How Depression Hurts People

Depression Hurts: Defining The Condition

Depression is a common but serious psychiatric disorder. It is also referred to as clinical depression, major-depressive disorder or unipolar depression mainly characterized by decreased mood. The diminished ability to feel or experience pleasure may last shortly or for very long periods of time depending on severity and cause of the condition.

The brain and body are greatly involved and there are certain times when depressive states can affect the way patients act, think or feel. Depression hurts more when it leads to more severe psychological tendencies like suicide or diseases like schizophrenia. Depression can stem from genetics, drugs and environmental factors. Depression can be treated by medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.

What are the Common Manifestations of Depression?

During the early stages, a depressed individual may feel tired most of the time, loses interest in usual things he enjoys or loses appetite.

Later on, some changes in habits due to increased intensity of the condition can lead to weight loss, sleep disturbances, social isolation and mild to moderate sadness. The feelings can intensify over time as the person begins having feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.

At this stage, the patient is unable to derive feelings of pleasure or interest in anything. Physical symptoms can result from severe depression like inability to do normal activities of daily living or loss of ability to talk or think properly. Dangerous risks involve suicidal ideations or thoughts that involve hurting others.

Major Depression

Mild depression is defined as presenting at least two symptoms for a maximum of two weeks. If symptoms persist longer or more arise during the process, the condition will then be categorized as major depression or major depressive disorder or MDD. Episodes of depression need not to be constant. Episodes can occur once or again and again which will be described depending on severity. There are several subtypes of major depression depending on the symptoms presented by the patients and is categorized whether psychosis is present or not.

Causes of Depression

Depression can come from a variety of conditions, substances or actions. Neurologically, impaired brain communication caused by physical incompetence of blood vessels or neurons or certain drugs can lead to depressed states. Familial disposition can also be a factor.

Presence of disease in the heart, brain, liver, kidney and many others can also cause depression via physical or psychological means. Unhealthy habits can also predispose individuals such as smokers, steroid users, those who lack sleep constantly and abused children. Even neonates and fetuses can develop depression due to environmental stresses during pregnancy.

How to Avoid Depression

Healthy habits should strictly be maintained to ensure physical, emotional and mental wellness. Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids since these are known to improve brain function and communication. Sleep regularly and take multivitamins to increase resistance against known diseases. Exercise and build relationships to strengthen emotional responses and relieve stress. It is also very important to study drugs and interactions to avoid risks. Depression hurts the patient and other people around him so preventive measures should be done as early as possible.