Depression – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect your feelings, mood and physical well-being. It’s a condition that can be managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
When people talk about depression, they usually think about a bad or sad mood. They may feel hopeless or irritable, have difficulty sleeping and eating, and find it hard to concentrate. They might also have physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and muscle aches or pains.
The exact cause of depression is unknown, but there are several factors that contribute to its development. These include brain chemistry, genetics, stress and medical conditions. You’re more likely to develop depression if you have a parent or sibling who has it.
It can be triggered by stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or divorce. Medical conditions, such as chronic pain and diabetes, can also cause it.
If you have a family history of depression, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it. They can help you find treatment if it’s needed. They can also check your symptoms to see if you have any other diseases or health problems, so they can tell you if they may be causing your depression.
Symptoms attack Medication
The core symptoms of depression, such as sadness and feeling hopeless, are usually relieved with treatment. However, some physical symptoms, such as pain or insomnia, may remain even after you get better. These symptoms can be more severe and last longer than the core symptoms.
You can treat your depression by taking medications that are designed to change the way your brain works. These medicines can help you feel more positive and motivated. They’re called antidepressants. You might have to try different ones before finding the right one for you.
Your doctor can also prescribe medicine to treat other health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of developing depression. You can take them together or separately, depending on your situation.
Some medicines have side effects that can be serious and sometimes dangerous. They can also interact with other drugs you take, so you should always tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medications or supplements.
Medication can be used along with psychotherapy to help you manage your depression, and you might have to stay on the medication for a while before it starts working. You’ll probably start with short-term therapy, but some people need ongoing therapy for months or years.
There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you improve your thoughts and feelings. It can also be helpful to go through a group therapy program, where you meet with other people who have the same health problem as you.
You might also try an intervention like ECT or TMS, which uses electrical pulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain that are responsible for your emotions and feelings. Other treatments are sometimes available, such as VNS, which is an implanted device that delivers special chemicals to your brain.
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