What do we mean by the term “depression”?
Depression is a medical condition that can affect how you feel, think and act. Its normal to feel sad sometimes, especially during stressful situations, like the loss of a loved one or your favorite soccer team loosing a game. But, these feelings usually decrease over time. If you are experiencing depression, feeling of sadness don’t go away, and they can continue for months, or even years.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can be experienced both emotionally and physically. Talk to a doctor if you feel any of these symptoms:
- Sad, hopeless, worthless or empty
- Irritable, agitated or restless
- less energy or fatigue
- a loss of interest in daily activities, including work or school.
- trouble concentrating or making decisions
- sleeping too little or too much
- changes in appetite that cause weight loss or gain
- thoughts of death or suicide.
TREATMENT
Depression won’t go away on its own. And, it’s not something that you can turn off and on. But, there are many things you can do to treat your depression and take control of your life. Once you begin treatment, you won’t immediately “snap out” of your depression, but you will improve a little each day. Medication, counseling and self-care routines can all get you back on your feet again and help you stay there. Many doctors believe a combination of medicine and counseling is the most effective.
For Medicine
Antidepressants are considered a safe and effective treatment for depression. They work with your brain’s neurotransmitters to relieve symptoms. There are several types of medicines that treat depression. You may need to try more than one medicine, or combination of medicines, before you find what works for you.
For Counseling
Counseling can help you understand the underlying causes of your depression. It can also teach you how to cope on a daily basis by setting goals and making changes to your thoughts and behaviors.
For Self-care Routines
- Be active: Exercise can improve your mood, energy level and overall health.
- Change your diet: Eat healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Spend time your family and friends: Don’t isolate yourself.
- Find ways to relax and relieve stress: Take a bath, listen to music or go for a walk.
- Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol: These can make depression worse.
If you don’t get treatment, your depression can continue for years and get worse. Untreated depression can negatively affect your overall health and make you less able to cope with infection or diseases. It can also lead to insomnia, drug and alcohol abuse and even suicide. So try and get treated now, if you have this medical condition.
