Things You Should Know About Depression

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: THINGS TO KNOW.

~Manas Tewari

In this era it is quite common that you may roll over the term "depression". Majority of people interpret this term in a different way. However it's absolutely necessary to understand this subject deeply and also understand what happens to our brain when we are in a state of anxiety.

What is Depression?

Depression is categorized is a MOOD DISORDER. The primary reason for Depression is the excessive secretion of a specific hormone called CORTISOL from the HIPPOCAMPUS region of the brain. Hippocampus is that region of the brain that stores and stimulates memories. Cortisol is released during mental stress and tension. The excessive secretion of cortisol is considered to be the primary cause of MAJOR DEPRESSIVE ORDER. However, there is still a long way of research in the sector of mental health. 

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

• Thoughts off self guilt and self harm arising in the brain
• Change in sleep patterns either excess or lack
• Loss of interest in Several activities as well as daily activities like working,studying etc.
• Excess or Lack of Hunger which leads to an uneven gain or loss in weight
• Suicidal thoughts

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "FEELING DEPRESSED" AND "CLINICAL DEPRESSION"

This was one of the most asked question to me when i did a questions segment on my Instagram.

Well you can "feel" depressed a lot of times. Not getting a good grade,Watching a sad movie, Problems at work all of these might make a you sad but not every sadness can be categorized as depression. It is very important to know the difference between the two.

If you are just sad, and their is no problem in the hormonal release of your brain the the sadness may not last long. The feeling of sadness may persist for a few days but DOING THINGS THAT YOU LIKE OR FOLLOWING YOUR HOBBIES generally sends it away.

However if the dejection lasts for a longer time(say 2 or 3 weeks) then you might be suffering from depression. One of the major symptoms of depression is that people lose interest in things that they usually enjoy. For instance, if a person is deeply interested in painting and really enjoys it then that person will suddenly lose interest in that certain activity.

HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION?

Another commonly asked question. Depression starts with the basic feeling of sadness due to some event. But if this feeling persists for more than 2 weeks then you might think upon it. Also if you are suffering from  the symptoms mentioned above for more than 14 days then it is advisable to consult a doctor.

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

Well above I talked about the biological or Hormonal cause of depression. But talking in simple terms, any activity that causes a feeling of dejection or sorrow in your brain. Only very high degree of sadness and sorrow can lead to Clinical Depression.

 

HOW CAN I OVERCOME DEPRESSION?

Yes, depression is curable and to some extent self-curable. Talk to your family and friends about it. Don't hide it, storing it inside you can just make it worst. What happens when you keep filling air inside a balloon? To some extent it can contain the air but after certain volume, It BURSTS. The human brain is no less. Containing something inside you can make it worst.

Eat healthy, Sleep good, Follow your goals, Divert your mind.....

But if your depression reaches the extent when it cannot be self-cured(which i would say should not be reached,but if the balloon's opening is knotted up) then clinical cures are the only option. However the clinical cures are divided into two categories::

(1)MEDICATION and (2) THERAPY.

Therapy or Psychotherapy is used for mild to moderate cases of depression and for younger patients. It is also called talk therapy. It includes monitoring of the brain and psychological counselling by psychiatrists These therapies are proven to be beneficial for patients suffering from depression.

MEDICATION includes the intake of drugs and medicines to stimulate the brain and change and modify the hormonal secretions to improve the patients mental condition. These commonly used medications include(list provided on 

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/depression-medicines)

Not to be taken without medical consultation

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
2. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)
3. Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants 
4. Atypical Antidepressants 
5. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
6. N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) Antagonist 
7. Neuroactive Steroid Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-A Receptor Positive Modulator

THE LAST STEP OF THE THERAPY IS CALLED ELECTROCONCLUSIVE THERAPY(ECT) which is only used for the worst patients. It needs the permission of the authorities. This process involves the passing of a controlled amount of current through the patient's brain. This current tends to cause a change in the neural composition of the brain(beneficial in 50% cases)

At last, The lack of Awareness towards mental health and disorders in our society is the major cause that people don't like to open up about it. But it is wrong. Depression doesn't mean that you are mentally retarded or "MAD". This is a wrong thinking. Just like migraines, sugar, diabetes or hypertension this is a very common disease. Awareness should be spread in the society. Talk to people, make new friends, spend quality time with your family and try to see positivity  in every aspect of life. Don't worry, No sorrow is permanent........