Although it makes you unhappy, depression is an illness that differs from regular melancholy. You may find it difficult to work, study, or perform your daily duties if you are depressed.
How do I recognize depression?
People with depression experience major depressive symptoms for at least two weeks. Additionally, they exhibit at least 1 of these 2 signs:
- They no longer care about or enjoy doing the activities they used to.
- They are generally depressed, downhearted, despondent, or irritable.
Additionally, depression can lead to:
- Gain or lose weight
- Too much or too little sleep
- Feel exhausted or depleted of energy
- Feel guilty or as though you are worthless.
- forget things or become perplexed
- More slowly than usual, move and speak
- Act fidgety or have difficulty remaining still
- Consider dying or committing suicide
Consult a doctor or nurse if you suspect that you may be depressed. If you are sad, only a professional with training in mental health can determine for sure.
If you are considering injuring or killing yourself, seek help right now!
What are the options for treating depression?
The following treatments are available to those with depression:
Depression-relieving medications
Counseling (with a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, or social worker) (with a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, or social worker)
Taking medication or seeking counseling can help people with mild to moderate depression get better. To recover from severe depression, people typically need to take medications, and they may also benefit from counseling.
A mechanism that delivers electricity or magnetic waves to the brain
Placing a device against the scalp to transmit magnetic waves into the brain is another form of treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or “TMS,” is what this is. TMS may be recommended by doctors if therapy and medication have not been effective.
A therapy termed “electroconvulsive therapy,” or “ECT,” may be necessary for some persons with severe depression. During ECT, medical professionals safely transmit an electric current through a patient’s brain.
Will I feel better soon?
Both forms of treatment take some time to start functioning.
Many people who take medications report feeling better in 2 weeks or less, although it may take 4 to 8 weeks for the medication to fully take action.
Many people who seek counseling begin to feel better within a few weeks, although the biggest benefit may not manifest for 8 to 10 weeks.
Inform your doctor or nurse if the first treatment you attempt does not work for you, but keep trying. Before they find a strategy that works, some people need to test out various treatments or therapy combinations. You can work with your doctor, nurse, or counselor to identify the course of treatment that is best for you. They can also assist you in finding coping mechanisms as you look for the best treatment or wait for your current treatment to start working.
How do I choose the best course of treatment?
The best course of treatment for you will require collaboration between you and your doctor or nurse. Perhaps a little more quickly than counseling, medicines can work. But negative effects from medications are also possible. Additionally, some people dislike the notion of taking medication.
Conversely, speaking with a counselor entails sharing your sentiments with a complete stranger. Some folks find that challenging.
Is Teenage depression the same?
No. Teenagers’ depressive symptoms differ slightly from adults’ depressive symptoms. Many youngsters have mood swings or are depressed all the time. This makes it challenging to determine when someone is truly depressed. Teenagers with depression may appear grumpy. They are easily “bothered” or “annoyed.” They might even start arguments with others.
Additionally, while treating an adolescent, medical professionals sometimes advise trying counseling before medication. This is due to the slight possibility that certain youngsters may experience issues from using depression medications. However, some young people with depression need medication. And the majority of experts concur that treating depression in kids who truly need it is safe and appropriate.
Some anti-depression medications can harm an unborn child. Untreated depression during pregnancy, however, can potentially lead to issues. Inform your doctor if you want to become pregnant, but continue taking your medications. You may decide how to give birth safely by working together.
What if I want to become pregnant while taking depression medication?
If you intend to nurse your child after birth, it’s equally crucial to discuss this with your doctor. Both mother and child gain greatly from breastfeeding. When using depression medications while nursing, some are safer than others. However, untreated postpartum depression can also lead to issues, so keep taking your medications. Together with you, your doctor can decide on the most secure feeding method for your child.
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