Some people may not yet know exactly what depression is. Because of this they end up confusing - or simply believing - that illness equals other aspects of the human mind like sadness, discouragement and bad mood.
But the reality is that depression can plague even children. In addition, it has essential points that distinguish it and make it an important subject to be approached, even more so because it carries the title of evil of the 21st century.
Are you in doubt too? So keep reading today’s post to better understand the key topics surrounding the workings of this disorder.
What is depression?
Depression is an affective disorder characterized by intense sadness and long duration. It is estimated that approximately 350 million people are affected by it worldwide.
When we go through difficult times in our lives, it is common to feel sadness, discouragement or bad mood. However, after a few days these feelings are contoured and we can touch the life ahead. In depression this does not happen. The individual spends more than two weeks in a row suffering, moving into a state of deep emptiness and destructive behavior.
As a result, the day-to-day of the depressive is compromised, since the illness interferes in their ability to work, study, eat, sleep and perform other common everyday activities.
Quais são as causas?
There are cases where depression occurs due to genetic factors, but there are still other organic and psychological causes for the problem to manifest itself.
- Stressful experiences (Physical or emotional)
- Trauma or abuse in early childhood
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Health problems or chronic pain
- Neurotransmitter deficiency
- Changes in brain structure
- Brain diseases
What are the symptoms?
Depression can put the individual into a series of symptoms that will be experienced virtually every day. The main ones are summarized below.
- Helplessness and lack of hope towards life
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Loss of capacity to feel joy or pleasure
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Weight changes
- Anger, restlessness and irritability
- Constant fatigue
- Exaggerated self-criticism
- Reckless or destructive behaviors
What is the treatment?
A depression needs psychiatric and psychological counseling as well as drug treatment. There are over 30 antidepressant options available. Seeking for counseling can also be essential for recovering skills in dealing with problems and increasing acceptance of reality.
How the depressive can help?
Some behaviors adopted by the depressant itself may help to improve the picture of depression. The practice of physical activities, for example, releases endorphin and regulates the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body - two neurotransmitters linked to the functioning of the mind. To circumvent the lack of motivation, the individual can set up an agenda to list their activities. Accepting invitations and attending social events also helps to dispel negative thoughts, just as dedicating yourself to a pleasant activity can also be part of the solution.
To conclude the matter, it is important to remember that if you live with a depressive, it is important to respect what he feels and always motivate him to continue with the treatment. Another very significant attitude is to bring positive energy to this person, trying to make them smile and feel good.
Now that you know better what depression is, you may have noticed that someone close to you appears to be experiencing the disease. You want to help, but you do not know what to do about it? So share this post on your social networks and bring more information to those you love!
