what is depression ,anxiety and Symptoms

What Is Depression And Symptoms

Depression in Adults

This information booklet is for anyone who has been feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed or hopeless, who feels they are going through a lot of hardship and also those who are concerned that they may have depression. We hope it will also be helpful for relatives and friends.

 

It describes what depression feels like (both in your mind and in your body), how you can help yourself, what help is available, and how to help someone else who is depressed.

 

What is the difference between feeling sad and being depressed?

Everyone has times in their life when they are fed up or feel sad. It usually happens for no particular reason, doesn't interfere much with daily life, and usually doesn't last more than a week or two.

However, if these feelings last for weeks or months or become so bad that they start to affect every area of ​​your life, you may be suffering from depression and need to get help.

 

What are the symptoms of depression?

People experience different levels of depression in different ways. Depression levels are mild, moderate, or severe.

People's experience of depression is also influenced by their cultural background and their personal values, beliefs, and language.

If you are suffering from depression, you may experience some of the following:

 

In your mind you:

Feel unhappy, miserable, low on energy, depressed - this feeling won't go away and may be worse at certain times of the day, often in the morning

Can't be happy about anything

Losing interest in socialising with people and keeping in touch with friends

Can't concentrate properly and finding it difficult to make decisions

Losing self-esteem

Feeling guilty and worthless

Becoming hopeless

Starting to feel hopeless, and perhaps even suicidal.

 

In your body you may find that you:

Feel anxious, nervous or irritable

Feel tired and have no energy

Can't sleep or sleep too much

Wake up early in the morning and/or throughout the night

Have headaches or stomach upset

Lose interest in sex

Can't eat and lose weight or can eat more easily and gain weight

 

Others may notice that you:

•  Make mistakes or can't concentrate at work
• Seem unusually quiet and withdrawn or avoid people
• Worry about things more than usual
• Are more irritable than usual
• Sleep more or less than usual
• Complain about vague physical problems
• Stop taking good care of yourself - you don't wash your hair or clothes
• Stop taking good care of your home - you stop cooking, don't put things away neatly or forget to change the sheets on your bed
• Most people will not experience all of these and some may only be aware of the physical symptoms. You may think you have a medical condition because you feel very tired or have trouble sleeping, but these physical symptoms could be the first signs of depression.
• You may not realize how depressed you are, especially if it has come on gradually. Sometimes people try to fight it off and even blame themselves for being lazy or lacking in willpower.
• Sometimes you need a friend or partner to convince you that there really is a problem and to suggest that you get help.

 

You may need to seek help if you or a friend or partner notice that:

• Your feelings of depression are affecting your work, interests, and feelings for family and friends.
• Your feelings of depression have been going on for some time and don't seem to be getting better.
• You find yourself feeling that life is not worth living or that other people would be better off without you.

 

What about anxiety?

• Some people may also feel very anxious when they are depressed.
• You may feel withdrawn, worried, fearful all the time, and find it difficult to go out or be around people. Or you may experience physical symptoms such as dry mouth, sweating, shortness of breath, or stomach cramps.
• If you are suffering from depression and anxiety, the one that is causing you the most trouble will be treated.

 

What about bipolar disorder (or manic depression)?

Some people with depression may also experience periods of extreme happiness and excitement. This is called 'mania' and could mean that you have bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression).

 

Why does depression happen?

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It can happen to the most determined people – even famous people, athletes and celebrities can suffer from depression.

Sometimes the reason for feeling depressed will be obvious, sometimes not. It could be hopelessness, disappointment or the loss of something or someone important.

There is often more than one reason and these will be different for different people. We have listed some of the most common reasons below.

 

Life events and personal circumstances

Depression can be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event, such as bereavement, a breakup, or the loss of a job.

If your life circumstances mean that you live alone or have no friends or family around you, you may be more likely to develop depression.

 

Physical Health

Sleep, diet, and exercise all have an impact on our mood and how we cope.

Physical health problems, especially serious or long-term ones, can cause or worsen depression.

