theshort periods of unhappiness we all have from time to time.
This presents a very bleak picture. However, it's important to
remember that depression isn't an absolute - it's not simply acase of
either you're depressed or you're not. There's a progression from
feeling blue to the full clinical illness described above. Even then,
you won't suffer from every symptom.
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Causes of depression
Sometimes there may be an obvious reason for becoming depressed,
sometimes not. There is usually more than one cause and different
people have different reasons.
It may seem obvious why – there may be life eventsor changes in
circumstance such as a relationship breakdown, bereavement or even the
birth of a child – but sometimes it's not clear. Either way, it can
become so bad that you need help.
Often people don't realise how depressed they are, because the
depression has come on gradually. They may try to struggle on and cope
by keeping busy. This can make them even more stressed and exhausted.
This can cause physical pains, such as constant headaches, or
sleeplessness.
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Conditions that can cause depression
Depression is also a feature of many other illnesses and conditions,
which may need to be checked for with tests andinvestigations. These
'organic' causes include:
*. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland
*. Vitamin B12 deficiency
*. Viral infections
*. Stroke
*. Parkinson's disease
*. Traumatic brain injury ( head injury )
*. Dementia
*. Chronic inflammatory conditions
*. Cushing's syndrome
*. Chronic painful disease such as osteoarthritis
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Depression symptoms
The symptoms of depression include:
*. Losing interest in life
*. Finding it harder to make decisions
*. Not coping with things that used to be manageable
*. Exhaustion
*. Feeling restless and agitated
*. Loss of appetite and weight
*. Difficulties getting to sleep
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Treatments for depression
There are two types of treatment available: talking treatments and
medication. Both can be accessed through your doctor.
Talking treatments
*. Counselling helps you totalk about your feelings in private with a
sympathetic professional. Your GP may have a counsellor at the
surgery.
*. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help to overcome the powerful
negative thoughts that are part of depression.
*. Interpersonal and dynamic therapies can help if you have
difficulties getting on with other people. A relationship counsellor
might be helpful if you're having difficultieswith your partner.
*. If you have a disability or are caring for a relative, a self-help
group may give you support.
Medication
Antidepressants can be effective if depression is severe or goes on
for a long time. They may help feelings of anxiety and help you to
deal with problems effectively again.
The effects of antidepressants won't usually be felt straight away -
people often don'tnotice any improvement in their mood for two or
three weeks.
As well as tablets, an alternative remedy called St John's wort is
available from chemists. There is evidence that it's effectivein mild
to moderate depression. It seems to work in much the same way as some
antidepressants, but somepeople find it has fewer side effects. You
should discuss taking it with yourdoctor, particularly if you're
taking other medication.
Like all medicines, antidepressants have some side effects, although
these are usually mild and tend to wear off as the treatment goes on.
The newer antidepressants (called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors) may cause nausea and anxiety for a short while. The older
antidepressants can cause dry mouth and constipation. Unless the side
effects are very bad, your doctor will usually advise you to continue
taking them.
Four out of five people with depression will get better without help.
The shorter the time you havebeen depressed, the better the chance
that it will lift on its own. However, even with treatment, one in
five people will still be depressed two years later.
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Support
It may be enough to talk things over with a relativeor friend. If this
doesn't help, talk it over with your family doctor.
*. Talk to someone close to you about how you feel. Going over a
painful experience and crying it out can help you come to terms with
it.
*. Get some regular exercise. This will help you keep fit and
hopefully, sleep better. Do jobs around the house to take your mindoff
thoughts that make you depressed.
*. Eat well, even if you don't feel like it. Don't drink alcohol, as
this makes depression worse, although it might not seem to at first.
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