What is Depression?
Depression is a condition in which a persistent feeling of loneliness, sadness or emptiness is experienced by a particular person. It is also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder; it affects the thinking and behaviour of a person which results in several physical and emotional problems. Those who are suffering from depression start feeling detachment from everyone. They are facing problems in doing daily chores and suicidal thoughts come into their mind. There are several possible reasons for these conditions such as loss of loved ones, loss of job, toxic relationship and many others. It is considered to be one of the most serious problems and could get worsen if left untreated. Natural therapies are very helpful in treating depression. If you are suffering from depression then just visit Kayakalya Nature Cure. It is the finest naturopathy center in Udaipur.
Signs and symptoms
- Loss of interest
- Depressed mood
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Loss of sleep or excess sleeping
- Fatigue
- Restlessness and agitation
- The feeling of emptiness or worthlessness
- Change in body language and behaviour
- Difficulty in making decisions and concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
Types of depression
There are several kinds of depression. Some of them are as follows:
Major depression
People who are experiencing major depression have a constant feeling of emptiness or sadness. They might lose interest in all the activities they used to love. Treatment includes psychotherapy.
Persistent depressive disorder
This condition could cause symptoms which last for 2 years or more. It is also called dysthymia. Those who are experiencing this condition might have episodes of milder as well as major depression symptoms.
Bipolar disorder
It is the most common symptom of depression. It basically affects the overall personality and behaviour of a person.
Psychotic depression
Sometimes people get delusions such as detachment from real life or false beliefs and it is known as psychosis. It also involves hallucination or in simple terms, people start sensing things that have no existence.
Postpartum depression
This type of depression is experienced by women after giving birth to a baby. In simple language, some people refer to it as baby blues. It gives a feeling of emptiness or a great loss to that woman. It might persist for months to years. It could be severe and it is very important to consult an expert.
Major depression with seasonal pattern
It is also known as a seasonal affective disorder. It is a kind of depression which is related to daylight reduction during the winter season. It is observed that people who live in cold areas experienced this condition more than others.
Cause of depression
The cause of this condition could be anything as it could range from circumstantial to biological. Some of the common causes are as follows:
- Brain chemistry: Chemical imbalance in some of the parts of the brain which manage thoughts, sleep, appetite, behaviour, and mood could be one of the main reasons for depression.
- Hormone level: Changes in the hormonal level in females during pregnancy, postpartum period, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause increase the risk of experiencing depression.
- Early childhood trauma: Some horrifying or specific events from childhood could lead to mood swings and depression.
- Brain structure: If the brain’s frontal lobe is less active then there is a high risk for depression. Several types of research are still going on as they are not sure if this is happening before or after the depression.
- Medical conditions: People who are having a chronic illness such as cancer, heart attack, Parkinson’s disease and many other are at a heavy risk of experiencing depression.
- Substance use: A history of alcohol or substance misuse could enhance the risk for depression.
- Pain: People who lose their loved ones or have some chronic physical pains are significantly more at risk for developing depression.
Risk factors
- A person who experiences acute stress due to financial problems or social status is at high risk.
- Those who lack successful coping strategies.
- Those who experience certain losses or major changes in life events such as toxic relationships, work issues, and medical problems.
- Consumption of some drugs like corticosteroids, hormonal birth control and beta-blockers increases the chance of developing depression.
- A prolonged head injury.
- Having some health issues like diabetes and cancer.
- Females are at more risk of experiencing depression than males
- Those who have a family history of mood swings and depression are more likely to have a chance of experiencing it.
Natural remedies
- Exercise: Exercise helps in the production of endorphins which improves the mood and also relaxes the body a little.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol: Intake of alcohol in a long run led to anxiety and depression.
- Meditate: Meditation is a great way to relax the mind and brain. It helps in the thought process of a person and also calms their mind.
- Healthy lifestyle: It is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes healthy and light food, a proper sleep cycle and participation in several positive activities.
Talk to friends, families and mentors: Surround yourself with the people who uplift and support you. Emotional support is what is required the most in this condition.