 

Life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and heart disease

Long-term and/or painful illnesses, such as arthritis

Viral infections such as the flu or glandular fever – especially in young people

Hormonal problems, such as an underactive thyroid

Conditions affecting the brain or nervous system

Childhood trauma

Some people may be more prone to depression than others. This may be due to difficult childhood experiences or trauma, which may include abuse (physical, sexual or psychological), neglect, witnessing violence or a traumatic event, or an unstable family environment.

 

Alcohol and drug use

Regularly drinking too much alcohol or using drugs like marijuana can increase your risk of developing depression over the long term.

 

Genetic factors

Similar genetic 'risk factors' include whether someone develops major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. There are also environmental risk factors, and these can interact with genetic risk factors to increase or decrease your risk of developing these conditions.

For example, you may have genetic risk factors that mean you are more likely to develop major depression. However, if you grow up or live in a stable and positive environment, this may reduce your risk of serious mental illness.

Having a parent with a serious mental illness, such as major depression, is the strongest risk factor for developing a serious mental illness themselves. Children with a parent with a serious mental illness have a 1 in 3 chance of developing a serious mental illness themselves.

When thinking about the causes of depression, it is important to remember that there are many different things involved and that no single risk factor causes depression.

 

Do gender and sexuality make a difference in depression?

 Men with depression are less likely to talk about their feelings and ask others for help. They may express their depression in different ways, including sudden outbursts of anger, increased out of control, increased risk-taking and aggression, as well as using alcohol and drugs to cope. Men are also more likely than women to die by suicide.

Approximately 12% of pregnant women will experience depression during their pregnancy, while 15-20% will experience depression in the first year after giving birth.

Transgender people (those who identify with a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth) may experience higher levels of depression and anxiety than people with a gender identity other than the one they were assigned at birth. Non-binary people (those who do not identify as either male or female) may also experience higher levels of depression and anxiety.

People who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are more likely to have mental health problems (including depression) than people who do not identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. They are also more likely to commit suicide and self-harm.

 

Can I get better on my own?

The good news is that most people with depression will get better on their own by working on themselves. You may be able to overcome your depression on your own, which will give you a sense of achievement and give you the confidence to deal with such feelings again if you feel depressed in the future.

Following some of the suggestions in this booklet can shorten the duration of your depression and help you to get better in the future.

But some people need extra help, especially if their depression is severe or has been going on for a long time, or if the ways they have tried to get better have not worked.

If you are experiencing depression for the first time, you have about a 50:50 chance of getting depressed again. That’s why it’s important to know how to get help if you need it.

 So if you feel like you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, try not to put it off as it can help you get back to doing the things you used to do and enjoying life sooner.

Sometimes it can take a while for other people to understand how you feel. Be persistent and don’t give up – you can find the right help.

 

How can I help myself?

Here are some suggestions you can try when you feel depressed. It is important to find what works best for you and make your own list of helpful strategies.

Talk to someone: 

If you have received bad news or have had a major problem in your life, don’t try to shut it down. It can help to tell someone close to you how you feel about it. If you don’t feel like you can talk to someone, try writing down how you feel.

Stay active:

If you can, get out for some exercise, even just a short walk. This will help you stay physically fit and sleep better. It can also help you focus on other things and not on painful thoughts and feelings.

Eat properly:

You may not feel very hungry, but try to eat regularly. When you have depression, it’s easy to lose weight quickly and become deficient in vitamins – or to eat too much junk food and gain unwanted weight – all at once. A balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, can help keep your body and mind healthy.

Avoid alcohol and drugs:

Alcohol may make you feel better for a few hours, but it can actually make depression worse in the long run. This also applies to illegal drugs, especially marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy.

Establish a sleep routine:

Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Before bed, do something relaxing that you enjoy, like listening to soothing music or reading a book. If you can't sleep, get out of bed and do something calming, like sitting quietly on the couch.

Try relaxing activities:

If you feel stressed all the time, try relaxation exercises, yoga, massage, aromatherapy, or another activity.

