“Do you know that one out of ten people in the world are suffering from depression which is 10.7% globally? Addressing the issues at an early stage ensures healthy living.”
Oftentimes people experience difficulties in taking the first step when it comes to asking for help. People dealing with depression require support from family, friends, and most importantly, from good health specialists. Even when there is no one way to recover, there are treatments, services, and health specialists available who can help you treat depression. Most commonly, such a mental condition is treated lightly, which can result in adversity. Taking medical assistance from professionals at an early stage can be the right step to gradually getting rid of the condition.
What is Depression?
Depression is one of the most common types of mental disorder experienced by people in modern days. As WHO mentions, depression is the prime reason for disability. Despite awareness among people, it is considered a mood swing and short-term emotional change due to everyday challenges. However, if it becomes persistent, it is advisable to get professional help.
Depression can be a slow-killer
Even when depression does not show symptoms as other diseases would, this disease can be life-threatening. It is generally categorized as severe, moderate, or mild. In some cases, this mental disorder can stay for a few weeks to months or even several years. People suffering from depression commonly suffer from other symptoms such as low self-esteem, low concentration, not getting appropriate and adequate sleep, and extreme loss of appetite.
Not everyone suffers from the same type of depression. For this, you must have a clear knowledge of the types:
Recurrent depressive disorder
This generally results in keeping the person low, depressed, unable to find interest in everyday activities, and staying low on energy for at least two weeks.
Bipolar affective disorder
This is again a type that included both manic and depressive episodes that are separated by normal mood. People who are suffering from this kind of depression experience tremendous high and low mood swings. This is also referred to as Manic Depression.
Psychotic Depression
This is again another kind that consists of psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.
Peripartum Depression
- This is another kind that is mostly experienced by the mother after childbirth.
What are the symptoms of depression?
So, you had a fight with your sibling over your favourite game and you lost. Or your boyfriend forgot to wish you on your three-month anniversary. And now you are upset and sad and you told everyone that you are feeling depressed. Is this really depression?
Depression is a clinical state in which you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Experiencing low mood for most of the day for at least fifteen days.
- Getting up and brushing your teeth is also an ordeal for you.
- Blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong around you.
- Feeling your friends and peers are way smarter and more intelligent than you.
- Feeling the worst happens to you and you often ask the question: why me?
- Tossing in the bed not able to sleep or sleeping throughout the day.
- You don’t enjoy watching your favourite TV shows or meeting your friends.
- Feeling empty from inside.
- Thinking of plans to end life.
- Eating the entire day or not feeling hungry at all.
What are the causes of depression?
Is it the imbalance of the neurochemicals in your brain or should you blame it on or genes or is it the environment which has pushed you towards depression? In fact, recent research is pointing toward epigenetics, that is, you may be genetically predisposed to depression but the environment also plays an important role in ensuring whether you will have a chemical imbalance or you will handle the situation and come out to be resilient and a stronger person. So don’t just blame it on the environment or the genetics or the neurochemicals. You can turn this in your favour with the right guidance and treatment.
What are the risk factors associated with depression?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of depression:
- Personality traits such as low self-esteem, being too dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
- Experiencing stressful or traumatic events
- It runs in your family
- Belonging to the LGBTQI community and having trouble with sexual identity
- History of mental health disorder
- Substance abuse
- Being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as heart disease or cancer
- As a result of the side effects of medications
What are the complications associated with depression?
- Obesity can further lead to heart diseases and diabetes
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety disorders
- Difficult relations at home and workplace
- Social isolation
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Self-mutilation
- Premature death as a result of medical conditions
How can depression be treated?
- Antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be used for adults.
- rTMS: magnetic radiations are used on the affected part of the brain as a non-invasive technique to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): involves equipping the person with the ability to recognize distorted or negative thought patterns and change them to deal with the situation in a positive manner.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy helps accept uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
- Psychodynamic therapy: the therapist helps examine childhood experiences and how they may impact our day-to-day life. the focus is on developing ways to cope with life.
- Family or couple therapy: it helps in dealing with issues within close relationships.
- Group therapy: this helps people deal with similar situations.
Therapy is usually effective for mild depression. In the case of moderate to severe depression, both medication and therapy can be used. Meditation and acupuncture have also been shown to ease symptoms of depression.
In addition, regular exercise, avoiding substance abuse, setting personal and professional boundaries, getting enough sleep, eating healthy and pursuing hobbies can help with depression.
Our Therapy Process
We understand what you are going through, and we can exactly feel your struggle. Keeping in mind your current mental condition which is a result of something from your past or from your current experience, you are going through the phenomena.
We believe in treating our clients with utmost comfort, and therefore initially we focus on building great relationships to keep it easy going. We have experienced therapists who would definitely not hover over your head instead, they would like to become friends so that you find it easy and seamless to convey your difficulties. We all know you are seeking confidentiality, and trust us, your information is safe and sealed. In the best interest of you and the therapist, together, we ride on the boat to find out the root cause of the problem.
We know that you are aware of the root cause, but you are not comfortable sharing. Fine! Let us earn your trust if that makes us reliable and help us to treat the condition.
Call +91 9811006930 and speak to any of our office staff to learn more or schedule an appointment.
