A blog about Feminism, Art and Psychology.

Depression

Depression is more than just a low mood - it’s a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.Major depression is a serious medical illness that should be distinguished from normal temporary feelings of sadness after a loss, such as the death of a relative or friend.

Most people assume that depression is caused simply by recent personal difficulties. Depression however, is often caused by the mix of recent events and other longer-term or personal risk factors.

Research indicates that ongoing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment or living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, are more likely to cause depression than recent life stressors. Depression can also run in families and some people will be at increased genetic risk. However, this doesn’t mean that you will automatically become depressed if a parent or close relative has had the illness. Life circumstances are still likely to have an important influence on your chances of becoming ill.

Listed below are some symptoms of depression:

Feeling sad or empty
Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
Appetite change with weight loss or weight gain
Decreased or increased sleeping
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Moodiness that is out of character
Finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
Increased irritability and frustration
Increased alcohol and drug use
Staying home from work or school
Increased physical health complaints like fatigue or pain
Being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or dangerously)
Slowing down of thoughts and actions

Treatments:

Medications—Several types of antidepressant medications have been shown to be effective for depression, but they must be taken for several weeks before they begin to work.

Psychotherapy—Several kinds of “talking therapies” have also been shown to be effective for depression. They involve evaluating and changing the thoughts, attitudes, and relationship problems that are associated with depression.

Bright light—Daily exposure to bright light can be helpful for seasonal depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy—A series of treatments involving passage of electric current through the brain while the patient is under anesthesia can often relieve even severe depression. These treatments are usually given about 3 times per week for several weeks.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of depression should be evaluated by a doctor. Although individuals with depression often feel that nothing can help them, effective treatments are available. Evaluation and treatment are particularly important to prevent suicide. Depression is the most common cause of suicide.

Source: beyondblue.org.au