While it used to be taboo, people are now more open to talking about mental illness. This is a welcome development as depression is the main cause of disability worldwide. Considering that depression can affect adults, teens, and even children, it’s important that you are as knowledgeable as you can about this subject. This is why we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article about this subject. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about major depressive disorder.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a medical condition that has a negative impact on your emotions, thoughts, and behavior. It is treatable, though. Depression may cause feelings of sadness and disinterest in activities you used to enjoy. Additionally, it can lead to a range of emotional and physical problems that make it hard to function at work or at home. Depression symptoms can vary on a case-by-case basis but the usual symptoms are a depressed mood, loss of interest, sleeping problems, and a loss of appetite. Take note that the symptoms have to last at least two weeks before a diagnosis can be made.
What Causes Depression?
While this may seem like a straightforward question, the causes of depression can get rather complicated. Depression is a complex sickness that is caused by a combination of factors. These factors can include faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. Research suggests that it is not simply a matter of having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, and it is believed that several of these forces interact to bring on the disease. There are many chemicals involved in the process of mood and perception, both inside and outside of nerve cells. This dynamic system is made up of millions of chemical reactions that determine how you experience life.
How Can Depression Be Treated?
There are a slew of different ways to treat depression. These solutions work in unison and aim to address and manage the symptoms that come with depression. The first thing one needs to do is to find a support system. This can be anything from professionals to close friends and family members. Aside from finding support, psychotherapy is also a great way to deal with depression. Talking therapy or one-on-one counseling can be extremely helpful as it helps people with depression manage their feelings. Lastly, medication plays a vital role when it comes to treating depression. It’s important to take medications only as prescribed by a doctor. Some drugs take time to work. Stopping the medication may cause a person to miss out on its benefits. Some people stop taking medication after symptoms improve, but this can lead to a relapse. Any concerns about antidepressants should be discussed with a doctor,
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to furthering your understanding of major depressive disorder. While this may seem complicated, the information that we’ve laid out here should help give you good foundational knowledge on this subject. Feel free to look back on this article if you need a quick refresher on this subject.
Are you looking for telepsychiatric services in New Hampshire? Amodeus Healthcare is here to help you achieve a quality life through professional medical services and staff. Get in touch with us today!