Symptoms and Treatment of Depression

Jun 9, 2010
Susan Hillman

: Depression Hurts Both Mentally and Physically - 2010, Mercola

Depression is something that many people suffer from; however, there are different causes for depression.

There are times in life when a person might hit a low spot, leading to a bout of the blues. However, when a person feels down and empty for a prolonged period of time and the feeling will not go away, this could be depression. When a person gets to a point to where he or she does not enjoy his or her normal activities, has no desire to get out of bed or leave the house, is exhausted all the time, and might physically hurt; this could be depression.

What is Depression?

Depression affects the mind and the body. There are a variety of causes for depression; what affects one individual may not lead to depression in another individual. There isn't one exact, universal cause of depression. Biology is one of several factors that can cause depression.

Biological Aspects of Depression

Depression can be biological because when people go through actual depression, there is a change in their brain and the chemistry in his or her brain. When a person becomes depressed, his or her neurotransmitters might have become unbalanced. Neurotransmitters play a major part in our mood and behavior.

Additionally, depression can be hormonal. Many women when they start going through menopause will go through depression. However, there is also evidence that depression can also be inherited. Researchers have found evidence of that genes might play a role in depression (Health Central, 2010). However, life events and trauma can also cause a person to go through a depression.

Environmental Aspects of Depression

Sometimes, a person will go through a stressful time in his or her life, such as the death of a loved one, a loss of a job, a dysfunctional relationship, tension at home, and many other events that could cause high stress levels to trigger depression in a person.

Additionally, if a child goes through a traumatic experience in his or her childhood, it could trigger a chemical reaction in the brain that will even lead to depression as an adult.

It's believed that a person’s environment is a major factor in his or her psychological makeup. If a person or child is in a depressive or stressful environment, this could bring on depression. However, there is treatment for depression.

Recovering From Depression

If a person feels that he or she is going through depression and not just a couple “blue” days, then he or she needs to see his or her family physician. The person’s family physician can assess the situation; he may opt to refer the patient for a psychological evaluation in cases that warrant further treatment.

When treating depression, there are different options in terms of therapy and medications. Combining therapy and anti-depressant medications can enable the individual to regain control of his or her life. However, the person must meet the diagnostic criteria for depression before a treatment plan is developed. The symptoms of depression can mimic the symptoms of different psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder.

Staying Depression-Free

When receiving treatment for depression, it's vital that the patient follows the prescribed treatment plan. In addition to following the treatment plan, depression patients should implement healthy habits like exercise. It's believed that exercise triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that aid in maintaining a balanced mood; therefore, this can be an effective way to keep depression in check (Health Central, 2010).

Additionally, the person needs to educate him or herself about depression; this will enable the patient to identify personal triggers and warning signs. The effects of depression can be debilitating, but with proper care, symptoms can be alleviated.

References:

Health Central. (2010). Is Depression Inherited? Retrieved June 9, 2010.