What causes depression and what are the symptoms?

 What causes depression and what are the symptoms?

Depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, occurs when you feel sad and hopeless on most days. This state of mind, which can last from two weeks to months, usually leads to lack of interest in hobbies and normal activities, weight loss or gain, insomnia or sleeping too much, fatigue and low energy levels, feelings of worthlessness and guilt and suicidal thoughts or actions in severe cases. While the exact causes of depression are not known, doctors believe that it’s due to imbalances in certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that help regulate our moods and emotions.

Some Causes Of Depression

The following is a list of potential causes of depression. There are, of course, more than just these. However, these seem to be some of the most common reasons for Depression. People with a family history of depression have an increased risk of developing it themselves. Genetics also play an important role in determining your susceptibility to clinical depression; if one or both parents suffered from depression, you’re likely to develop it as well. If you have been diagnosed with clinical depression, you may want to consult with a genetic counselor regarding testing options that could help determine whether you’re at increased risk for developing another episode in the future. This can allow you to take steps to reduce your risk by making changes in your lifestyle (such as exercising regularly) or getting treatment (such as medication). Other things that can trigger depression include life events such as marriage, childbirth, job loss, death of a loved one and divorce. In addition, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), postpartum depression and menopause can all cause depressive episodes.

Some Symptoms Of Depression

The most common symptoms of depression include: Feeling sad or empty all day, every day; Irritability, restlessness; Fatigue, loss of energy; Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy; Thoughts of death or suicide. Many people with major depressive disorder report experiencing physical changes such as a slowed heart rate or irregular breathing. Other possible signs include frequent headaches, cramps or stomach pains that do not respond to treatment. Sleep changes like insomnia can also be a sign of major depressive disorder. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is important to seek help right away. Some studies suggest that certain medications may help alleviate some of these symptoms. However, if left untreated, depression can get worse over time and lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. It is important to seek help if you think you might have depression so that it does not get worse without intervention.

Treatment Options For Treating Depression

Research has shown that those who suffer from treatment-resistant depression might be able to overcome their condition with a combination of ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Read on for more information about these four therapeutic options. (1) Ketamine: In early 2014, researchers at Yale University announced they had observed significant improvement in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression following a series of ketamine treatments. While it’s still too soon to say whether ketamine will become an effective long-term treatment option for those with depression, many experts are optimistic. (2) Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Also known as electroshock therapy, ECT is typically used as a last resort when other forms of treatment have failed.

Prevention Methods For Avoiding Depression

If you think that a loved one may be suffering from some form of anxiety, it’s important to reach out to them and try to help. A good place to start is by asking them directly if they are suffering from any type of mental illness or thinking about self-harm. If so, there’s a whole range of things you can do to help. Most importantly, don’t push your loved one away. They need support more than ever right now. Here are some other ways you can support someone who is suffering from depression: 1) Listen without judgement. Don’t tell them how they should feel; just listen. Let them know that you care and want to help in whatever way possible. It will mean a lot to hear these words from someone who cares about them, especially when they feel like no one else does. 2) Encourage them to seek professional help. Depression is an illness, not a weakness. You cannot snap out of it on your own, but with proper treatment (such as therapy), most people can get better and lead full lives again. 3) Offer to go with them to their doctor appointments. This will show that you are willing to take an active role in helping them recover from their illness. 4) Be patient and supportive. Recovery takes time. Just because someone seems to have gotten over their depression doesn’t mean they won’t relapse at some point in the future. Be understanding if relapses occur—it doesn’t make them weak, just human. 5) Avoid making judgments based on stereotypes. There are many different types of depression, each with its own set of triggers and symptoms. One person’s experience with depression might look very different from another person’s. 6) Learn all you can about depression and share what you learn with others. The more information people have, the less likely they are to stigmatize those suffering from mental illnesses. 7) Make sure they eat well and exercise regularly. When we feel stressed or depressed, we often turn to comfort foods for solace—and then feel guilty for eating poorly afterwards!

Don't Leave It

When you’re suffering from clinical depression, it’s easy to feel isolated—even more so if you live alone. Making a point to get out of your house and meet with friends at least once a week is crucial for two reasons: First, interacting with other people will distract you from focusing on how miserable you feel; second, people can see that something is off about you, which could prompt them to ask questions. If you don’t want to talk about what’s going on, just say you’ve been under a lot of stress lately or need some time away from work. But do make sure someone knows where you are in case an emergency arises. Depression often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety, and suicide rates among those who suffer from both disorders are particularly high. So be mindful of your surroundings—don’t let yourself become a statistic.