Depression Treatment

Depression, also known by the names major depressive disorder and clinical depression, can affect your mood. Depression can lead to sadness and despair. It may also be associated with physical symptoms such as altered sleep patterns or changes in appetite. Depression is more than a mood disorder. It can also be a serious medical condition. If left untreated, it can cause other health problems. Depression can cause long-term symptoms that affect their ability to perform daily activities. These symptoms can last up to two weeks, but they can also be present for many months or even years.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, and seek treatment if you feel you are suffering from them. We recommend that you consult a psychiatrist if you feel depressed for longer than two weeks. Depression is not always due to genetic or chemical imbalance. Sometimes it can be caused by a situation. It doesn’t matter if you are going through a tough time right now, such as a divorce or death in the immediate family. These feelings can be temporary and will go away with time.

Five Major Types Of Depression

Millions of people worldwide are affected by depression, a serious illness. Although depression can strike anyone, there are five main types of depression that researchers have identified:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is the most common type of depression. MDD sufferers experience low self-esteem, sadness and loss of interest. MDD patients may feel ashamed and helpless. About 16% of Americans will experience MDD at one time or another.

2. Bipolar Disorder, another form of depression, causes mood swings that range from manic highs to severe lows. Bipolar disorder can cause extreme changes in energy and activity that last for at least one week. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2% of Americans at one time or another.

3. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), which causes symptoms similar to major depressive disorders, lasts for more than two years without relief or remission and is also known as chronic. About 1% of Americans will experience PDD at some time in their lives. This is half the number who have MDD.

4. About 10% of mothers who have had childbirth experience postpartum depression (PPD). PPD can develop anytime within the first year of giving birth. However, it is most common in the first few months following delivery.

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that affects people during winter months. SAD can affect as high as 5% of North American and European population. Women are twice as likely as men to experience this type of depression.

Depression Treatment

Although depression can be difficult to diagnose, once it is, there are many options for treatment. Although mild depression can be managed on their own, severe or moderate depression requires professional treatment.

There are a variety of treatments for depression:

Medication

For moderate to severe depression, antidepressants and mood stabilizers can be prescribed. These medications can restore brain chemistry and make you less stressed by the events of life.

Therapy

Behavioral therapy can also be helpful in treating depression. It helps you to learn new ways of coping with stressors that could be contributing to your symptoms. Behavioral therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on managing stress and negative emotions. You can learn to redirect your thoughts towards positive imagery and positive self-talk if you are ruminating on past events, guilt, or feeling hopeless.

Exercise

Exercise can help with depression symptoms, according to studies. It releases endorphins which make people feel happier and more relaxed. Stress is often a factor in depression. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress. Exercise improves your sleep quality and overall health. You should consider any restrictions or contraindications that could affect your ability or ability to exercise.