Do something you enjoy:

Set aside regular time to do something you really enjoy – like playing a game, reading, or another hobby.

Read about depression:

There are many books and websites about depression. They can help you understand what is happening, give you strategies for coping better, and help friends and family understand what you are going through.

Practice self-compassion:

You may be a perfectionist who works too hard at your job. Try to set more realistic goals or expectations for yourself. Be kind to yourself.

Take a break:

Getting away from your daily routine for a few days can really help. Give yourself a break from your daily stress and worries. If you can change your environment, even for a few hours, it can be helpful.

Join a support group:

It can be difficult to help yourself when you have depression. Talking to other people in a similar situation can be helpful.

Stay optimistic:

Remind yourself that many other people have had depression and gotten better – there is help available and you deserve the support you need to feel better.

What can I do to help with depression?

If trying to get better on your own isn't working as well or as quickly as you'd like, it might be a good idea to talk to your GP.

Most people with depression are treated by their GP. If you don't have a regular GP, try to find a doctor in your local practice who you feel comfortable with and who you can see regularly.

Your GP will talk to you to assess your symptoms and find out which treatments will work for you.

The best treatment for you will depend on the current level of your depression, how long it has been going on, and whether you have had depression in the past.

Your GP can also do a proper physical check-up for you. This is because some physical illnesses can cause depression. If you are already being treated for a physical illness, it will be important for your GP to know about it.

 

Initial treatment (mild depression)

If you are experiencing depression for the first time, you will not usually be offered antidepressant medication. Your GP may recommend a low-intensity psychological intervention (or talking therapy) such as:

Your GP can also do a proper physical check-up for you. This is because some physical illnesses can cause depression. If you are already being treated for a physical illness, it will be important for your GP to know about it.

 

Initial treatment (mild depression)

If you are experiencing depression for the first time, you will not usually be offered antidepressant medication. Your GP may recommend a low-intensity psychological intervention (or talking therapy) such as:

Self-help booklets or books based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (endorsed by a healthcare professional)

A self-help computerised CBT programme (also endorsed by a healthcare professional)

Group exercise

A group programme is based on peer-endorsed self-help or CBT.

Your GP can help you make the right choice for you.

If these do not work well for you, your GP may suggest trying one of the interventions in the next section as a treatment for moderate to severe depression.

Further treatment (for moderate to severe depression)

Your GP may prescribe high-intensity psychological intervention or antidepressant medication, or both. You can talk to them to decide which treatment is right for you.

Psychological interventions

There are many types of psychological interventions for people with depression and you can be referred to one available in your local area.

If there is a waiting list before receiving a specific psychological intervention, talk to your doctor about what you can do to care for yourself in the meantime.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In addition to what is going on in life, many of us have negative thinking habits that are likely to lead to and keep us depressed. CBT helps you:

Identifying any unrealistic and unhelpful ways of thinking

Then developing new, more helpful ways of thinking and behaving.

There is excellent evidence that CBT is a treatment for depression.

Integer Therapy (IPT)

Integer therapy can help you identify and resolve any problems in your relationships with family, partners and friends.

Behavioral activation

Behavioral activation encourages you to engage in more positive behaviors, such as planning activities and doing constructive tasks that you might normally avoid.

Couple therapy

If it seems like your relationship is having an impact on your depression, then couples therapy may be appropriate to help you understand the connection between your depression and your relationship. It can also help you develop a more supportive relationship with your partner.

Counseling

Trained counselors can help you explore your symptoms and problems and provide you with support and guidance.

 

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

This therapy helps you see how your past experiences may be affecting your life in the here and now.

 

Depression medications (antidepressants)

If your depression is moderate to severe or has been going on for a long time, your doctor may prescribe a course of antidepressants, usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). They will talk to you about which antidepressant might work best. This will depend on whether you have taken antidepressants in the past, whether you are taking other medications, and whether you have any other health problems.

 

Do antidepressants have side effects?

Like all medicines, antidepressants have side effects, although they are usually mild and go away after a few weeks.

