Depression
UK: 0808 26 REHAB (73422)
SA: 082 74 REHAB (73422)
Depression is a very common mental illness and can be effectively treated by a combination of medical and psychotherapeutic techniques. People of all age, sex, income level, race, nationality suffer from depression but women seem to be more susceptible than men.
Teenagers diagnosed with depression often also have an anxiety disorder and sometimes a conduct disorder too. Teenagers who suffer from a Major Depression can be expected to recover from the episode if it is treated. Their social functioning and educational progress may be impaired and could require remedial post-therapy work. Early detection reduces the degree of these damages.
There are several disorders that feature depression. In the Bipolar disorder (popularly referred to as "manic-depressive disoder") the patients mood swings between depression and a highly excitable state known as mania. Another disorder is very unlikely to be found in South Africa but occurs in northern Europe is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) wherein individuals suffer from depression during dark winters. Dysthymia is another depressive disorder where patients feel worthless and struggle with concentration, but to a lesser extent than is found in Major Depression.
Depression can be treated through prescription drugs. There are many sorts of drugs available. Some have unpleasant side effects and certain drugs may work better for some people rather than others. Your psychiatrist may sometimes need to adjust your medication from time to time, depending on how you react to the medication.
Major Depression is characteristed by deep meloncholia and persistent sadness. A depressed person loses interest in nearly everything life has to offer. They may lose interest in their social life or their job which can lead to problems. Feelings of despair and worthlessness are major features of depression. People who are depressed may consider committing suicide.
Research suggests that depression is related to imbalances in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can also be caused by external events in which case the depression is known as exogenous depression. Abusing drugs or alcohol can damage neurotransmitter binding sites which means that they become less effective which leads to depression.
Although older people may feel depressed they should not view this as a normal part of aging. Hopefully they may have learned effective coping skills during their life which could make them more hardy in dealing with depression. Social support is important to elderly sufferers of depression as well as medical supervision by a psychiatrist.
Mild depression may be alleviated through exercise and eating healthily. Consult with your doctor or psychiatrist if you feel that you depressed and would like to make lifestyle changes to address it.
Postpartum depression stikes women after giving birth. It can occur two weeks to a year after giving birth but is most commonly found to occur between 3 and 9 months after birth. It has all the symptoms and effects of Major Depression and women should be supported after childbirth. Medication and psychotherapy can be used to help new mothers through this difficult depression. There are several predicting factors that indicate who might suffer from postpartum depression, but prenatal depression, low self-esteem, childcare stress, and prenatal anxiety were identified as the strongest predictors.
Depression treatment
Depression can be effectively treated. Severe depression may require admission to a clinic where psychiatrists will be able to stabilize your mood. Such clinics will
also usually offer a program that teaches new coping skills and strategies. Contact us for a referral
UK: 0808 26 REHAB (73422)
SA: 082 74 REHAB (73422)