DEPRESSION

DEFINATION

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also
called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and
can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The monoamine-deficiency theory posits that the underlying pathophysiological basis of depression
is a depletion of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine in the central
nervous system. Serotonin is the most extensively studied neurotransmitter in depression.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

10 common symptoms of depression:

 Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. ...

 Loss of interest in daily activities. ...
 Appetite or weight changes. ...
 Sleep changes. ...
 Anger or irritability. ...
 Loss of energy. ...
 Self-loathing. ...
 Reckless behaviour

Depression, in psychology, a mood or emotional state that is marked by feelings of low self-worth or
guilt and a reduced ability to enjoy life. ... Depression differs from simple grief or mourning, which
are appropriate emotional responses to the loss of loved persons or objects.

5 Warning Signs of Mental Health Risk

 A Change in Personality. If someone is acting like a very different person, or not

acting or feeling like themself, this is a warning sign.
 Uncharacteristic Anxiety, Anger, or Moodiness. ...
 Social Withdrawal and Isolation. ...
 Lack of Self-Care or Risky Behaviors. ...
 A Sense of Hopelessness or Feeling Overwhelmed.

Most people experience feelings of stress, unhappiness or anxiety during difficult times. A low mood
may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression. If you have been
feeling low for more than a few days, take this short test to find out if you're depressed.

While triggers may be different for everyone, these are some of the best techniques you
can use to prevent or avoid depression relapse.

1. Exercise regularly. ...

2. Cut back on social media time. ...
3. Build strong relationships. ...
 4. Minimize your daily choices. ...
5. Reduce stress. ...
6. Maintain your treatment plan. ...
7. Get plenty of sleep

While depression can be treated, and symptoms can be alleviated, depression cannot be “cured.”
Instead, remission is the goal. ... As with any chronic condition, even though it may recur, there are
treatments available to reduce the severity of your symptoms, manage your condition, and give you
support.

Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents
can include the following: Excessive worrying or fear. Feeling excessively sad or low. Confused
thinking or problems concentrating and learning.

What are the 4 types of mental illness?

Types of mental health problems

 Anger. Explains what anger is, and how to deal with it in a constructive and healthy
way.
 Anxiety and panic attacks. ...
 Bipolar disorder. ...
 Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) ...
 Borderline personality disorder (BPD) ...
 Depression. ...
 Dissociative disorders. ...
 Drugs - recreational drugs & alcohol.

There's no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different
triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness,
redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to
trigger depression.

Why do people have depression?

Stress, Health, and Hormones
Things like stress, using alcohol or drugs, and hormone changes also affect the brain's
delicate chemistry and mood. Some health conditions may cause depression-like
symptoms. ... Getting enough sleep and regular exercise often has a positive effect on
neurotransmitter activity and mood.
How long can Depression last?
How long does depression last? On average, an episode of major depression lasts 4 to 8
months, although this duration can be shortened by treatment. Most people recover within 3
to 6 months with treatment, although it can take longer than this for some.
Early warning signs before psychosis

 A worrisome drop in grades or job performance.

 Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
 Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others.
  A decline in self-care or personal hygiene.
 Spending a lot more time alone than usual.
 Strong, inappropriate emotions or having no feelings at all.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme mood swings from high to low, and from low
to high. Highs are periods of mania, while lows are periods of depression. The mood swings may
even become mixed, so you might feel elated and depressed at the same time. Bipolar disorder isn't
a rare diagnosis.

People who are insecure never feel worthy enough to be in a relationship, which causes a continual
anxiety and fear that they are going to be found out and left behind. #8 They feel like everyone hates
them. One of the biggest signs of insecurity is that insecure people constantly feel like everyone
dislikes them.

Signs and symptoms

 Fear of abandonment. People with BPD are often terrified of being abandoned or left
alone. ...
 Unstable relationships. ...
 Unclear or shifting self-image. ...
 Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. ...
 Self-harm. ...
 Extreme emotional swings. ...
 Chronic feelings of emptiness. ...
 Explosive anger.

A nervous or mental breakdown is a term used to describe a period of intense mental

distress. During this period, you're unable to function in your everyday life. This term was
once used to refer to a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and
acute stress disorder.
Why am I depressed for no reason?
The reason is that depression can be caused by a defect within the brain that causes that
person to not produce enough of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which scientists
believe are responsible for mood control. ... The reason is the chemical deficiency itself.

It is a common and serious mood disorder that alters how individuals think, feel, and behave.
Unlike being unhappy, depression is an intense feeling of deep sadness and despair that can
last for days, weeks, or even months. ... Depression is not a choice; it is an illness.

Understanding Depression

 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic condition that can ebb and flow
throughout a person's lifetime. While it is possible that an individual episode of
depression may go away on its own without treatment, there is no guarantee that
things won't get worse before they get better.

Tips for self-care

 1. getting regular exercise at least 3 times a week, which can be as simple as walking
around your neighborhood for 30 minutes.
2. going to a therapist or attending counseling sessions to manage stress.
3. avoiding drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that create stress on the body.

Try these coping strategies if you're feeling depressed.

1. Stay in touch. Don't withdraw from life. ...

2. Be more active. Take up some form of exercise. ...
3. Face your fears. Don't avoid the things you find difficult. ...
4. Don't drink too much alcohol. For some people, alcohol can become a problem. ...
5. Try to eat a healthy diet. ...
6. Have a routine.

Management of depression may involve a number of different therapies: medications,

behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and medical devices. Though psychiatric medication is the
most frequently prescribed therapy for major depression, psychotherapy may be effective,
either alone or in combination with medication.