Depression – my.DrugGenius

Feeling Down?

druggenius — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 02:27:08 +0000

Depression is one of the most harmful mental health conditions, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Most people just think depression is severe sadness, but the reality is that this mental disease can present itself in many different ways. There are a variety of symptoms associated with depression.

Fatigue

Many people with depression end up feeling constantly exhausted. This sense of overwhelming fatigue is actually more common than feelings of sadness, and it is both mental and physical. Part of the fatigue is just a mental sensation of lack of interest, energy, and enthusiasm. It is also a physical feeling of exhaustion because depression can cause insomnia that makes it tricky to get a full night of sleep. Though some experience insomnia, other people with fatigue can end up sleeping unusually long periods of time.

Personality Changes

A common sign of depression is a noticeable personality change. People who were previously friendly and polite may become rude and grumpy. Formerly outgoing people may find themselves becoming introverted. Those who used to have a passionate interest in a hobby may suddenly stop participating in the hobby or activity. These personality changes can be difficult for others to understand, so it can lead to isolation from a person’s social circle.

Persistent Negative Feelings

Depression can cause a variety of negative feelings. People with depression may experience sensations of worthlessness or guilt that are severe enough to lead to self-hatred. They may also feel so sad, upset, or anxious that it impairs their daily functioning. Some people with depression may have a cause for these feelings, such as unemployment or the death of a loved one, while others may experience these feelings without any underlying cause.

General Malaise

Those with depression can experience malaise, which is a general feeling of being unwell. It can cause all sorts of vague aches, cramps, stomach troubles, and pains. This occurs because constant mental stress can negatively affect a person’s physical health. The health problems associated with depression are typically difficult to diagnose, change frequently, and persist even after treatment.

Apathy

People with depression may not feel like they are suffering from any negative feelings. Instead of feeling sad or mad, some experience depression as a lack of all feelings. This sort of apathy can prevent people with depression from feeling joyful during happy moments or upset during sad moments. People might struggle to feel love for friends and family members, and they might find themselves unable to grieve when bad events occur.

Changes in Daily Habits

Many people with depression no longer follow typical routines. Some might stop eating, while others eat excessively. This means that depression symptoms can include an unusual amount of weight gain or weight loss. People with depression also suffer from unusual sleep patterns, a lack of interest in grooming, and difficulty going to work and school at proper times.

Self-Harm Thoughts or Attempts

Self-harm can be both mild injuries or suicide. It presents in a variety of ways, including cutting, burning, scraping, scratching, or puncturing. For some people with depression, it can be a way to jolt themselves into feeling something, and for some, it is a way of manifesting the self-hatred some feel. Those with depression may not actually harm themselves, but they might still suffer from constantly intrusive thoughts about these topics.

Irritability

Some people with depression may feel irritable and restless. This can manifest through twitchy movements, sudden outbursts, or frequent grumpiness. The irritability associated with depression can be expressed towards one’s self, loved ones, strangers, or even inanimate objects.

Keep in mind that depression varies greatly from person to person. One person may display all typical symptoms of depression while another person may only have one or two symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of depression. Contact a doctor or mental health professional for more assistance.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

druggenius — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 19:12:19 +0000

Depression is a serious mental health condition that involves a variety of symptoms, including intense sadness, feelings of guilt, irritability, hopelessness, and emptiness.

Symptoms of depression can vary from one person to the next, which is why we’ve outlined some of the most common symptoms in this slideshow. Read on to learn about how you can help yourself or someone you know who is suffering.

Anger

Anger is a common symptom of depression, particularly for people with bipolar disorder. Specifically, prolonged anger can be a sign of clinical depression, and it can display itself through aggression, fighting, or yelling. It can also negatively affect relationships at work, home, and school and make anxiety worse, just as the next symptom suggests…

Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are typically intertwined, and one usually impacts the severity or onset of the other. Anxiety is marked by a wide range of symptoms, including nervousness, chronic stress, or constant fear. Anxiety can also be felt in your body, such as feeling nauseous, exhausted, or shakey.

Anxiety that lasts more than a few weeks is usually a symptom of a serious health problem, which can lead to this next sign of depression…

Extreme Fatigue

Fatigue is different than general tiredness. People with fatigue generally feel extremely tired most of the time, no matter how much sleep they get. Fatigue is a common symptom of depression and can interfere with your sleep patterns as well as your desire to stay active or motivated.

In severe cases, fatigue can prevent you from going to work or school. You may feel ill or develop frequent headaches or soreness throughout your body, which can cause the following depression symptom…

Inability to Concentrate

The inability to concentrate on important tasks is another common sign of depression. When depression is severe, it can take over your body and your mind, which can impact how well you stay focused. Feeling distracted can make meeting deadlines or finishing projects feel impossible, which often adds to already-present anxiety.

A lack of concentration can lead to other serious symptoms, including…

Irritability

Severe, chronic irritability is usually a sign of depression or other mental health disorders, like anxiety. Some symptoms of irritability may include frustration, impatience, or sensitivity.

