Until I had my own negative experience with depression, like many people who don’t understand it, I used to think that being depressed was just a bad mood or a negative outlook, and that all someone had to do was to change their mind and they should feel better. That’s how I was raised. Being depressed was a sign of weakness. I have since learned that being depressed could actually be an outward sign of a seriously distracting disease caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. If left unchecked, a downward spiral into darker mental states could ruin your life. Today’s brief, from the National Institute of Health, may help you identify some of the things to watch out for.
Learning About depression
Depression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Clinical depression is a mood disorder. It is when these feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration get in the way of your life for a long period of time. It also changes your body’s function. Depression is a disease caused by changes in the chemicals in your brain. Depression may begin during or after a painful event in your life. It may happen when you take certain medicines. For women, it can start after pregnancy. Sometimes there is no clear trigger or reason.
What are the signs of depression?
Most people will sometimes notice the problems described below. If several of the following symptoms last for 2 weeks or longer, talk to your doctor. When you are depressed, you may:
• Feel sad or blue most or all of the time
• Feel bad-tempered or irritable most of the time, with sudden bursts of anger
• Not enjoy activities that normally make you happy, including sex
• Feel hopeless or helpless
• Not feel good about yourself, or have feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
Normal daily activities are also changed when you are depressed. You may:
• Have trouble sleeping or sleep more than normal
• Have a hard time concentrating
• Move around more slowly or seem "jumpy" or agitated
• Feel much less hungry than before, or even lose weight
• Feel tired and lack energy
• Become less active or stop doing usual activities
A dangerous sign of depression are thoughts of death or suicide. Always talk to a friend or family member and call your doctor when you have these feelings.
Taking care of your depression at home
Whether or not your doctor gives you medicines to treat your depression, you can do a lot at home:
• Get enough sleep.
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet.
• Take medicines correctly, and learn how to manage side effects.
• Learn to watch for early signs that depression is getting worse. Have a plan if it does.
• Try to exercise more. Look for activities that make you happy. Have good sleep habits.
Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. These can make depression worse over time. They may also impair your judgment about suicide. When struggling with depression, talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. Try to be around people who are caring and positive. Try volunteering or getting involved in group activities. If you are depressed in the fall or winter, ask your doctor about light therapy. It uses a special lamp that acts like the sun.
Taking medicines for depression
Some people with depression may feel better after taking antidepressants for a few weeks. But many people need to take medicines for depression for 4 - 9 months. They need this to get a full response and prevent depression from coming back. If you need them, you should take antidepressant medicines every day. Your doctor may need to change which medicine you are taking or the dosage. Don’t stop taking your medicine on your own, even if you feel better or have side effects. Always call your doctor first. When it is time to stop your medicine, you and your doctor will slowly reduce the dose instead of stopping suddenly.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy and counseling can help many people with depression. Talk therapy is a good place to talk about feelings and thoughts. It also helps you learn ways to deal with them. There are many different types of talk therapy. Often, the most effective treatment will include all of these:
• Talk therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Medicine
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