Depression is a serious and prevalent medical condition that negatively affects how you think, how you feel and how you act. Fortunately, for many individuals, it’s also treatable, although not in all cases. Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include: feeling overwhelmed or down. Not wanting to do anything. A persistent negative outlook on life.
The term major depression applies to a very specific sort of depression and may only be determined by a qualified doctor and managed through depression counselling. Symptoms for this illness are very similar to mild to moderate depression but the intensity and length are significantly greater. If left untreated, this sort of depression can significantly change your nearest and dearest lives, possibly leading to suicide attempts.
Depression and other mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic anxiety disorder and schizophrenia are often linked to biological factors like changes in brain chemistry. Moreover, environmental factors such as abuse and trauma can also play a role. Scientists are studying depression as a potential root cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the signs of depression can overlap with other mental illnesses, there are a number of different kinds. Major depression is the most common type and affects approximately 17% of people who experience regular depression. The symptoms of major depression are very similar to those of big illness, including fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, difficulties with working, changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, thoughts of death and suicidal ideas. This problem is usually identified in its early stages and treatment is immediately sought after. A related medical condition, postpartum depression, is another frequent cause of depression that’s often overlooked because it occurs during a delicate time in the woman’s life when she wants to bond with her newborn.
Women must seek treatment in the emergency room of a hospital or urgent care center within 72 hours of the first symptom of acute major depression. Women experiencing the signs of postpartum depression may also need additional treatment to treat the symptoms of Pregnancy associated depression. Because women suffering from postpartum depression may also have other psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disease, eating disorder or other mood disorders the mixture of any or all of these symptoms is often referred to as manic depression.
Because biological, psychological and environmental factors play such a large role in the onset of depression, many investigators think that depression is a manageable condition. Depression medications can often reduce depressive mood and help to alleviate some of the physical discomfort. Anti-depressants such as Cymbalta and Effexor have been proven to be effective in treating some cases of depression. In the absence of an adequate psychotherapeutic program or a combination of mood stabilizers, some researchers believe that chronic depression can increase the risks of cardiovascular disease and other physical problems.