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From Darkness to Light: Navigating Symptoms of Depression, Risk Factors and Types
Julian succeeded in both his personal and professional endeavours. At first everything went well; however, he began to feel a deep-rooted sorrow and lost touch with the hobbies he always cherished. Julian also noted that over time he became more and more absent minded. These feelings lasted for days and even interfered with his relationships and day-to-day activities. He felt extremely tense and decided to seek help. Fortunately, Julian had access to Cellmaflex, an extensive platform that helped him receive timely help. With Cellmaflex, Julian was able to quickly book an online appointment with a mental health professional without any phone calls. During the visit, the mental health professional diagnosed that Julian was experiencing the early stages of depression, a condition that is often misunderstood and left untreated. The mental health professional then provided the necessary support and treatment.
Cellmaflex greatly contributed to Julian’s recovery and emphasising the need for accessibility of affordable healthcare services in the community in depression management. There are widely available cases of depression in every country making it very important to understand what depression is. Additionally, it is necessary to know the symptoms of depression, causes of depression, significance, and prompt initiation, and persuasion of assistance. Read the blog to gain an insight on depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a condition where a person will feel a prolonged state of sadness, as well as the loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. In the middle of developing depression, the sufferer can also have problems associated with thinking, memory, appetite, or sleeping. When a person suffers from depression, even the simplest and daily tasks can be a challenge, and the severe cases can lead to suicidal thoughts and acts.
Many individuals ought to be aware that depression is a common illness that goes beyond age, gender, or background and is quite a concern to the health sector. It is clear that without the appropriate intervention, depression can escalate and become chronic. In the worst instances, depression can result in self-inflicted harm or suicide.
Prevalence of Depression
According to WHO, at present, over 280 million people in the world had depression. Also, depression is about 50% more common among women than among men.
What are the symptoms of depression?
There are different types of depression, and its symptoms can therefore be mild to severe. They include:
- Deep sadness or the feeling of despair, which is accompanied by worries.
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
- Easily losing temper or getting angry over trivial things.
- Binge eating disorder or starving oneself which may lead gaining weight or being undernourished.
- Difficulties in falling asleep (insomnia) or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia).
- Feeling exhausted or having a very low with no energy at all levels.
- Difficulty remembering things or making decisions, or just concentrating.
- Headaches, stomach aches, sexual dysfunction also are issues one may face.
- Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Biological, psychological, and environmental Risk Factors – What are they?
Biological Factors: Depression can have a biological predisposition, that is, a family history of depression may increase the risk of developing it. There are also neurochemical factors of depression such as the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which have been linked to depression as well.
Psychological Factors: Some personality traits such as low self-esteem, the experience of chronic stress, abuse or trauma in the past may make a person prone to depression. Cognitive patterns, that arises negative thoughts and a tendency to ruminate.
Environmental Factors: Stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or relationship problems, can trigger depression.
Types of Depression
According to The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), depressive disorders are classified as the following:
- Clinical depression (major depressive disorder): This is the most severe and most common form of depression. The diagnosis of the major depressive disorder means one has felt sad, low or worthless most days for at least two weeks while also having other symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities or change in appetite.
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Persistent depressive disorder is mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years. The symptoms are less severe in PDD than major depressive disorder.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): DMDD causes chronic, intense irritability and frequent anger outbursts in children. Symptoms of DMDD usually begin by the age of 10.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): With PMDD, a person has premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after the period starts, but they can be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
- Depressive disorder due to another medical condition: Many medical conditions can create changes in the body that may cause depression. Examples include hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including:
- Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression): This is a form of major depressive disorder that typically arises during the fall and winter and goes away during the spring and summer.
- Prenatal depression and postpartum depression: Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is depression that develops within four weeks of delivering a baby. The DSM refers to these as “major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset.”
- Atypical depression: Symptoms of this condition, also known as major depressive disorder with atypical features, vary slightly from “typical” depression. The main difference is a temporary mood improvement in response to positive events. Other key symptoms include increased appetite and rejection sensitivity.
People with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of depression in addition to manic or hypomanic episodes.
How is depression treated?
- Psychotherapy: also known as talk therapy, involves talking with a mental health professional. The therapist helps identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. There are many types of psychotherapy — cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most common.
- Medication: The mental health professional may prescribe medications if needed.
- Complementary medicine: People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms of depression can improve their well-being with therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis and biofeedback as advised by their healthcare/mental health professional.
- Brain stimulation therapy: Brain stimulation therapy might help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
There are also things one can do at home to help improve the symptoms, including:
- Getting regular exercise.
- Getting quality sleep – not too little or too much.
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Avoiding alcohol.
- Spending time with people you care about.
How Cellmaflex helps patients:
Cellmaflex is an all-in-one healthcare hub. Patients can sign up on Cellmaflex for free. Through Cellmaflex, they can search the directory to find the right specialist in a few clicks. Patients can easily view the doctors’ calendars and check their availability. With Cellmaflex, patients can directly book appointments online without having to make any phone calls. Patients can book online appointments with desired doctors with ease and receive appointment reminders.
Patients can receive their test results directly, access the test results and health records anytime, anywhere. Patients can order prescriptions by finding pharmacies on Cellmaflex and have secure online payments.
The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention
Early detection of depression and intervention is very important in managing it effectively. The earlier depression is recognised and treated, the better the outcomes. Delayed treatment may lead to more severe symptoms of depression, increased risk of other mental health disorders, and a greater likelihood of physical health complications. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression, both in oneself and in others, is the first step toward seeking help and beginning the journey to recovery.
