Depression is a common condition that affects many people. It can be mild or severe, and can even be inherited. Depression can cause a person to feel hopeless and worthless. However, the good news is that it is treatable. It is important to seek help for depression as soon as you notice symptoms. Getting treatment early can significantly improve your chances of recovering from depression.
Symptoms of depression can be triggered by a variety of events. Some of these triggers are illness, trauma, and life stress. Depression is more common in women, but it can happen at any age. Research has shown that women are more likely to seek treatment for depression than men. The reason for this may be that they are more likely to face difficult circumstances in their lives.
Psychotherapy can be a helpful treatment for depression. Individual therapy focuses on the symptoms of depression and helps the patient to develop coping mechanisms. Couples and families can also benefit from psychotherapy, which can address issues in relationships. Group therapy is another option, which brings people who have similar problems together in a supportive environment to help them overcome their symptoms. Treatment may take a few weeks or even months, but significant improvements can be seen in as few as 10 to 15 sessions.
If these symptoms persist, seek help from your GP. Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders, with over 80% of sufferers responding to treatment. If treated early, most people will recover from their symptoms. A doctor will perform a thorough evaluation involving an interview and physical examination. Some tests may also be ordered to rule out underlying medical conditions. If these are the causes, then medication could be an effective treatment.
Symptoms of depression vary from person to person, but doctors generally look for those that last for 2 weeks or longer. These symptoms can include difficulty concentrating and following events, and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. The sufferer may even lose interest in their usual activities. Depression can interfere with the person’s ability to work and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In some rare cases, a person can develop psychotic symptoms. In such cases, the sufferer may experience hallucinations and delusions. This type of depression is called psychotic depression. If the symptoms persist even after delivery, a person should seek medical attention. Depression is a serious illness that can take months or years to overcome.
Another type of depression, called seasonal affective disorder, has a seasonal pattern. Although the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown, it is believed to be related to variations in light exposure. People with SAD often experience depressive symptoms only during the winter season. The condition is typically diagnosed after two years of symptoms. People with SAD also tend to lack energy, sleep excessively, gain weight, and crave carbohydrates.
Other forms of depression include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which affects women days before their periods. People with major depression may also think about suicide. When this happens, the sufferer is focusing more on the negative feelings that accompany the symptoms of depression.