Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, depression is a serious problem. It can be a lifelong condition that can affect almost every aspect of your life. It can also be a temporary challenge that you can easily overcome if you take the right steps to treat it.
Depression can be caused by a number of factors, including your genetics, your personality, and the circumstances in your life. These factors can affect your mood and how your body reacts to stressful events. Your healthcare professional can help you create a treatment plan that will work for you. You should be open to trying a variety of treatments to find the one that works best for you.
One of the most important factors that can affect your risk for depression is your personality. If you have certain personality traits, such as a low sociability or a tendency to be withdrawn, then you may be more likely to experience depression. If you are diagnosed with depression, you may be given medication to help treat the symptoms.
You may be more likely to experience depression if you’ve had a traumatic experience. If you’ve experienced an illness, a relationship breakup, or a stressful event, you may feel depressed. If you have these symptoms, you should see a health professional as soon as possible. You may be able to prevent depression with lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising.
Depression can be treated in a variety of ways, including medication and psychotherapy. It can be a long process, but once you begin treatment, you’ll usually find relief from your symptoms. Treatment can last a few weeks or months. If your depression is severe, you may need to have electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. The precise ways in which these therapies work are still being investigated.
You may also be at risk for depression if you’ve had a severe head injury. This can affect your hormones, which may cause symptoms of depression. An underactive thyroid can also be a cause of depression. Hypothyroidism may occur as a result of having an immune system problem, or from having a thyroid disorder.
You may also be more likely to experience depression if you’re pregnant, have had a previous birth, or are under stress. This is because the hormones your body produces can change based on pregnancy, menopause, and other factors.
You can also be at risk for depression if you have a family history of depression. Your health professional can do a physical exam and take a detailed medical history. They may also order blood tests to rule out other health conditions that could be causing your depression.
If you’re depressed, you may also be more likely to use drugs or alcohol. These substances can cause depression symptoms, including fatigue, aches and pains, and a lack of interest in your daily activities. Avoiding alcohol and drugs can help reduce your symptoms.