WHAT IS DEPRESSION

 

What is depression?

A group of conditions associated with the elevation or lowering of a person's mood, such as depression or bipolar disorder. It's a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with your daily activities.

 I was once a victim of depression and let me tell you depression is not good at all. I almost committed suicide but God recured my soul. I took drugs but they did help. The hardest part of depression is the healing part.

 It took me a very long time to overcome but finally I did it. In order to heal fast you have to accept whatever happened. The second thing is forgiving. 

The major signs of depression.

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
• Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters.
• may cause a loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports.
• may cause sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much.

The level of depression.

• Mild. 
• Moderate. 
• Severe depression.

Causes of Depression.

1. Stressful events. Most people take time to come to terms with stressful events, such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown. 
2. Personality.
3. Family history. 
4. Giving birth. 
5. Loneliness. 
6. Alcohol and drugs.
7. Illness.

Types of depression

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).
• Bipolar Disorder.
• Postpartum Depression (PPD).
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Atypical Depression.

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?

It's a disorder that is a continuous, long-term form of depression. Someone may feel sad and empty, lose interest in daily activities, and have trouble getting things done. However, Someone may also have low self-esteem, feel like a failure and feel hopeless.

Effects of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar is a disorder that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

postpartum Depression (PPD) is a depression that occurs after childbirth. This disorder is mostly experienced by new moms who experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, and anxiety.

 

What is Atypical Depression? 

 Atypical Depression is a specific type of depression in which the symptoms vary from the traditional criteria. One symptom specific to atypical depression is a temporary mood improvement in response to actual or potential positive events.

Complications associated with depression include:

• Excess weight or obesity can lead to heart disease and diabetes.
• Pain or physical illness.
• Alcohol or drug misuse.
• Anxiety, panic disorder, or social phobia.
• Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems.
• Social isolation.
• Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts, or suicide.
• Self-mutilation, such as cutting.
• Premature death from medical conditions.

Which is the final stage of depression?

It creates a sensation of isolation as if you are lost in the wilderness with no direction. The final stage is acceptance, which means you have finally made peace with the reality of your mental illness.

How does depression affect the brain?

It causes the hippocampus to raise cortisol levels, impeding the development of neurons in your brain. The shrinkage of brain circuits is closely connected to the reduction of the affected part's function. While other cerebral areas shrink due to high levels of cortisol, the amygdala enlarges.

What happens if depression is untreated?

Untreated depression increases the chance of risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol addiction. It also can ruin relationships, cause problems at work, and make it difficult to overcome serious illnesses.

Depressant Drugs

A depressant drug, or central depressant, is a drug that lowers neurotransmission levels. Which is to depress or reduce arousal or stimulation, in various areas of the brain. Depressants are also colloquially referred to as downers as they lower the level of arousal.

Examples of Depressant Drugs

Examples of Depressant Drugs;

• Valium®.
•  Xanax®.
• Halcion®.
• Ativan®.
• Klonopin®.
•  Restoril®.

Commonly used  Depressant Drugs

Actually, people prefer using alcohol as a Depressant Drug. Alcohol is legal, it's not a harmless substance. Alcohol depresses  the central nervous system.

How to avoid depression

• Learn to be satisfied with what you have.
• Do not overthink.
• Avoid staying idol.
• Leave in the present.
• Increase your well-being.
• Be productive.
• What you cant control leave to God.