Depression, a Life-Threatening Mental Disorder

Depression, a Life-Threatening Mental Disorder - Everyone must have felt sad and down, but depression is a more severe condition. Depression is a mood disorder that causes individuals to feel sad and lose interest in the long term. This is also called major or clinical depression, and it affects how you feel, think, and behave and triggers various emotional and physical problems.

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When depressed, it will be difficult for him to lead an everyday life. Daily activities ranging from sleeping, eating, bathing, or working will be difficult. The World Health Organization states that around 5% of adults suffer from depression, and women are more at risk. Not just sadness, depression can even trigger suicide.

So, if you are feeling sad and having a hard time living, see the full explanation of depression below to resolve it as early as possible!

Characteristics of Depression

important to recognize the signs of depression early so you can get treatment as quickly as possible. If you experience any of the following symptoms for two weeks all day, you may be suffering from depression:

Feeling sad and anxious
Constantly
or frustration over even the most minor things
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or powerlessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Sleep disturbance, including insomnia or oversleeping
Fatigue and lack of energy
Slower thinking, speaking or moving
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Changes in appetite and weight (which may decrease or increase)
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Physical problems, such as illness head, back, cramps, or digestive issues with no apparent cause and that are not relieved by medication.

Causes of Depression

A variety of conditions can cause depression. Reporting from Healthline and Mayo Clinic, the following are common causes of depression:

Genetics and Family History

Genetic factors play an essential role in the occurrence of major depression. The likelihood that a person will experience depression triples if they have family or close relatives who also suffer from depression or other mood disorders.

Chemical Disturbances in the Brain

Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds in the brain that naturally play a role in depression. Research shows that changes in neurotransmitters' function and effects can affect the neural circuits involved in regulating mood. This is why it plays a vital role in depression and its treatment.

Hormone

Changing hormone balance can trigger depression. These hormonal changes can occur during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, or several other conditions.

Brain structure

If the frontal lobes of the brain are underactive, there may be a greater risk of developing depression. However, until now, further research is still needed to determine the mechanism of the relationship between brain structure disorders and depression.

Past traumatic events

Trauma is when an individual responds emotionally to a horrible event. Some events, such as accidents, natural disasters, physical violence, or sexual violence, can affect how the body reacts to this feeling of fear and stress.

Medical Conditions

Various problems or certain diseases can cause depression, especially chronic diseases that interfere with the quality of life. These diseases include Parkinson's, stroke, heart attack, and cancer.

Substance Use

Substance abuse or alcohol has a risk of causing depression in individuals.

Painful

Individuals who experience chronic pain or pain are significantly at risk of developing depression. For example, those who often experience recurring headaches, back pain, and other conditions that cause prolonged discomfort.

How to Overcome Depression

Treatment of depression depends on the symptoms that are felt. Generally, depression can be treated with medication or therapy. However, if the symptoms of depression are severe, you may need to be hospitalized until your symptoms improve.

Here are some ways to treat depression:

Medications

Your doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants to relieve symptoms. Many types of antidepressants are available, ranging from atypical antidepressants, tricyclics, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and so on. First, discuss the main side effects with your doctor or pharmacist if you want to consume it.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a method of treatment that has been proven effective for treating symptoms of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy gives sufferers the ability to overcome negative feelings. There are various types: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy.

Other Therapy

Apart from the above treatments, there are alternative therapies that you can also try, namely light therapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Hospital Treatment

If the symptoms of depression are very severe, hospitalization is required. This treatment is carried out if the sufferer cannot take good care of himself or when the sufferer intends to injure himself or others. Hospitalization is carried out until the mood is calmer and better.

Prevention of Depression

In order not to experience depression, there are several things you can do to prevent it, including:

Find effective ways to handle stress. Remember that everyone has a different way of dealing with stress, whether due to work or other causes.
Exercise regularly because this physical activity can improve mood and have a calming effect on the brain.
Maintain a good lifestyle and make sure to get enough rest.
Find friends or family for a place to vent that is comfortable and trusted if you are feeling difficult or facing a difficult time.
Don't hesitate and be embarrassed to get professional help if you already feel depressed.

When to See a Doctor?

Immediately make an appointment with a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist if you feel the symptoms of depression mentioned above. What’s more, these symptoms have caused problems in daily activities, such as social relationships, work, school, etc.

If you are reluctant to seek treatment, try to talk to friends or people you trust and love first. However, if you still feel depressed, immediately do a professional examination.

That’s complete information about Depression, Mental Disorders at Risk of Life Threats. What friends need to try to be healthy now. May be useful.