It used to be that a healthy and daily working person could not have any problems and mental agony. Therefore, all those who stuttered about such a problem as depression were considered idlers. However, in recent years, the development of this disease has become the scale of the epidemic. Depression has long been recognized as an independent disease for which a course of therapy has been developed. Do not ignore the disease: untimely begun depression treatment may lead to undesirable consequences.
What is depression and why does it occur
Depression is one of the mental disorders, which is accompanied by a lack of motivation, low mood and loss of the ability to have fun. According to statistics, every person over 10 years old had to deal with this disease. Depression, the symptoms of which are not recognized in time, leads to sad consequences: about 700,000 people commit suicide every year.
Currently, the causes of the development of the disease are still unknown. It is believed that the disease manifests in people under the influence of a traumatic psyche factor (death of a loved one, illness, dismissal from work) and may progress over time. One theory says that the basis of the pathology is a deficiency of biologically active substances, which are also known as “hormones of happiness.” These include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine also has its effect. In addition, a depressive state may develop as a result of prolonged use of certain medications (antipsychotics, tranquilizers).
Depression: Symptoms and Effects
Independently suspect the development of the disease is quite difficult. Many patients deny that they have depression, which makes diagnosis much more difficult. To confirm the presence of the disease requires several tests and questionnaires. The main symptoms characteristic of the pathology:
- Persistent mood change
The patient is increasingly indulging in sad and sad reflections, he is worried about guilt and hidden feelings. As a result, he loses interest in the usual activities, there is increased anxiety and fatigue, pronounced loss of strength. A person stops caring for himself, can ignore the rituals of washing or eating.
- Neurological disorders
Patient depression also adversely affects the state of the nervous system. The patient begins to torment insomnia, there are prolonged headaches and dizziness. Sometimes a person can spend all day in bed without sleeping.
- The defeat of other organs and systems
Depression affects the work of the whole organism. Therefore, in addition to changes in the patient’s mood and behavior, there can be a decrease in body weight, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, causeless nausea and vomiting.
For a long time a progressive illness leads to adverse consequences for human health and life. These include:
- exhaustion;
- suicidal tendency;
- social maladjustment;
- loss of communication with loved ones.
Non-drug therapy of the disease
Depression, the symptoms of which have been identified and confirmed by a physician, is subject to immediate treatment. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, the issue of hospitalization is considered on an individual basis. Rough and violent methods of therapy are far in the past: now depression is being treated in ways that are as gentle as possible to the patient’s health.
First of all, the patient is prescribed a regular visit to a psychiatrist. Classes can be group or individual (as desired by the patient). Psychotherapy is one of the most important stages in the treatment of a depressive state. Its main goals and directions:
- study of the problems existing at the patient;
- deliverance from complexes, feelings of guilt;
- creating the right psychological attitudes (“everything works out for me,” “I am the winner”);
- Restore contacts with other people (social involvement).
There are also alternative treatments for depression. These include work therapy, animal therapy, art therapy, music therapy, light therapy. The most commonly used combination of these techniques, aimed at the restoration and rehabilitation of the patient after suffering stress.
Medical treatment of depression
Treatment of depression with the help of pharmaceuticals is under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The means of the first line in this regard are antidepressants of various groups. Among them, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, Prozac, Deprenon, sertraline, duloxetine, moclobemide, Aurorix, trazodone are the most popular. Doctors start with small dosages, gradually increasing the amount of the drug as needed. If within a month the treatment does not give a positive result, the replacement of one drug to another is carried out. On average, the course of intensive therapy lasts about 6-12 weeks, after which the patient switches to maintenance therapy.
Prevention of the development of the disease
Depression, the symptoms of which the sick person feels, is a rather dangerous condition. It can cause a personal crisis and push people to unreasonable actions. That is why it is so important. prevention, which includes:
- compliance with the rules of work and rest;
- regular exercise;
- rejection of bad habits;
- eating healthy foods;
- sleep at least 8 hours a day;
- Constant communication with friends and close people (for some, favorite pets act as an outlet);
- receiving new positive impressions (travel, hobby);
- reducing stress levels;
- consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Depression is one of those problems that a person cannot cope with alone. Therefore, at the stage of recovery and rehabilitation, the help and support of loved ones is extremely important. This will ensure the prevention of recurrence of the disease.