Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 1 in 6 of us. It can be a devastating illness that affects many aspects of a person’s life, including their physical health. A person who is depressed may feel lethargic and irritable, have difficulty concentrating, and may even start using drugs or alcohol. Other symptoms may include a lack of appetite, muscle aches, and back pain.
It’s important to understand the causes of depression, and the different treatments that can help. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has written guidelines on the treatment of depression. However, these guidelines may not be appropriate for you or your doctor, and you may find that your symptoms respond better to different treatments than the recommended ones.
If you’re concerned that you might be depressed, the NHS recommends that you see a general practitioner (GP) for a diagnosis. However, doctors usually make diagnoses based on manuals, and your symptoms may be different from the ones listed in an ICD-10 manual. The symptoms listed in the ICD-10 do not always indicate depression, and there are many other conditions that can cause the same symptoms.
For example, if you’re concerned about your physical health, you can try playing sports with others or joining a local gym. There are also ‘green gyms’ available across the country. In addition, you can do housework in an active way. But before starting any new exercise program, you should consult your doctor. He or she will be able to provide you with more guidance and advice.
Depression is treatable and the earlier you begin treatment, the more effective it will be. Antidepressants and psychotherapy can help with the symptoms of depression. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be used. This therapy helps to restore the normal chemicals in the brain, easing depression symptoms. It’s essential to seek medical care if you have depression or are worried about your health.
Modern antidepressants work by affecting the chemicals in the brain that relay messages between brain cells. When used in combination with psychological therapy, they can improve mood and increase the number of nerve cells in the mood circuits. Psychotherapy can also help to correct distorted views of the self. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships and help patients identify stressful situations.
A new study found that depressive symptoms are associated with poor health behaviors. Depression was linked to low physical activity, smoking, and poor sleep, among other factors. However, the findings do not explain exactly what causes this association. The researchers are still studying this connection. In the meantime, treatment for mental illnesses may reduce heart attack risk.
People with severe depression may experience hallucinations or delusions. Hallucinations are sensory perceptions that are not shared by others, and delusions are beliefs that are distorted from reality. People suffering from psychotic depression may experience delusions.