How much sleep did you get last night? Did you have a lack of sleep? It might be tempting to sacrifice some sleep so that you can do more homework, watch more Netflix or stay up with a friend, but did you know that not enough sleep can lead to some serious sleep deprivation effects?
Disclaimer: Please do not take this video as an attack on your character. This video was meant to be a self-improvement guide for those of you who have been feeling a little stuck.
We also made a video on the habits that may damage your brain:
Writer: Brian Cham
Script Editor: Caitlin McColl
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera (www.youtube.com/amandasilvera)
Animator: OatsAndToast
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
References:
Dawson, D., & Reid, K. (1997). Fatigue, alcohol and performance impairment. Nature, 388(6639), 235-235.
Joo, E. Y., Yoon, C. W., Koo, D. L., Kim, D., & Hong, S. B. (2012). Adverse effects of 24 hours of sleep deprivation on cognition and stress hormones. Journal of Clinical Neurology, 8(2), 146-150.
Killgore, W. D. (2010). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Progress in Brain Research, 185, 105-129.
Killgore, W. D., McBride, S. A., Killgore, D. B., & Balkin, T. J. (2006). The effects of caffeine, dextroamphetamine, and modafinil on humor appreciation during sleep deprivation. Sleep, 29(6), 841-847.
Rasch, B., & Born, J. (2013). About Sleep’s Role in Memory. Physiological Reviews.
Depression Symptoms and Treatment
|
Depression Symptoms and Treatment
A healthy lifestyle can be crucial for battling depression. If you feel depressed, try doing something you once enjoyed. Try music or dance to lift your spirits and get your body moving. You can also try meditation to relax and stimulate your mind. Exercise and visualization techniques can also help you combat depression. Try to practice one or two of these techniques regularly to see results. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to combat depression. You should also make time to solve your problems during the day.
A mental health exam and a medical history can be useful in diagnosing depression. A depression doctor can also prescribe psychotherapy and antidepressant medications based on the patient’s symptoms. During an evaluation, a health care professional will ask about symptoms, thoughts, and behavior patterns. In addition to a mental exam, your doctor may administer a questionnaire to assess your symptoms. A doctor can also suggest medications and self-help resources. There is no one single cause of depression. Symptoms vary from person to person, and each condition will have different treatments.
Many factors can trigger depression. Stressful life events, a change in routine, or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities can trigger depression. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menstrual cycles are among the most common triggers. Other conditions such as learning disabilities, substance use disorders, and anxiety may also increase the risk of developing depression. In addition to emotional symptoms, men and women with depression are prone to exhibit signs of irritability, anger, apathy, and other problems.
A physician will ask about your symptoms and may conduct a physical exam to rule out other diseases. Your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other health conditions. Mental health professionals will also ask you to complete questionnaires. For instance, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale contains 21 questions about your symptoms. The results are a gauge of how severe your depression is. Another questionnaire is the Beck Depression Inventory. These tests will tell your doctor whether you are suffering from depression or not.
Psychiatric treatments involve medication and therapy. Some types of psychological therapy are proven to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Many psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are evidence-based. If one of these treatments does not work, you may be able to try a more experimental approach. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be the only option. If you suffer from a serious form of depression, your doctor may prescribe an electroconvulsive therapy.
Although depression can be difficult to diagnose, it can be treated. Depression is a disease that affects anyone. Some people have a history of depression, while others do not. If you suspect that you are suffering from depression, see your doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose it through a mental health exam and medical history. By identifying and treating depression early, you can improve your overall quality of life. In addition to getting medication, you may also undergo therapy and participate in online programs.
