Does depression have a cure? Do you know what it is, how to treat it, what the main symptoms are and where to ask for help? Well, if you know little or nothing about the subject and have difficulty understanding it, we are here to help you! But, first of all, let’s understand depression better. Look:
What is depression?
Depression is a psychological problem caused, among others, by substance flimsiness in our organism. It has to do with the absence of or the imbalance of synapses in the organism, similar to norepinephrine and serotonin.
These substances are created and adjusted, on one hand, by the genetics of the individual and, then again, by the environment in which they live. Concerning genetics, it is realized that certain individuals are more disposed to experience the ill effects of an imbalance of the chemicals liable for controlling state of mind and sensations of prosperity. On account of the environment, it is important to realize that better places and encounters in them will impact the creation and equilibrium of these substances. It implies that feelings, similar to push, pressure, and so on, will be a gamble factor for developing depression.
Okay, but how do we know if something is wrong?
How do you know if it’s depression?
Only a doctor can diagnose depression, in this manner specialized evaluation is the only strategy to answer the inquiry “How can you say whether it’s depression?” Regardless, perceiving certain indicators of depression is important. Look:
- When someone has a very deep feeling of sadness, which doesn’t go away and doesn’t always have a reason.
- Demonstration of lack of interest in activities that you usually enjoy.
- Little or no motivation to do routine tasks.
- Inability to take action.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Below, we list the main symptoms of depression. However, it is important to remember that there may be others, as it will depend on the type and severity of the depression. In this text we are talking more generally, and also about the most common characteristics, those that appear in the majority of depressive conditions and are most visible.
Main symptoms of depression
- Depressive mood : feeling of sadness, self-devaluation and feelings of guilt. The person believes that they have lost the ability to feel pleasure and joy.
- There may be a feeling that you are a burden to others.
- Wanting to be alone almost all the time is also common.
- The person sees the world and the future in a negative way and perceives difficulties as something insurmountable.
- Motor retardation : lack of energy; feeling very lazy and very tired; slowness of thinking; Lack of concentration, memory, will and initiative can indicate depression.
- Insomnia : has difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early from it.
- Excessive sleepiness : the person feels very sleepy quite often (more associated with atypical depression).
- Appetite : decreases significantly or increases significantly (this is also more associated with atypical depression).
- Reduced sexual interest .
- Pain and other physical symptoms : malaise; tiredness; chest pain; cardiac acceleration; production of a lot of sweat.
What are the possible treatments for depression?
As we have seen, some people who have a depressive episode recover completely, but this only happens when treatment is adequate. The objective is always the same: control neurotransmitters to promote a better quality of life.
The search for a cure for depression can lead people to seek the most diverse types of help. However, this causes many of them to fall for false “cures”, which is why professional guidance is essential. First of all, look for a specialist, as only he can direct you correctly.
Treatment can be carried out with psychotherapy alone or by combining psychotherapy with psychiatric monitoring (based on medication). However, this will depend on the most suitable treatment for each person. Therefore, the doctor chooses the antidepressant based on the patient’s type of depression, their clinical history (personal and family) and also the patient’s good response to different types of antidepressants.
It is important to highlight that many patients experience complete remission (a feeling of cure) with antidepressant treatment, which is why it is essential that you undergo the treatment and maintain it for the time determined by your doctor, never interrupting it on your own.
Furthermore, other resources can be used alongside the chosen treatment, helping the patient to see better and faster results. In this sense, we can count on good nutrition, good sleeping habits, physical exercise, artistic practices, etc.
However, it is essential to know that no complementary activity or alternative medicine excludes treatment indicated by a Psychology or Psychiatry professional. These other options can help, but they never replace psychological or medication treatment (when necessary). Remember: practices to improve quality of life and well-being serve as help , not treatment .
- How does psychotherapy work?
Psychotherapy is one of the pillars in curing depression, and there are different lines of approach in this area. The one to be chosen will depend on the patient’s personality, their trust in the therapist, the symptoms presented and the severity of the depression. Therefore, firstly, the patient must feel identification with the therapist, to feel safe talking about their symptoms, fears, pain, emotions and doubts.
For example, a patient who is more affectionate will probably identify with a therapist who presents himself in a more sensitive and caring way. As a more rational person, you may identify more with a therapist with a more formal and clinical profile. Therefore, the choice of therapist involves the most diverse characteristics of the patient.
Psychological treatment enables the patient to examine and better understand oneself, as well as the sources of their distress. This makes it simpler to detect harmful ideas and actions, allowing individuals to develop new methods to resolve problems and improve their relationships with themselves and others. Psychotherapy is recommended for people with mild, moderate, and severe depression.
5 suggestions for accompanying depression treatment
- Artistic activities : dance, music and painting classes.
- Meditation : yoga classes or mindfulness practices.
- Massages and teas: for example, passionflower and chamomile.
- Physical exercises : pilates, stretching, swimming and weight training.
- Healthy habits : quality sleep (respecting schedules and in a comfortable place) and adequate nutrition (preferably with guidance from a nutritionist).