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Depression is a very serious disease which impacts many people in the world today. It’s hard to get an accurate count of how many people struggle with depression as there is such stigma against mental illness still in society. The estimate is that in the past year, in the US alone, 6.7% of adults experienced an episode of major depression. Major depression is defined as an episode of depression lasting two or more weeks with no known cause. This can impact a person socially, emotionally, and on the job or academically.
My journey with depression began at 12 years old, when I began to experience both depression and anxiety. As I grew older I experienced suicidal thoughts and lost interest in things I once considered fun. I’ve been hospitalized multiple times for the effects of depression and it has been a struggle to live my life at times in its wake. Twice in my life recently, I’ve attempted suicide because it has seemed the depression was too much to bear any longer. Depression truly can be a killer disease.
Luckily there are treatments. Medications can be a valuable tool in treating depression. There are two main types of medications which treat it. SSRI medications act on one neurotransmitter in the brain – serotonin. By blocking the reabsorption of it by the brain, there is more free floating serotonin for the brain cells to use. SNRI’s block both the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the same way. These medications lead to an increase in mood when taken and have been prescribed since the late 80’s to treat depression symptoms.
Therapy can also be very helpful in treating depression. Several types of therapy have been studied in its treatment, the most studied being CBT, which works on changing thoughts. It has showed very good outcomes in a short number of sessions for simple moderate depression. Personally, I believe any type of therapy will help with depression as long as you work at it. In studies, therapy has been shown to be as effective as medication for those who seek it to treat depression.
This means that depression sufferers have multiple options to choose from when seeking treatments, which is a great thing. It’s taken quite a few years but my depression is starting to be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. Please note your mileage may very and no person is alike so you have to do what works for you!
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Yes, depression is a very bad thing for those who face it at any place at home or out of home but I say depression is the cause of corrupt human and mind and it is the child of lustful emotions springing from our greedy hearts like the rays of the sun.
I think that when a person has depression, it interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It can cause pain for both the person with depression and those who care about him or her. Doctors call this condition “depressive disorder,” or “clinical depression.” It is a real illness. It is not a sign of a person’s weakness or a character flaw. You can’t “snap out of” clinical depression. Most people who experience depression need treatment to get better.
Sadness is only a small part of depression. Some people with depression may not feel sadness at all. Depression has many other symptoms, including physical ones. If you have been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least 2 weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms