Depression is a medical condition characterized by intense feelings of sadness, irritability, and guilt. In addition to depressed moods, the symptoms of depression also include a lack of concentration, poor grades, trouble making decisions, weight gain, and a host of others. While many teens experience depression symptoms, severity varies with the severity and duration of the condition. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed, and a referral to a mental health professional may be necessary.
Psychotherapy can help people with depression by addressing issues in their lives. The treatment involves discussions with friends and family members, and it can also involve group therapy, which gathers people with similar illnesses together. They may also be able to share strategies for dealing with similar situations. Depending on the severity of the depression, treatment may take several weeks or a longer period of time, but results are usually significant after just ten to fifteen sessions. If you do not respond to therapy within a few weeks, seek out a mental health professional for help.
Despite a variety of causes, depression is largely due to genetics. Certain physical conditions may increase the risk for depression, such as thyroid disorders and postpartum depression. Several studies have also linked depression with genetics, but the exact genes that cause it are still unknown. The symptoms of depression can affect anyone of any age, but women are more likely to seek treatment than men. This is why it is vital to seek medical treatment for depression if you think you may be suffering from the condition.
Medications are one of the main treatments for depression. While many medications target the brain’s messaging centers, some can stimulate serotonin and noradrenaline production. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy target the brain’s messaging centers. These treatments are only indicated for severe depression, however, and are often used when antidepressants have not worked. Other methods include self-guided lifestyle changes.
In addition to medication, talking therapy and support groups can help you overcome your depression. It can be beneficial to talk to someone face-to-face, whether they are a friend, family member, or colleague. The person you talk to does not have to be a fixer, but he or she can be a good listener. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can be very helpful and may even provide you with the tools to treat depression.
While depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways, it is often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety and stress. Anxiety can lead to depression and vice versa. Both conditions are caused by the same biological vulnerability, and can worsen one another. Depression can cause anxiety, but it is the latter that makes the latter worse. While depression is an illness, anxiety can have severe consequences. So it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible to ensure that you live a happy and healthy life.
Fortunately, most people suffering from depression respond to treatment and gain relief from their symptoms. Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders, and studies have found that between 80 and 90 percent of patients respond to treatment, allowing almost all of them to gain some relief from their symptoms. In order to diagnose depression, a health professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation that involves interviews and physical examinations. Occasionally, blood tests will be performed to rule out medical conditions. Reversing these causes can relieve depression-like symptoms.