Having depression and knowing someone who has depression is very challenging. It affects all aspect of your life like going to work, socializing with friends or just even waking up and getting out of bed everyday. As much as it sounds bad, depression can be managed properly if you consult the right people.

Depression and Its Signs

According to Mayo Clinic, Depression is a “mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.” There are many types of depression but the most common of which is the Major Depressive Disorder. Major Depressive Disorder or MDD impacts greatly a person’s mood and behavior and sometimes, even one’s physical function like appetite and sleep.

In the United States, MDD is one of the most common mental health conditions. About 7% of adults were reported to have a major depressive episode in 2017. Most of the people never seek treatment and found themselves undiagnosed.

If you are wondering if you are suffering from depression, here are some of the most common symptoms experienced by people who suffers from depression according to the American Psychiatric Association:

  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
  • Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
  • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
  • Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
  • Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Treatment of Depression

Depression can be often treated when diagnosed correctly. Its treatment is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Lifestyle modifications can play a role in treatment too. Most people who are undiagnosed and have the severe type may have thoughts of harming themselves. They may need to have treatment inside the hospital to stop their suicidal tendencies. Majority can be treated as outpatient until the symptoms improve.

Antidepressants

Anti-Depressants such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and tricyclic antidepressants are often prescribed to help inhibit the breakdown of serotonin in the brain, resulting in higher amount of neurotransmitter.

Psychotherapy

It is also known as psychological therapy or talk therapy. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression, and it involves talking to a therapist to talk regarding the treatment. Psychotherapy helps by:

  • Helps adjust to different crisis and other stressful events that may trigger depression
  • Helps replace negative thinking or behaviors and transform them into a positive one.
  • Improve the communication skills
  • Identify your coping mechanism or find a better coping mechanism when solving challenges and problems
  • Increase the self esteem
  • Lastly, gain control over and satisfaction in your life

Lifestyle Changes

Aside from taking medication and undergoing psychotherapy, Lifestyle changes may also improve the symptoms of depression by changing some of your bad habits.

  • Balanced Diet – eating nutritious foods is not only making your body healthy but your mind too. There is no specific food that can cure depression but choosing and eating healthy foods will definitely benefit a person’s mental well-being. Foods that are rich in Omega 3-fatty acids such as fish are beneficial in improving brain function. While food that are rich in Vitamin B such as whole grains, improves one’s energy level, brain function and immune system.
  • Lessen Alcohol and Processed Food Intake – Alcohol may be relaxing when taken for normal people but for people who suffers from depression, Alcohol can aggravate their condition. Alcohol is a brain antidepressant and can actually trigger the symptoms even more. Processed foods often have harmful substances in them to prolong their shelf-life. They are also rich in Omega-6 fatty acids is an unhealthy fat.
  • Exercise – exercising is not only good for the body but also improves one’s physical and mental state. The sunlight and outdoors calms your mind and gives you a boost of your Vitamin D.
  • Good Sleep – Sleeping for people with depression is a luxury. They often have a hard time sleeping. Having at least 7-9 hours of sleep everyday will greatly help with a person’s mental state and will help them get by everyday.