Depression

What is depression?

Depression affects an individual's mood, emotions, thoughts, and body. The consequences of this illness are felt by the entire family and in some cases even the individual's broader social circle. Fortunately, it is treatable, but the path to recovery is quite lengthy.

Its main symptoms can be mild or quite pronounced:

• feelings of sadness and depressive mood,
• loss of interest and pleasure in activities that the person used to enjoy,
• changes in appetite, weight loss,
• sleep problems, excessive sleep,
• loss of energy and increased fatigue,
• slowed movement and speech,
• feelings of worthlessness and guilt,
• thoughts of death and suicide.

Prevalence of depression:

Depression can affect anyone, young or old, of either gender. It is diagnosed twice as often in women than in men. The causes of depression are diverse and often intertwined.

Different forms of depression:

Various forms of depression exist, each with its own symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:
Major depression is a serious mood disorder that affects all aspects of life. It leaves consequences on an individual's work, sleep, eating, learning, and enjoyment. It can occur once in a lifetime or recur multiple times, disrupting normal life. People who have never experienced this condition find it challenging to understand what patients with this disorder go through. They are extremely tired, with significantly reduced concentration, despair, insomnia, or constant sleep, facing helplessness, lack of self-confidence, and intense self-blame.

DYSTHYMIC DISORDER:
It is a chronic mild depression. It is somewhat milder than the one described earlier and of a chronic nature. It often starts in childhood. The person cannot feel well, is not joyful nor happy.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
Some women experience "postpartum blues" immediately after childbirth, with mood swings, feelings of fear and anxiety, loss of appetite, and frequent crying spells. This sadness usually subsides in a few days. In postpartum depression, however, all symptoms are more pronounced and stronger, lasting for several months. It can also occur up to a year after childbirth. This condition requires serious treatment. About 10 to 15% of mothers are estimated to experience postpartum depression. Hormonal changes in the body, combined with the stress of childbirth and the life changes it brings, are believed to cause this type of depression.

ADJUSTMENT DISORDER WITH DEPRESSED MOOD:
This type of depression surfaces due to one or more difficult life situations. Individuals who experience depressive symptoms during major stressful events may suffer from this disorder.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER:
Mainly in the winter months when there is less natural sunlight, seasonal affective disorder can occur. It usually disappears in spring or summer. Seasonal affective disorder can be effectively treated with light therapy.

BIPOLAR DISORDER OR MANIC DEPRESSION:
In this form of the illness, individuals experience one or more episodes of intense euphoria, extremely good mood, followed by a plunge into a very bad mood (depressive state). During the manic phase, they may spend money uncontrollably, make poor decisions, believe they have special abilities, talk non-stop, and are usually full of energy. Such peaks are followed by a fall into depression. The risk of suicide is very high in this state.

Signs of depression:

Depression is an illness that affects all aspects of an individual's functioning:

• body: general pain, crying, fatigue, apathy, lack of energy,
• behavior: crying, withdrawing, avoiding activities, decreased self-care, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, lack of interest in sexuality, irritability,
• thoughts: predominance of negative thoughts,
• emotions: sadness, dejection, helplessness, tension, anxiety, despair, loss of interest, and loss of satisfaction.

Typical phrases of a depressed person are:

  "I'm not worth it."
  "There's no help for me."
  "I'd rather die."
  "I'm bad."
  "I have no future."

Not every patient struggling with depression has all the symptoms. Some may have only a few, while others may have more.

Risk factors for the onset of depression:

Numerous factors can play a significant role in the onset of depression:

• biochemical: differences in chemical compounds in the brain can contribute to depression. The human brain contains over 500 million nerve cells - neurons - communicating through nerve endings - synapses. Special chemical substances are present in them. Researchers have shown that in depressed individuals, the quantity and ratios of neurotransmitters are altered.
• genetic: depression can be inherited. If one of the identical twins has it, there is a 70% chance that the other twin will also encounter it at some point in life.
• physical: physical changes in the body accompany mental changes. Depression is a common companion of stroke, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. Such patients often lack the will to take care of themselves.
• personality: people with low self-esteem, who are quickly stressed, or who are naturally pessimistic, are more likely to develop depression. Experts associate a pessimistic character with depressive mood.
• environmental: constant exposure to violence, neglect or poverty influences the emergence of depressive states. This also includes sudden stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, financial problems ...

How do we treat depression

An individual who is depressed feels as if they will never step out of the 'dark shadow.' However, depression is curable or manageable. It is important to seek help. Learning about available options helps understand which approach would be most appropriate, whether it's medication, introducing certain changes in daily life, or attending psychotherapy. Just as depression does not affect two people in the same way, there is no single approach that heals everyone. What works for one person may not work for another.
 

Some tips for better effectiveness of treatment:

• Educate yourself about your illness.
• It takes some time to define the appropriate treatment approach.
• Do not rely solely on medication.
• Involve the support of those close to you.
• Treatment takes time and your commitment.

Self-help and what we can do on our own

Here are some tips on what you or your loved ones can do during depression treatment:

• Be active and exercise.
• Set realistic goals.
• Spend time with people you love, trust, and feel relaxed around.
• Do not isolate yourself; accept help.
• Expect your mood to gradually improve.
• Postpone important decisions (such as divorce, marriage, job change, relocation...) for a later time when you are feeling better. Consult with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• Keep educating yourself about depression.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, with the help of a certified psychotherapist, teaches individuals practical techniques to overcome negative thinking and which behavioral patterns to use in the fight against depression. Therapy also helps uncover the roots of depression, understand why one feels a certain way, what triggers depression, and what can be done to feel better and stay healthy. Through conversation, the psychotherapist tries to provide insight into your relationships with others, the pattern of your relationships, help you establish better relationships, reduce isolation, and build a solid social support. Psychotherapy also helps in recognizing and setting solid healthy boundaries with others that are appropriate for you. Conversations with a trustworthy therapist can provide good feedback on more positive ways to solve life challenges and problems. In group therapy, listening to others going through similar issues can confirm your experiences and help build confidence. Members of the group are often at different points in their treatment, so advice can be obtained from various perspectives. The group can be a rich source of ideas and inspiration.

Medication Treatment

Sometimes, depression is not recognized in a timely manner, leading to worsening. In more severe forms of depression, therapeutic methods are not enough for recovery. In such cases, medication treatment with antidepressants is necessary. With the help of antidepressants, mood improves over time, and the individual progresses more easily on the path to recovery. It is important to know that antidepressants do not cause dependence. If you are taking medication for depression, do not overlook other forms of treatment. Lifestyle changes not only help in a speedy recovery from depression but also provide skills and coping mechanisms that help prevent its recurrence.

Alternative forms of treatment

These include:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Chiropractic
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Hypnosis
• Massage
• Meditation
• Relaxation
• Yoga
• Music therapy

Words that can help a person struggling with depression

Helpful:

• "You are not alone in this."
• "You are important to me."
• "Need a hug?"
• "We are not here to judge each other but to understand one another."
• "When this is over, I'll still be here for you."
• "I don't know exactly what you're feeling, but I can offer you my empathy."
• "I won't leave you."

Not helpful:

• "Someone always has it worse than you."
• "Nobody said life is fair."
• "Stop feeling sorry for yourself!"
• "You're depressed. Aren't you always?"
• "Try not to be so depressed."
• "This is your fault."
• "I know how you feel. I've been depressed for a few days too."
• "You're punishing us with your depression."