THE SILENT KILLER – DEPRESSION (MENTAL HEALTH) --- PART 2

Hey guys, On the last post we talked about depression.We looked at what depression is and instances of depression. Here, we are going to look at the causes, types and likely treatments of depression.

What Causes Depression? There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following: • ABUSE: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life. With an increase in rape cases and domestic abuses across Nigeria, no wonder the rate of depression continue to increase. • CERTAIN MEDICATIONS: Some drugs, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression. • CONFLICT: Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends. • DEATH OR A LOSS: Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression. • GENETICS: A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning that there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis. • MAJOR EVENTS: Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. With the advert of coronavirus, people are losing loved ones, losing their jobs, homes, businesses and so on. However, the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a "normal" response to stressful life events. • OTHER PERSONAL PROBLEMS: Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression. • SERIOUS ILLNESSES: Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition. • SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as: 1. PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder. 2. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies. 3. PSYCHOTIC depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness. 4. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder. 5. BIPOLAR DISORDER is different from depression, but it is included in this list is because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression (called “bipolar depression”). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.” If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression: • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism • Irritability • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy or fatigue • Moving or talking more slowly • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping • Appetite and/or weight changes • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression, but people with only a few – but distressing – symptoms may benefit from treatment of their “subsyndromal” depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness Though there are multiple types of depression, many of them have similar recognizable symptoms. Experiencing some combination of these symptoms for a period of at least two weeks likely signifies that you are in the midst of a depressive episode.

TREATMENT Any treatment for depression should coincide with a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule. It may sound simplistic, but the importance of taking care of your body cannot be overstated. There are various methods you could use to sooth the symptoms of depression. All of us could stand to exercise more often, but exercise is especially helpful for the depressed mind. It enables you to better handle stress, and the endorphins released during exercise give you a mental boost. Aside from the mental health benefits, reports have shown that physical activity helps you sleep better at night. Yoga is a more accessible form of exercise, because it doesn’t require equipment and because many of the moves and poses do not require much effort. Meditation is a highly effective way of clearing your head and calming your body. It’s also easy to do, with guided meditations available through phone apps, online in text and videos, and in books. If you enjoy keeping a journal, you may find that it helps to express your thoughts on paper instead of bottling them inside. It’s helpful to have close friends and family who you can confide in, but they’re not always available or may be dealing with stress of their own. This makes keeping a journal a good idea to have an alternate way to vent. Therapy with anyone from a guidance counselor to a certified therapist can work wonders, and many may prefer therapy to the medication route. Situational depression especially can be relieved, by having a way to get everything off your chest and receive practical advice. For a more hands-on approach, try experts like psychiatrists or psychologists. They offer many types of therapy, from light therapy (check next post on this) for Seasonal Affective Disorder to cognitive behavioral therapy that works to change your thought processes. Other alternatives include drinking special teas or taking supplements. The properties of green tea and chamomile tea give a calming effect. There is no shame in taking medication to manage your depression. People routinely take medication for physical ailments, and a mental illness isn’t any different. If you’re worried about the possible side effects, call your doctor to discuss them. Any medication can be tapered down or ceased, and there are different types available to suit your individual needs and chemistry. Remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Bad days will still come, but with well-targeted treatment, you should be able to overcome extreme lows. While science has yet to find a cure for mental disorders such as depression, it is entirely possible to live a happy and fulfilling life in spite of it. Remember, no storm, not even the one in your life can last forever. The storm is just passing over. Stay Connected Real and True You Gal, Gentlehawk