THE Depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disease characterized by a mental disorder that interferes with a person's mood and manifests itself in the form of psychological and physical symptoms.
This condition is more common in people aged 20 to 40 years, but it is not a rule. Currently, depression also affects a large number of children and adolescents.
Causes of Depression
The causes of depression are not well understood, it is known that the development of the disease is influenced by genetic factors or by some event in the person's life.
Depression can occur after the loss of a job, moving to another city, breaking up in a relationship, illness, or the death of a loved one.
It is characterized by a feeling of sadness that lasts for a long time and affects other aspects of the person's life.
Anxiety and stress are also two important factors in causing depression.
Symptoms of Depression
A depressed person usually has two of the following symptoms for more than 14 days:
- Deep sadness for more than two weeks with no apparent cause;
- Loss of interest in activities previously considered pleasurable;
- Apathy;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Pessimism;
- Loss of appetite;
- Insecurity;
- Fear;
- Insomnia or excessive sleep;
- Irritability;
- Loss of self-esteem;
- Anxiety.
There are also some physical symptoms with no apparent cause, such as: muscle tension, headache, stomach pain, chest pain and poor digestion.
Suicidal thoughts can also happen. It is estimated that 15% of depressed people commit suicide.
Types of Depression
The main types of depression are:
- Baby blues: Possibly related to changes in the mother's hormonal levels and emotional state. It is characterized by a lack of interest in the baby or a feeling of inability to care for him.
- bipolar depression: Characterized by constant mood swings.
- dysthymia: It is a milder type of disorder, in which bad mood and social isolation are constant.
- atypical depression: The person has intense melancholy and relationship problems. Constant sleep and increased appetite are also common.
- psychotic depression: Characterized by the presence of delusions and hallucinations.
How do you know if a person has depression?
Depression often goes unnoticed or is confused with intense sadness, which tends to go away with the days. It is necessary to learn to differentiate the two situations: what is sadness and what is depression?
Sadness is a normal feeling that can affect anyone throughout life, being something temporary. Meanwhile, depression is a deep sadness that lasts more than 20 days, accompanied by other symptoms and without an apparent cause.
A depressed person cannot explain the reasons for his intense sadness. The sad person can identify the causes or reasons for their condition. Depression goes beyond feeling sad for a few days.
Treatment for depression
Depression is curable, but the guidance of psychologists or psychiatrists is essential for treating the disease.
The use of antidepressant medications may be indicated, along with therapy sessions. Antidepressants return to the body some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
It is also important to change some lifestyle habits, such as: practicing physical activities, adopting a healthy eating and avoid the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Depression treatment can take a long time and requires a lot of dedication, being essential the company and support of friends and family.
If you want to help a depressed person, try to be present and encourage him to seek out or during treatment.
