Archive for the 'Depression' Category

Depression is nothing but anxiety that has gone overboard. It usually starts with an anxiety trigger which snowballs overtime into full blown depression. It is easy to identify people who suffer from anxiety and depression because the symptoms are very obvious. Sometimes, though very rare, it becomes difficult to know because the person affected is able to hide the symptoms well. When this occurs, it is usually life threatening because, 8 out 10 times, these people either attempt suicide or commit suicide.

Nutrition (Or Lack Of It) And Its Impact On Anxiety And Depression

There have been many research studies which point to the fact that certain foods trigger depression, while some treat and cure it. Frugal eating habits, too much dependency on junk food and fried stuff can result in acute shortage of minerals (zinc, potassium, magnesium, etc) and vitamins, which in turn affect the neuro-transmitter absorption in the body.

Many times the assimilation of vitamins and minerals is also influenced by the hormone flow in the blood. Hence, women are by default more prone to anxiety and depression symptoms and affliction than men. This malady is compounded by the fact that menopause brings around another phase of instability due to the oscillation of hormones in the blood.

In women, anxiety and depression symptoms are often times influenced by the monthly periods. This, too, falls under the hormone balance and imbalance. However, not all the anxiety and depression problems are due to hormones. Sometimes, this happens because some family member’s past medical history, or because the gene of the baby was faulty. Genetics plays a very important role here. If there are any problems, it’s a possibility they can be rectified.

Other reasons as to why anxiety and depression occurs are the use of drugs, anti-depressants (in excess), over-the-counter medications which are not recommended, and the overall environment where the person lives.

Once It Is Diagnosed – The Trouble Is Over

There is plenty of medication and therapy for the treatment and cure of anxiety and depression. Hence, once the diagnosis is done, the problem is as good as over. In very rare cases, the depression becomes chronic and it becomes difficult to cure. Most of the times, all it needs are a few sessions with some friends who can help to replace that frown with laughter.

Laughter clubs are actually excellent tension-busters. You will need at least five people initially. Laughing has been proven to be a wonderful way to fight stress. Try it out yourself.

Depression is of two types one is Major Depressive Disorder and the other Bipolar Disorder. The two are different which require different treatments.

The symptoms of the former involves sadness, excessive crying, loss of pleasure, sleeping too much or too little, low energy, restlessness, difficulty in concentrating, irritability, loss of appetite or overeating, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, feelings of physical problems that are not caused by physical illness or injury like headaches, digestive problems, pain and thoughts of death or suicide.

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and also episodes of mania like inappropriate sense of euphoria (excitement), reckless behavior, little sleep needed, excessive energy, racing thoughts; talking too much, out of control spending, difficulty concentrating, irritability, abnormally increased activity including sexual activity, poor judgment, aggressive behavior, extreme irritability or “out of control” behavior. People with depression do not experience manic episodes.

And an episode whether depressive or manic can last for days, weeks, months or even years. It is very essential to note that the treatment differs for both the conditions.

Both biological factors like genetics and psychological factors like stress play a major role in causing depression.

For people who are correctly diagnosed with depression i.e. major depressive disorder, antidepressant medications are often highly effective and they must be taken regularly for three to four weeks, sometimes even longer, before the full response is seen. Other treatments involve Electroconvulsive therapy, Lithium and Anticonvulsant medication both used for prevention. Sometimes interpersonal therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is also used.

Treatments for bipolar disorder often involve a two-part plan of using both medication and psychotherapy. Different types of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder, including medicines for controlling manic symptoms, depressive symptoms or medications that help stabilize the patient’s mood. Psychotherapy, with a licensed therapist or social worker, is also used in bipolar disorder treatment.

Cognitive Therapy focuses on changing inappropriate or negative thought patterns, Behavioral Therapy focuses on current behaviors and Interpersonal therapy focuses on current relationships that can affect the illness. Psychoeducation helps the patient and family understand the illness and recognize signs of relapse.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on daily routines that can promote emotional stability. The line of treatment depends on the patient’s needs who usually works with healthcare professionals that supervise the patient’s care maintaining personal contact with each other to help ensure the patients’ continued progress.

In both of the above cases it is very important that you do not stop treatment on your own, whether you have concerns about your medicine or if you feel you are doing better, discuss openly with your doctor.