Depression

Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Our primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

DEPRESSION

Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by persistently sad mood and loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological and social sources of distress

Signs and Symptoms:

Each individual is unique and therefore, not everyone would experience the same symptoms or the same severity. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms:

  • Negative feelings
  • Sadness
  • Helplessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Worthlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of interest in leisure activities
  • Disturbances in sleep and appetite
  • Difficulty in concentration
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideations
  • Persistent headache or cramps

Causes

There are no definite causes of depression, it may trigger after a grieving situation such as loss of a loved one or after a traumatic event. However; it may also trigger without any change in circumstances. Factors that play an important role :
  • Biological factors such as psychiatric disorders can also have an impact
  • Childhood experiences such as attachments, low self-esteem, trauma and insecurities play an important role.
  • Environmental factors and dynamics, along with social and cultural and family ties, can impact an individual condition.
  • Brain’s neurotransmitter levels
  • Substance use and abuse

Risk Factors:

  • Prevalence rate suggests that females are at high risk than males being diagnosed with Depression.
  • A family history of depression or mood disorders can be a contributor to a high risk of depression
  • Low socioeconomic status of low quality of life can increase the risks.
  • Vitamin deficiency, such as low vitamin D levels, can also lead to depression.
  • Substance misuse or abuse can increase the risk factors
  • Terminal illness comorbidity like cancer increases the risk of depression

Treatment

Medications:

Generally, individuals try to avoid psychiatric medications as they think pills will have an adverse effect on their brains. This is a complete myth. Timely assessments and treatment are the only way forward. Medication and therapy will help to balance the neurotransmitter levels. The longer one’s condition is left untreated, the severity increases, bringing forth more chronic situations. Therefore, to help yourself overcome depression, the first and foremost step is to talk to a professional. You will be provided SSRIs and SNRI medications, most commonly prescribed for depression.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy is commonly known as “talk therapy”. Psychotherapy is where the client will work in depth with their therapist to overcome the triggers and imbalances off the thought processes. A safe rapport is built between the client and therapist. Hence, it allows us a safe space to let out our inner conflicts without fear of judgment and learn strategies to cope with them. Therapy alongside antidepressant medications will enhance the results of recovery. However, with long-term therapy individuals, we found no further need of medications were required to sustain wellness.