Your doctor can advise you on what to expect and you should talk to them if there is anything that worries you or if you are experiencing too many side effects. You will also get written information about the medicines from your pharmacist.

If an antidepressant makes you drowsy, you should take it at night so that it can help you sleep. However, if you feel sleepy during the day, you should not drive or operate machinery until the effects wear off. If you also drink alcohol while you are taking the pills, you may become very drowsy, so it is best to avoid it.

Unlike some other drugs or alcohol (such as nicotine or alcohol), you will not feel like you need to take more of an antidepressant to get the same effect.

How long do I need to take antidepressants?

First, to make sure the treatment is working, your doctor will need to see you regularly (every 2 weeks initially, then every 4–2 weeks for the first 3 months, then less often).

If you have suicidal thoughts or are under 30 years old, your doctor may want to see you more often (usually weekly). This is because some antidepressants can initially increase suicidal thoughts, especially if you are younger.

If antidepressants are helpful, you should continue taking them for at least 6 months, even if you feel better. This can help reduce the chance that your depression will return.

 If you have had depression in the past, you may need to stay on these medications for longer. Your doctor will advise you when you can stop taking them, and how to do so safely.

If you suddenly stop taking antidepressants, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These include sleep problems, anxiety, dizziness, or stomach pain.

If you feel that the antidepressants you are taking are not working (after about 3 to 4 weeks of taking them), talk to your doctor, who may change your dose or offer you a different type of antidepressant or medication.

 

Getting more help (severe depression)

Most people with depression get the help they need from their general practitioner. If your depression does not improve after treatment with your general practitioner and you need more specialist help, you may be referred to a specialist mental health service or team.

The mental health professional will want to know about your general background and any serious illnesses or emotional problems you have had in the past.

They will ask about what has been going on in your life recently, how your depression developed, and whether you have already received any treatment for it.

It can be difficult to answer all of these questions at times, but the information you provide will help the doctor get to know you as a person and figure out the best options for you.

If your depression is severe or needs specialist treatment, you may need to come to the hospital for treatment. Your care team will make sure you get the right treatment and support that will benefit you.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT for short) is most often used to treat:

Severe depression when the person's life is at risk and needs immediate treatment. Moderate or severe depression when other treatments have not helped.

ECT involves sending an electric current through the brain, so it is always given in a hospital under artificial anesthesia. Some people have temporary memory problems after ECT.

Alternative Medicines

St John's Wort is a herbal medicine available from health food stores and pharmacies and is used by some people to treat depression. Doctors do not usually prescribe or recommend it because:

 The correct dose for depression is not clear.

The ingredients can vary from one type to another

It can cause serious problems when taken with other medicines (especially the contraceptive pill, blood thinners or medicines to prevent seizures).

If you want further advice, you should discuss this with your GP or pharmacist.

 

How can I help someone who is depressed?

Listen. This can be harder than it sounds. You may have to hear the same thing over and over again. It is usually best not to give advice unless it is asked for, even if the answer seems obvious to you. If the depression is caused by a specific problem, you can help them find a solution or at least a way to cope with the difficulty.

Spend time with them. Just spending time with the person with depression can also be helpful. Letting them know that you are there for them can help encourage them to talk and continue to work on feeling better.

Reassure them. It can be hard for someone with depression to believe that they will ever get better. You can reassure them that they will get better, but you may have to keep repeating this.

Support their self-care. Make sure they are getting enough food and eating regularly. Include a good amount of fruit and vegetables in their diet. You can help them get out and do some exercise or other enjoyable activities that can be a better alternative to using alcohol or drugs to cope with their feelings.

Take them seriously. If they are getting worse and don't want to live or start to make signs of harming themselves, take them seriously. Make sure they tell their doctor.

Encourage them to seek help. Encourage them to see their doctor, take their medication, or talk to their therapist or counselor. If they are concerned about their treatment, encourage them to talk to their doctor about it.

Take care of yourself. Helping someone with depression can be emotionally draining. So make sure you take care of your own mental and physical health as well.