Feeling Depressed?
Depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. In the U.S. alone, depression affects approximately 19 million people. Depression is a chronic condition that affects both the mind and body. Without long term treatment, depression can have major effects on a person’s life.
There are three main types of depression: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and dysthymia. Major depressive disorder can interfere with every aspect of daily life including eating, sleeping, work and enjoying activities. Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme highs and extreme lows with periods of normal moods mixed in. Dysthymia is the least severe form of depression. It doesn’t seriously interfere with everyday life, but it can keep someone from feeling happy or performing at their peak.
Although the exact cause of depression is unknown, many people believe that it is due to either a chemical reaction in the brain, genetics, or a person’s environment. Although it is true that depression can run in families, there are many other contributing factors that can lead to depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression include the following:
- A major life event such as moving, loss of job, retirement or divorce
- A death of a loved one
- People who have had a serious medical illness
- People who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused
- Substance abusers
- Certain medications
Depression symptoms can vary from person to person. Many people will experience very severe depression symptoms while others just feel miserable and don’t know why. Common symptoms that are associated with depression include sadness, hopelessness, insomnia, inability to do normal every day activities, feeling weak, difficulty concentrating, lack of sex drive, excessive weight gain, excessive weight loss and suicidal thoughts.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you think you may be depressed, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may recommend therapy, prescribe an anti-depressant medication, or a combination of both. There are many different types of anti-depressant medications available to treat depression. Your doctor will determine which one would be the best for you based upon other medications that you may be taking, severity of your depression, and your family history of depression. Some of the most common anti-depressants are SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These anti-depressants include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro. SSRIs are prescribed most often because they are usually well tolerated and have minimal side effects. If your depression is severe, your doctor may also want to use psychotherapy in addition to anti-depressant medications.
With the right treatments, your depression symptoms can greatly improve. Many patients begin to feel like themselves again in as little as 4-6 weeks. It is important to remember that it is perfectly normal to feel sad or unhappy at times. However, if these feelings are lasting for weeks or months and interfere with work, relationships, and life, it’s time to seek help. You can be happy and start to feel more like yourself again.
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