Depression is a medical disorder that affects an individual’s mood and mental health. A long-lasting fluctuation in the air can be a sign of Depression. For example, it can affect a person's ability to hold a job or sustain meaningful relationships. According to an estimate, around 10 percent of people at some point in their lives suffer from Depression, a mood disorder characterized by several symptoms like feeling sad, distressed, excessively tired, unmotivated, and losing interest in once pleasurable activities. It can linger for two weeks to months or years.

Indications of Depression:

The symptoms of Depression are classified into three categories:

1. Based on the feelings of an individual:

a) Constant feelings of sadness

b) Anger

c) Guilt

d) Hopelessness

2. Based on the behavior of an individual:

a) Social withdrawal

b) Poor concentration

c) Low motivation

d) Significant changes in appetite

e) Lack of energy

f) Insomnia or excessive sleepiness

3. Based on the thoughts of an individual:

a) Thought of suicide

b) Poor self-esteem

c) Loss of interest in regular or once pleasurable activities

Different types of Depression:

Depression is broadly categorized into eight types:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Major Depressive Disorder is also known as clinical Depression, the most common form of Depression. It is characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in once-friendly activities, and lack of motivation to carry out basic tasks. Symptoms of clinical Depression must be lingered for at least two weeks consecutively to get diagnosed.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD):

This disorder is also known as Dysthymia. Persistent Depressive Disorder is quite similar to MDD, except that it is long-lasting. The symptoms of PDD are like those of major Depression but often fewer and not as intense. Its symptoms must occur for at least two years to get diagnosed.

3. Psychotic Disorder:

It is a subtype of major depressive illness that occurs when a severe depressive illness includes a form of psychosis. Psychosis can take forms such as hallucinations, delusions, or some other type of break from reality.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

Seasonal Affective Disorder is commonly known as winter blues. In this form of Depression, there is a predictable occurrence of major depressive episodes, manic episodes, or both at a particular time of the year. In most cases, it occurs during the fall or winter.

5. Bipolar Disorder:

It is a group of mood disorders in which individuals fluctuate between episodes of mania or hypomania and significant depression episodes or experience a mix of these.

6. Postpartum Depression:

Postpartum Depression is also referred to as baby blues. It is a depression episode that affects some women within four weeks to 6 months after childbirth. Its symptoms can include severe mood swings, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of appetite or eating more than usual, insomnia or sleeping too much, fear of not being a good mother, feeling of worthlessness, shame, guilt, severe anxiety, or panic attacks.

7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMOD):

It is an unusual disorder in women that begins the week before menstruation and subsides within the first few days of menstruation.

8. Atypical Depression:

It is a significant depression episode characterized by unusual features in other forms of Depression. Most commonly, an individual’s mood improves significantly when they hear good news.

Causes of Depression:

The following factors can cause Depression:

• One of the significant causes of Depression is the death of someone close, and the person cannot handle the loss, grief, and sadness.
• Depression can be caused by significant conflicts with loved ones like family and friends, with whom emotional detachment is complex.
• Some medications or drugs, usually used to cure a severe medical condition, can also increase the risk of Depression.
• If someone has faced any abuse, whether it is emotional or physical, then they are more likely to get depressed.
• If someone has a family history of Depression, they risk Depression due to the family genes.
• Depression can also be triggered if a person suffers from a significant illness.
• Some significant events in life, like a failure, losing a job, or getting married against will, are also the causes of Depression.

Remedies to prevent Depression:

• Getting enough or healthy sleep can reduce the chances of Depression because sleep helps a person refresh his body and mind.
• Depression can make you eat more, so you should watch what you eat. Try to consume foods containing folic acid and Omega-3 to help ease Depression.
• People suffering from Depression should try to exercise regularly as it helps in enhancing their mental health.
• Spending more time with loved ones like family and friends can make a person feel better and improve their mood.
• If you are taking drugs prone to Depression or consuming alcohol, you should try to avoid them as much as possible.

Medical Attention to cure Depression:

Depression is a severe problem that should be cured timely. Here are the following ways to cure it:

1) Counseling

If you feel your Depression is getting more severe, you should consult a mental health professional. They can give psychotherapy or counseling to examine your problem and prepare suitable treatment.

2) Medication

Doctors also prescribe antidepressants for treating the person suffering from Depression because this helps change a patient's brain chemistry.

3) Alternative medicines/treatment

One can also opt for alternative treatment. It includes yoga, meditation, techniques that help in relaxation, acupuncture, etc.

4) Therapies

People suffering from severe Depression should consult with a doctor timely. Then, they can take Brain Stimulation Therapy, which helps in curing Depression.

Final Thought

Depression has become too familiar in today’s world. Although it is a serious problem, some people take it too lightly. In the initial stage, one can cure it even without medical help by maintaining a proper diet, sleep, exercise, meditation, less stress, doing activities that make them happy, etc. But if the above things are not helping, they should immediately seek medical help.

‍