Dancing With Depression

We all go through low moments, but when you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days, then there is need for concern.

Depression  is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders .

Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Sometimes there is a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or even having a baby, can bring it on. Sometimes depression can be caused by no obvious factor.

Signs and symptoms of depression include: Persistent sad mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, irritability, feelings of guilt, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, decreased energy or fatigue, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, appetite and/or weight changes, suicide attempts, body pains or digestive disorders.

Depression is a real illness with real symptoms; it's not a sign of weakness. People suffering from depression should be encouraged to seek help and not ridiculed. I strongly believe that depression education is suicide prevention.

Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be opted for.

Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. They may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress. Antidepressants take time usually 2 to 4 weeks to work, and often, symptoms such as sleep, appetite, and concentration problems improve before mood lifts, so it is important to give medication a chance before reaching a conclusion about its effectiveness

Several types of psychotherapy can help people with depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help to manage problems by changing the way you think and behave.

Beyond Treatment: What can you do to help?

I am an advocate for lifestyle modifications before pharmacotherapy. Here are a list of things that may help you or a loved one going through this condition:

• Try to be active and exercise.
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative.
• Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.
• Continue to educate yourself about depression.