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Depression

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Fortunately,

it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and decrease your ability to function at work and home.

According to Mental Depression In Beaumont Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• Thoughts of death or suicide

“Even depression is curable.”

In order to be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms should persist for a minimum of two weeks and should indicate a decline in your usual level of functioning. It’s crucial to eliminate any underlying medical conditions such as vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, or a brain tumor that may imitate depression symptoms.

It is estimated that one in 15 adults (6.7%) experience depression in a given year. Although depression can occur at any age, it typically appears for the first time during the late teens to mid-20s. Women are more prone to depression than men. Additionally, there is a strong genetic component to depression, with approximately 40% heritability when first-degree relatives (parents, children, or siblings) have the condition.

According to the Mental Depression in Beaumont, it’s important to understand that depression is not the same as sadness or grief. While it’s normal to feel sad after a loss or traumatic event, depression is a more serious condition that can co-exist with grief. In some cases, the death of a loved one, job loss, physical assault, or natural disaster can trigger depression. When depression and grief occur together, it can intensify the grief and prolong the healing process.

Distinguishing between grief and depression is crucial in obtaining the appropriate help, support, or treatment they need.

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Risk Factors for Depression by Mental Depression In Beaumont

Depression can affect anyone —even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances. Several factors can play a role in depression:
Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.

Depression causes

There are several possible causes of depression by Mental Depression In Beaumont. They can range from biological to circumstantial which includes:

  • Brain chemistry. There may be a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain that manage mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite, and behavior in people who have depression.
  • Hormone levels. Changes in female hormones estrogen and progesterone during different periods of time like during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, perimenopause, or menopause may all raise a person’s risk for depression.
  • Family history. You’re at a higher risk for developing depression if you have a family history of depression or another mood disorder.
  • Early childhood trauma. Some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations.
  • Brain structure. There’s a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active. However, scientists don’t know if this happens before or after the onset of depressive symptoms.
  • Medical conditions. Certain conditions may put you at higher risk, such as chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart attack, and cancer.
  • Substance use. A history of substance or alcohol misuse can increase the risk of depression.
  • People who feel emotional or chronic physical pain for long periods of time are significantly more likely to develop depression.

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How Is Depression Treated?

It’s important to know that depression is a mental disorder that can be treated effectively. Studies show that between 80% and 90% of individuals with depression respond well to treatment, with most experiencing relief from their symptoms. To determine the best course of treatment, a healthcare professional will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes an interview and physical exam. In some cases, a blood test may be necessary to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing depression, such as a thyroid problem or vitamin deficiency. The evaluation will consider specific symptoms, medical and family history, and environmental and cultural factors to arrive at a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Treatment options may include a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle therapies, such as those offered by Mental Depression In Beaumont.

Medication

Depression can be influenced by an individual’s brain chemistry, which is considered when determining treatment options. In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to help regulate brain chemistry. It is important to note that these medications generally do not have a stimulating effect on individuals who do not have depression.

Psychiatrists typically advise patients to continue taking medication for six months or more even after symptoms have improved. For some individuals who are at high risk, long-term maintenance treatment may be recommended in order to reduce the likelihood of future episodes.

Psychotherapy

If you’re struggling with negative emotions, speaking with a therapist in Beaumont can teach you coping skills. Family or group therapy sessions may also be beneficial. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is when someone talks to a trained therapist to identify and manage the factors that contribute to their mental health condition, like depression. Multiple studies have shown that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for improving symptoms in people with psychiatric disorders, including depression. It’s often used in conjunction with medication. There are various types of psychotherapy, and individuals may respond better to one type over another.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment method for severe or resistant depression that utilizes electrical currents to induce a seizure. Mental Depression In Beaumont explains that it has been proven to be helpful for people with clinical depression. During the procedure, an anesthetic agent will be administered to put you to sleep for 5 to 10 minutes. Your healthcare professional will place cardiac monitoring pads on your chest and four electrodes on specific areas of your head. Short electrical pulses will be delivered for a few seconds but you will not feel them or convulse. You will awaken about 5 to 10 minutes after the treatment. Side effects may include headaches, nausea, muscle aches and soreness, and confusion or disorientation. Patients may also experience memory problems, but these typically resolve within weeks or months after treatment.

Alternative therapies

If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, there are steps you can take to help alleviate them. Engaging in regular exercise can create positive feelings and improve your mood. It is also important to ensure you are getting enough quality sleep, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol (which is a depressant). If you are concerned about your mental health, it is recommended that you see a family physician or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation. Mental Depression in Beaumont can assist with related conditions such as peripartum depression, seasonal depression (also known as seasonal affective disorder), bipolar disorders, persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Please contact us for further assistance.

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Natural remedies and lifestyle tips-

  • Exercise
  • Avoid alcohol and substance use
  • Learn how to set limits in daily schedule
  • Take care of yourself- You can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of yourself. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities.
  • Supplements like S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
  • Vitamins
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Acupuncture- Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that may help ease some symptoms of depression. During acupuncture, a practitioner uses needles to stimulate certain areas in the body in order to treat a range of conditions.

Depression test

There isn’t a single test to diagnose depression. But your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a psychological evaluation. In most cases, they’ll ask a series of questions about your:

  • Mood
  • Appetite
  • Sleep pattern
  • Activity level
  • Thoughts

According to Mental Depression In Beaumont It’s important not to ignore symptoms of depression. If your mood doesn’t improve or gets worse, seek medical help. Depression is a serious mental health illness with the potential for complications. If left untreated, complications can include:

  • Weight gain or loss
  • Physical pain
  • Substance use disorder
  • Panic attacks
  • Relationship problems
  • Social isolation
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Self-harm

Types of Depression

According to Mental Depression In Beaumont Depression can be broken into categories depending on the severity of symptoms. As per Mental Depression In Beaumont Some people experience mild and temporary episodes, while others experience severe and ongoing depressive episodes.

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Persistent depressive disorder
  • Postpartum depression
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Depression with psychosis
  • Depression in pregnancy
  • Depression and alcohol

Preventing depression

Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable. It’s hard to recognize what causes it, which means preventing it is more difficult. But once you’ve experienced a depressive episode, Mental Depression In Beaumont told us you may be better prepared to prevent a future episode by learning which lifestyle changes and treatments are helpful. Techniques by Mental Depression In Beaumont that may help include:

  • Regular exercise
  • Getting plenty of sleep
  • Maintaining treatments
  • Reducing stress
  • Building strong relationships with others

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