Excessive irritability can also make it difficult to maintain healthy, stable relationships with people, which is another symptom of depression…

Loss of Interest in People & Activities

Maintaining healthy relationships when you are depressed can be difficult. Feeling isolated or alone are also common symptoms of depression, and you may start to realize you’ve lost interest in spending time with people altogether. Even more, if you also have lost interest in doing the things you used to love, you may be depressed.

It may be time to seek professional help if you begin to isolate yourself from friends or family, have little desire to partake in old hobbies, or have low self-esteem.

This next symptom can truly keep you up at night…

Restlessness

Feeling restless, especially at night, can be a symptom of depression, particularly if has been happening for a long time. Whether it’s racing thoughts or physical fatigue, there are many reasons you may be feeling restless.

If not treated, restlessness can result in serious sleep problems, like insomnia, and can leave you feeling even more tired and worn down than before. Common symptoms of restlessness include difficulty falling or staying asleep at night, nighttime anxiety, or tossing.

Other people, on the contrary, may notice the following symptom occuring…

Sleeping too Much

Oversleeping is another common symptom of depression. It can also relate to losing interest in relationships or hobbies. You may feel the urge to stay in bed all day instead of getting up and going to work or school. Activities or relationships you once enjoyed waking up for may start to lose impact on your life in depression cases.

It turns out, depression has a huge link to sleep, so the next symptom involves rest, or lack thereof, too…

Insomnia

Insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that is characterized by having a difficult time falling or staying asleep at night. People with insomnia are usually extremely tired during the day but then find it hard to get to sleep at night. Other symptoms may include waking up throughout the night, rarely getting enough sleep, and severe depression.

If depression is severe, it can lead to this serious symptom…

Thoughts of Suicide

Having suicidal thoughts, otherwise known as suicidal ideation, is a serious and severe symptom of depression.

If you or someone you know has felt or expressed thoughts of suicide, it is critical that you seek help immediately. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Common signs that someone is thinking about suicide include, but are not limited to: expressing a plan or method, access to a weapon, joking or talking about suicide or death, hopelessness, saying goodbye or giving away belongings, substance abuse, and mood changes.

If you have suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional, like a counselor, psychologist, or therapist immediately. You should also reach out to a trusted friend or loved one for support.

Exploring treatment options is critical for those who suffer from depression, which we explain in the next slide…

Potential Treatment Options

Regardless of the cause of depression, it is essential to seek appropriate care. This way, you can keep your life on track and better prevent additional—and more severe—side effects from developing. If you even think there is a slight possibility you may be depressed, seek help.

The first step should be to speak with someone, such as a counselor, about your symptoms. Health professionals can lead patients in the right direction when it comes to depression treatment. Generally, the next step will be to speak in greater detail about symptoms with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist…

What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

While a psychologist or a counselor often focuses more on mental and emotional concerns, a psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who can prescribe medication and monitor a patient’s drug plan. Oftentimes a psychiatrist can also provide counseling. It is up to you whether you seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor.

To make your decision easier, you can check to see which conditions each provider treats, decide with your doctor if you think medication would help, and develop a list of what you want out of treatment.

Aside from counseling, there are many other ways you can treat symptoms of depression, such as…

Natural Treatment Options

Before beginning or instead of prescription medications, a mental health professional might recommend a course of natural treatments. These options might include exercising, eating well, staying hydrated, reducing or eliminating caffeine intake, and meditating.

Some people find these actions alleviate their symptoms, while others use both medications and these self-care practices to better manage their symptoms. For people who need a little extra boost, prescription medications might be in order…

Prescription Medications

If lifestyle changes don’t help, prescription medications might. Your health care provider will be able to answer any questions you have regarding medication for depression. Most likely he or she will talk to you about antidepressants. Common classes of antidepressants include SSRIs or SNRIs.

These medications may help the brain make, bind, and better maintain levels of neurotransmitters associated with mood. Antidepressants may help people feel better, enjoy life more, and be more productive. In some cases, antidepressants can make the counseling process more bearable.

The next treatment method is less common…

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Another possible treatment for depression is called transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is noninvasive, which means it does not include surgery. This painless process involves using magnetic fields, or light shocks, to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells.

Remember, treatment is vital in order to reduce and alleviate symptoms of depression. It is always worth it to seek help, especially if you are aware that your symptoms are severe and abnormal. If not treated, symptoms could worsen…

Dangers if Left Untreated

When left untreated, depression can lead to substance abuse, self-destruction, terminal medical conditions, issues at work or school, personal conflicts, and even social isolation. This is why it is critical to seek treatment for depression.

Of course, these issues are just a few of the complications that can arise from untreated depression…

Complications Down the Line

Many complications from untreated depression can lead to even more challenges in life, like job loss and economic hardship. Both of these issues can worsen depression. These, of course, are just a few examples of the importance of taking care of depression as early as possible.

If you need help now, there are resources available…

Emergency Help

For help in time of a crisis or emergency, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. This resource is free and confidential.