Depression and Its Causes
Name
Institution
Depression and Its Causes
Depression is a condition that makes a person have continuous unhappiness and loss of interest in daily activities. It affects one’s behavior emotionally and physically(Mayo clinic,2018). Depression makes one unhappy, internally empty, become hopeless and tearful. Furthermore, the patient develops emotional instability making him or her impossible to manage anger, and small matters trigger his or her temper. Consequently, the patient will lose interest in essential activities like sex, hobbies, and sports. It also affects the sleeping pattern of a patient causing insomnia or over-sleeping. One will either develop a high appetite or lose the appetite altogether. In extreme cases, one gets suicidal thoughts and will even try to take his or her life. However, in children and teenagers, depression is characterized by all of the above. Besides, children will tend to cling to their parents or caregivers all the time or even refuse to go to school. Teenagers develop a negative attitude about everything, and their performance at school will drop drastically.
One is likely to develop depression if there’s a history of it in the family.
Likewise, if one had a stressful childhood, he or she may develop the condition. On the same note, chances of one getting depression are higher if one’s frontal lobe of the brain is less active. Some medical conditions like insomnia or a chronic illness can drive one into depression. Consequently, a previous abuse of drugs and misuse of alcohol can equally contribute to depression(Valencia Higuera and Kimberly Holland 2019). Stressful events like loss of a job or a beloved one or even divorce can trigger one into depression.
Depression is categorized into two categories, namely major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. In major depressive disorder, one becomes sad, hopeless, and feels unworthy. For one to diagnosed with this type of depression, he or she has shown more than five symptoms. Major depressive disorder has several subtypes. The milder but chronic type of depression is called a persistent depressive disorder, formerly dysthymia. Unlike major depressive disorder, for one to have a diagnosis of this type of depression, one has to have shown symptoms for over two years. People with this type of depression will lose interest in usual activities. They also become less productive in their work. Besides, they feel hopeless and helpless hence affecting their self-esteem.
Depression is mostly treated by antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and antipsychotic medicines. Furthermore, one can plan to see a psychotherapist, to help him or her control negative feelings. Equally, one should prepare for therapy sessions. Light therapy exposes one to doses of white light, which aids in regulating mood swings. This is often used in major depressive disorder. Other therapies that can be used are acupuncture and meditation. Herbal supplements may also be used in depression treatment. However, one should consult with his or her physician before mixing supplements with medical prescriptions. One should also avoid using drugs and alcohol because they make symptoms worse. Indulging in social activities and avoiding negativity helps in controlling depression.
In conclusion, it is hard to prevent depression. However, one should have enough sleep and exercise regularly. Equally creating a good and positive relationship with people will reduce stress. Reducing the time one spends on social media helps as well as cutting down on daily choices.
References
Mayo Clinic (2018).Depression and its causes.Mayo clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Higuera., V.&Holland., K.(2019).Causes and treatment of depression.Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression