic. Positive thinking is very important in recovering from depression.
Change will not come overnight - but with the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life. Early treatment of depression will bring about the best results. Think positive, recovery will happen, but gradually.
Are anti-depressants helpful?
Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in patients, so we do not know for sure the risks or the benefits of these medications.
The thumb rule is caution while giving antidepressants - They should be neither a first nor a last resort. If given, anti-depressants should not be stopped abruptly, because it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome that includes dizziness, nausea, seizures and anxiety.
Side effects of anti-depressants:
The side effects vary depending on the drug, but can include:
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Increased anxiety
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weight gain or loss
Beware! Anti depressants can trigger off suicidal behaviour!
Some helpful Home Remedies for Depression –
Home Remedy for Depression is the best solution as it is free from any side effects.
1) Ayurveda recommends yoga, massage and meditation, which increases the energy of life. Yoga exercises help to increase the circulation of oxygen in the system and helps keeps the mind relaxed. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help the body and mind to relax. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.
2) Try to distract your mind. Listen to your favourite music, do the things you are fond of, eat something good, go out with friends – bring a change in your daily routine, and it will help cope with depression.
3) Aromatherapy helps the body relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit are considered a natural remedy for depression.
4) Cashew nuts are extremely beneficial in treating depression, as it is a rich source of vitamin B. It ensures body activeness and energy levels. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.
5) Take daily walks. Fresh air and deep breathing exercises are both good in aiding relaxation.
Avoid black tea, kava tea, tobacco and alcohol. Eat more wheat germ, which is an energizer. Pears, apples, and nuts assist the nervous system in functioning properly.
TALK TO SOMEONE IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPRESSED…….IT MAY JUST WORK!!
Thanks to Dr James Sameul for contributing this article to our Depression blog:
Dr James Sameul is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Depression at http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/
He has an exclusive website on Home Remedies for various diseases. You can also contribute to the Home remedies by visiting the website.
Let’s get this Depression blog rolling!
July 23, 2009 by Depression and Anxiety Tips
Filed under Depression Updates
In this Depression blog we will talk about all kinds of Depression topics — Types Of Depression, Children And Depression, Depression Causes, Depression Symptoms, Testing For Depression, How To Beat Depression, Treating Depression and Antidepressants. We will also talk about Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive and Schizophrenia.
If you would like to ask a specific question about Depression, please leave your questions in the comments below. Visitors to this blog and myself will help you get answers.
Darien Quincey, Editor
