Depression is a disorder rampant world over. With so much information available about this mental disorder, one would think they know everything there is to know. But surprisingly there are still areas regarding depression that are quite obscure. Many resources simply list symptoms of depression. Most people who talk about depression paint a picture of someone lying in bed under the covers without any energy or motivation. Although fatigue is a telltale sign of depression, it is not the only one. There is a myriad of subtle personality shifts that occur when you slip into a depressive state.
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RESOURCES
Herrick, Lexi. “11 Habits of People With Concealed Depression.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 30 Aug. 2017, www.huffpost.com/entry/11-habits-of-people-with-_b_6384062.
Legg, Timothy J. “Can Depression Cause Memory Loss?” Healthline, 13 Sept. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-memory-loss.
Nelson, Jennifer. “The Lesser-Known Symptoms of Depression.” Next Avenue, Next Avenue, 6 Aug. 2020, www.nextavenue.org/lesser-known-symptoms-depression/.
Walton, Alice G. Depression Isn’t Always What You Think: The Subtle Signs. 18 Feb. 2015, www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/02/17/the-subtle-symptoms-of-depression/?sh=2869f1d51a3e.
“What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression?” Bridges to Recovery, www.bridgestorecovery.com/high-functioning-depression/signs-symptoms-high-functioning-depression/.
Yombor, Tara. “Uncommon Signs And Symptoms Of Depression You Should Know About.” The Psychology Group Fort Lauderdale, 11 Feb. 2020, thepsychologygroup.com/uncommon-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression/.
Depression – Signs and Symptoms
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Depression – Signs and Symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms of depression, and seeking help for depression can help you manage your condition. Your health care provider will perform lab tests and ask you about your symptoms to help determine the most appropriate treatment. Your therapist may also ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. In addition to a physical examination, your health care provider may prescribe medication to treat your depression. The most common medications used to treat depression are SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
A depressive episode is characterized by significant difficulty in functioning. Episodes may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. People with bipolar disorder alternate between episodes of depression and manic symptoms. During manic episodes, they feel euphoria, are active, talkative, and have an increased self-esteem. They also have increased energy levels and are less prone to sleep. Some people may also experience mania and have increased feelings of guilt.
Despite the widespread stigma and difficulty in treating depression, the majority of people do not seek medical treatment for depression. In fact, 75% of low and middle-income countries do not receive treatment for mental disorders. Several factors contribute to this low level of care, including limited resources, lack of trained health-care providers, and social stigma associated with mental disorders. Unfortunately, these factors lead to many people suffering from depression and not seeking the help they need.
In addition to medical treatment, you can use a variety of complementary and alternative medicine techniques. These methods complement conventional medicine and should never replace medical care. However, they are not a substitute for it. As long as you follow your doctor’s recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to feeling better. Keep trying, and you’ll soon be enjoying your favorite activities again. If you have trouble sleeping, set aside time during the day to solve problems.
Aside from antidepressants, other medications may be prescribed. Sometimes your doctor will recommend combining two antidepressants for better results. Other times, they may prescribe mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety medicines. There are also stimulants and anti-anxiety medications. These medications may be short-term or long-term, but you may need to take a few of them to find one that works best for you. While you’re using these medications to treat your depression, remember to be patient and stick with your doctor’s recommendations. Several weeks of treatment may be necessary before your symptoms subside completely. In addition, you may experience side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, or numbness.
Psychological therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) help people understand their thoughts and behaviour. They help people identify what causes them to feel depressed and reshape these patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on identifying past events that have shaped the way they behave in the present. By focusing on overcoming negative thoughts, CBT enables patients to move forward with their lives. The treatment typically takes place over a series of sessions, either weekly or every two weeks.
