Join Nathan Petersson of OCD & Anxiety Online and Drew Linsalata of The Anxious Truth for a live chat about how even the scariest and most disturbing thoughts and sensations are subject to the same rule of recovery in Anxiety and OCD.
Questions from the audience are always welcome!
Find Nathan Peterson at
https://ocd-anxiety.com
Find Drew Linsalata at
https://theanxioustruth.com
Depression – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. During an episode, people feel like they’re in a deep, dark pit with no way out for weeks or months. Treatment can lift these feelings and prevent them from returning.
The causes of depression are complex and vary by person. But some research suggests that it’s related to changes in brain chemistry and how nerve cells communicate with each other. It’s also possible that certain genes make someone more likely to develop depression. Depression can also be triggered by events or circumstances, such as loss of a loved one, a breakup, financial troubles or an illness. Many people who have depression also have other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety.
Symptoms of depression include sadness or a feeling that things don’t matter, guilt, worthlessness, irritability and restlessness, trouble concentrating and thinking, aches or pains, poor appetite or overeating, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people have depression along with psychosis, which involves false beliefs and a detachment from reality. Depression can also cause a lack of energy, fatigue and sleep problems.
It’s important to get help as soon as you start to have these symptoms. A health care professional can help you find the right treatment, and it’s also a good idea to talk with family and friends, a spiritual leader or other trusted adviser.
Therapy is a key part of treatment for depression, and there are many types. The most common type is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which helps change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Another type of therapy is interpersonal or group psychotherapy, which focuses on improving relationships and identifying ways to deal with problems.
Other treatments for depression include lifestyle changes and medications. Getting enough sleep, for example, can improve mood and prevent the need for more medication. Managing stress levels can also reduce depression. This might include exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques or support groups. Hormones may play a role in depression, too. For example, depression can occur during pregnancy and the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum depression). It’s also a common problem in people with thyroid disease or menopause.
Antidepressants can help by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. It’s important to take the medicine as prescribed, even if it doesn’t seem to work at first. It can take four to six weeks for some medicines to have an effect. And it’s important not to skip doses or stop taking the medicine if you don’t feel better, because this can make depression worse. Your doctor can recommend the best antidepressant for you based on your health history, symptoms and other factors. Often, people have to try several different antidepressants before they find one that works well for them. If one doesn’t help, a health care provider may try a different one or change the dosage. It’s also important to tell your health care provider what other medicines, herbs and supplements you are taking.
