Basic Facts About Depression Worth Knowing

The World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million people globally, are affected by depression. Adults, adolescents and children are all at risk. The condition is considered to be highly devastating that it is rated equal to terminal stage cancer. It is a leading cause of disability throughout the world and significantly contributes to the total international burden of disease. And although the term depression is widely and regularly used, the condition is still largely misunderstood and stigmatized. Most people suffering from it often end not up not getting the needed treatment or even reaching the point of having it professionally diagnosed.

So, What is Depression?

Depression is generally categorized as a mental disorder. It tends to negatively affect your mood, how you think as well as your actions. Some people describe it as a feeling of great sadness and loss of interest or excitement from routine life activities. However, while it is normal to feel low at some point in life, if the feelings persist to the point of significantly affecting your daily life, then you could be suffering from depression.

It is normal to experience mood fluctuations but a diagnosis of depression if your symptoms seem to be prolonging or worsening. Usually, when the feeling of sadness, anxiousness and hopelessness drag on for more than 2 weeks accompanied by symptoms such trouble sleeping or change in appetite, you will need psychiatric care.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

People that are depressed often lack the clarity to correctly process and interpret what is happening around them. This explains their radical reactions to everyday life situations, which unfortunately sometimes put them or those around them in the face of harm. However, by learning some of the indicators of depression, you can seek help from an ER for mental health near you to avoid harm of loss of life.

Keep in mind that there are no definite symptoms associated with depressive mood disorder. Men, women and children may experience the symptoms differently. However, common signs to look out for include:

• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Loss of joy or interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Lack of motivation/energy to do anything, even basics like grooming
• Great feeling of sadness
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Having thoughts of suicide or causing harm to self or others
• Anxiety or panic attacks

Ascent ER provides 24-hour psychiatric emergency services in Houston, TX. Facilities like this that offer emergency room services for depression, ensure that patients experiencing any symptoms that could be a threat to their well-being or proper bodily function can now get much needed help within a short time.

The good news is that depression is manageable and patients get to live a healthy and normal life. First, your healthcare provider will have to determine that you are clinically depressed and then identify the triggers. There isn’t a specific cause of depression and it is thought to be as a result of a combination of factors such as genetics, personality type, brain chemistry, life events and certain medications or medical conditions. Treatment options available include psychotherapy, alternative medicine like acupuncture and hypnosis, prescription of antidepressants and use of brain stimulation therapy.

Quick Facts About Depression

The definition of depression gives an idea of what you can expect when facing the condition. However, what it does not adequately address is the impact the condition may have. Here are some important things everyone should know about depression.

1. There are different factors that can trigger someone to fall into depression. It could be a stressful or traumatic life event such loss of a family member or experiences such as war or being abducted
2. Genetic predisposition could explain why some people are more vulnerable to depression than others.
3. Although considered a mental illness, depression can also affect the physical body causing symptoms like headaches, digestive problems and just general aches and pains.
4. It can cause changes in the brain which can be seen through tests like MRI scans.
5. It is not always obvious that someone is suffering from depression. Some people may seem normal and cheerful but are actually battling some symptoms associated with depression.
6. Depression may be other mental disorders such as anxiety and ADHD.