Depression is a common mental health condition that affects many people worldwide. It is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed. This is different from the mood fluctuation that people normally experience as part of life.
Symptoms of Depression
- Persistent low mood and irritability.
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies and activities.
- Appetite and changes in weight.
- Sleep difficulties and low energy.
- Self -Destructive behavior and suicidal ideas.
Cause of Depression
Although the medical community does not fully understand the causes of depression, there are many possible causes and some various factors combined to trigger the causes.
Some of these factors includes the following:
- Psychological and social factors.
- Environmental factors.
- Genetic features.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, below are some of the most common types:
- Major depression: A person with this type of depression experience constant state of sadness. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy and medication.
- Bipolar disorder: This is a disorder that associates with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
- Postpartum Depression: This kind of depression happens when many women give birth- some people call it “baby blues”, this is when hormones level readjust after child birth. There are no definite causes of these type of depression but this can last for months or even years therefore medical advice is necessary.
- Psychotic Depression: This kind of depression involves delusion such as false beliefs and detachment from realty. It can also involve hallucinations- sensing things that do not exist.
Recognizing Hidden Signs of depression
In females:
Below are some symptoms of depression that tends to appear more often in women:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Ruminating (dwelling on negative thought)
- Anxiety
- Mood swing.
In Males:
Men with depression are likely to drink excessive alcohol, display of anger and engage in risk-taking as a result of disorder. Other symptoms include:
- Working without break
- Displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationship
- Avoiding families and social solutions
- Having difficulty in keeping up with work and family responsibilities.
In students/ teenagers:
Symptoms of depression in students/ teenagers may include:
- Difficulty in concentrating on school work
- A decrease or increase in appetite
- Avoiding social situations and activities that they use to enjoy
- Insomnia
- Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Restlessness, such as an inability to sit still.
In Children
Children may experience symptoms such as:
- Clinginess
- Vocal out bursts
- Low energy
- Defiant behavior
- Crying.
Ways of Managing Depression
Managing depression usually may involve the following:
- Support: This ranges from discussing practical solutions and possible causes to educating family members.
- Psychotherapy: This is also known as taking therapy which include one to one counselling and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- seeking medical help/advice
- Natural remedies: some people use natural remedies, such as herbal medicines to treat mild to moderate depression.
- Chamomile: This contains flavonoids that may have an antidepressant effect. You can check more information about chamomile.
- Lavender: This may help reduce anxiety and insomnia.
Note: It is important to talk to medical doctor before using any type of herbal remedy or supplement to treat depression.
