How to Handle Depression - Slideshow

Developed by Krishna Bora | Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team

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About depression

It is ok to be moody once in a while but if you feel moody for a longer period of time then it could be depression.

It is a medical condition that is treatable.

A depressed person feels intense sadness that could disrupt daily activities

Primary symptoms

►Sadness/moodiness

►Lack of interest in life activities

►Loss of weight / gain in weight

►Loss of appetite /Comfort eating

►Sense of worthlessness / hopelessness

►Loss of sleep

►Suicidal thoughts

Affects Daily Life

The physical and emotional problems in depressed people can upset their day-to - day activities, careers, interests and personal relationships.

They are also highly prone to suicidal tendencies and often talk of death or taking their own lives.

Who is at risk?

►Depression is universal but in serious cases genetics and family history play a role.

►Studies have shown that women are more prone to depression than men.

►Depression and suicidal tendencies is also known to occur in children

►People who have been through catastrophic events such as earthquakes or those who have experienced personal tragedies are prone to suffer from depression

Depression Causes

Depression is believed to be caused by an alteration in the brain structure and an imbalance in the brain chemical called neurotransmitter

Depression - Causes

►Post partum depression "baby blues" are experienced by many women soon after delivery. In some the condition is serious and they tend to neglect the new born

►Seasonal changes lead to seasonal affective disorder(SAD) in some particulary in winter

►Substance abuse, increased alcohol intake and medications are also known to cause depression

Diagnosing depression

Diagnosing depression is usually done by discussing with the doctor the following -

►The medical history of the condition

►The severity of its symptoms

►Nature of daily activities , with the doctor

►Talk therapies for mild to moderate depression

►Anti depressants for severe cases. These medications do have side effects

►Electro convulsive therapy using electrical impulses for severe patients

►Light therapy for SAD patients. During this treatment they are exposed to light of the required intensity for a period of time

Vagus - Nerve Stimulation

Pace maker for treatment - resistant depression.

This device sends electrical impulses to the brain and stimulates the vagus nerve. This produces the feel-good chemical and eases the patient's depression .

Other methods

Exercising is a Time-tested method to beat stress. While exercising endorphins are produced which is a good antidote for depression. Exercising enhances self esteem. Even moderate activity is known to lower stress and produce sleep.

Keeping pets are also a considered a good way to counter loneliness and depression.

Be Social

Depressed people are always not lonely but lonely people tend to be depressed. Make sure you network with people and stay in touch with friends and family. Join any class of your interest or join a support group