WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a mood disorder, characterized by a feeling of sadness, loss, or anger that interferes with a person’s everyday life activities, but if these feelings persist and affect the quality of life significantly it is called depression.

According to WHO,  depression is the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

There are different types of depression, some important types of depression are:

• MDD(major depressive disorder)-  major disorder is a mood disorder characterized by a number of key features such as depressed mood, lack of interest in activities, change in weight, change in sleep, fatigue, etc
• Persistent depressive disorder-  DYSTHYMIA now known as persistent depressive disorder, refers to a type of chronic depressive presence for more days than not for at least two years. It can be mild-moderate and severe.
• Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by periods of abnormality elevated mood known as mania, these periods can be mild(hypomania) or can be so extreme as to cause marked impairment, with a person’s life, require hospitalization, or affect a person’s sense of reality.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD)- Among the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are irritability, fatigue, anxiety, moodiness, bloating, increased appetite, food cravings, aches, etc
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)-as the name suggests it is seasonal depression, which is related to the seasonal it means SADbegins and ends at the same with the season, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away from during the spring and summer.

A rare form of seasonal depression known as summer depression begins in late spring or early summer and ends in the fall.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION?

Some people are at higher risk factors include:

• Life events- these include bereavement, divorce, work issues, relationships with friends and family, financial problems, medical concerns, sadness, grief all these events affect the mental conditions.

• Personality- those with less successful coping strategies or previous life trauma are more susceptible

• Genetic factors- having a first degree relative with depression increases the risk of depression

• Childhood trauma- the trauma may be mental or physical, such as having mental stress in the family or any mental harassment during childhood lead to depression.

• Some prescription drugs: include corticosteroids some beta-blockers, interferon, and other prescription drugs.

• Abuse of recreational drugs: excess use of alcohol, amphetamines, and other drugs are strongly linked to depression

• A past history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse can lead to depression.

• Chronic pain syndromes: chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease make depression more likely.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF DEPRESSION?

• Untreated depression can lead to emotional, behavioral, and health problems that affect every area of life.
• Long-term untreated depression can affect your daily routine activities, your relationship with yourself as well as those around you.
• It can increase the risk of developing various addictions and habits that may be harmful to you.
• It may also lead to social anxiety and isolation and later on suicidal tendencies too.
• It may also increase the risk of developing many cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?

• Depressed mood reduce interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, loss of sexual desire
• Unintentional weight loss, low appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Psychomotor agitation for example restlessness, pacing up and down
• Delayed psychomotor skills, for example, slowed movement and speech
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• The feeling of worthlessness or guilt
• Impaired ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or attempt at suicide
• Symptoms in seasonal disorder

1) winter depression symptoms- less energy, trouble concentrating, fatigue, greater appetite, greater need for sleep, weight gain                               

2)Summer seasonal disorder loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION?

The exact cause is unknown but there are several factors that trigger depression. Depression is not occur by one phenomenon it includes various phenomena of life. The various factors are described are

• Genetics - People who have a family history of depression, are more prone. Depression is not caused by a single reason it is the result of complex phenomena.

• Sudden mishappening - if a person faced sudden mishappening in life such as the death of a loved one or sudden grief for any reason or sometimes may occur due to sudden and unexpected happiness.

• Conflicts -depression is also a result of various conflicts such as fighting between parents, or bad relationships with friends and siblings, all these various conflicts make sad and make them susceptible a person for depression.

• Abuse of any substance - about 30% of depression cases recorded due to misuse of any drugs cause clinical depression. Even using alcohol for temporary relief causes long-term side effects.

• Major serious medical illness - some major medical illnesses produce excessive anxiety or it can lead to depression due to anxiety

• Social pressure  -some social issues also lead to depression because sometimes society criticizes against color, shirt height, race, and other personal issues, all these factors lead to depression.

• Abuse - if any person faced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a past life it leads to a deep impression on the mind.

DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION

• Physical examination
• Lab tests, such as CBC, thyroid profile
• Psychiatric evaluation

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Depression  is a treatable mental illness, it has three components

• Support-ranging from discussing practical solutions and contributing stresses, to educating family

• Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT)

• Drugs mainly include antidepressants.

But all these are conventional treatments, homeopathic treatment is a good option for treatment because it gives a permanent cure for depression.

MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION

Depression is better managed by some activities such as

• Stop thinking about negative thoughts
• Try to go to sleep and get up at about the same time 
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine
• Spent time with family friends and join the company that supports you 
• Practicing regular relaxation to reduce the effects of irritating or frustrating situations
• Keep busy in healthy activities 
• Try to set small goals and work for it and try to achieve it 
• Always think about happy moments and keep happy
• Eat a healthy diet and always try to eat with friends and family
• Do exercise daily and do yoga and meditation.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION

Homeopathy medicines are given on the basis of physical and mentals behavior that’s why homeopathy is unique

Some important and deep acting medicines are

• Aconite
• Argentum metallicum
• Arsenic album
• Calcarea carb
• Gelsemium
• Ignatia
• Kali ars
• Kali phosphoricum
• Lycopodium

Take medicines only when prescribed by a registered homeopath.

DO'S AND DON'TS

Do’s

• Find ways to handle stress and improve your self-esteem.
• Take good care of yourself.
• Get enough sleep
• Eat healthy diet
• Do exercise, yoga daily
• Go for spending time with friends and family 
• Get regular check medical checkups
• Get help if u feel depressed.

Don’ts

• Don’t make big life decisions on a day when you are feeling down.
• Do not believe in your negative thoughts
• Avoid alcohol and unnecessary drugs
• Avoid food you are allergic too
• Avoid caffeinated drinks and nicotine completely
• Avoid smoking, dairy products.