A depressed mood, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, inability to make decisions, and difficulty concentrating are some of the symptoms of epredssion. People with depression often feel hopeless and can even have thoughts of suicide. In addition, they can have difficulty sleeping or enjoying activities. They may even gain weight. Depression symptoms may also affect the way that people behave and interact.

Symptoms

People who have a depressive disorder experience symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and sleep problems. The symptoms are often triggered by life events. These life events may be positive or negative. Either way, they can create feelings of unworthiness. Some women may also experience depression due to menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Some may also experience apathy, irritability, and anger.

It's important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can ask questions to find out if you are suffering from depression and then recommend treatments that may be appropriate for your particular condition. Some doctors also prescribe complementary therapies, such as herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements, which may be helpful.

People suffering from depression may experience sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These symptoms may persist for weeks or months, affecting their ability to work or socialise. Sometimes, the symptoms may begin gradually and people may attempt to cope with the symptoms for a while without realising that they are suffering from depression.

Causes

While there is no single cause for depression, many factors are connected to the condition. Biological factors, such as hormones and early childhood trauma, can increase the likelihood of developing depression. Stress is also known to have a role in the development of depression. A family history of depression increases the risk of developing the condition. Genetics are also a contributor, but it is unclear how depression is passed down through families.

Depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Scientists believe that low serotonin levels are related to the development of depressive symptoms. However, the current consensus is moving away from this theory. Instead, depression is seen as a multi-factorial mental health condition that can be brought on by upsetting events in a person's life. Additionally, depression can be triggered by substance abuse, and many people who have depression also have drug and alcohol problems.

Some research also indicates a possible link between sunlight exposure and depression. Light exposure plays an important role in the body's circadian rhythm. However, a lack of sunlight during the winter months can disrupt this natural rhythm. Moreover, people who live in cold climates are at a greater risk of developing seasonal depression.

Treatments

A variety of therapies are available for depression. One of the most effective is ECT, which is given three times a week for two to four weeks. After that, the frequency of ECT is tapered off over several weeks. Some people also benefit from ongoing maintenance therapy to prevent relapse. Psychodynamic therapy (or DBS) involves placing electrodes deep inside the brain. This stimulates the parts of the brain that deal with emotions, like mood. Other treatment options include changes in diet, exercise, and sleep.

A primary care physician can help diagnose a depressed person and recommend the best treatment options. If no other treatment is effective, a physician may prescribe antidepressant medication. However, sometimes depression is so severe that psychological treatments aren't enough. In these cases, doctors may prescribe mood stabilisers or antipsychotic drugs.

Other approaches to treating depression include prevention programmes. Research has shown that school-based programmes can help reduce the risk of depression among children and adolescents. Such interventions help enhance positive coping skills and enhance the chances of a healthy child or adolescent developing positive emotions. Exercise programmes can also help prevent depression.

Prevention

Prevention of depression is a major public health priority, as the disease is extremely common and often chronic. It also causes a large social and cognitive burden, so it's important to identify effective, affordable interventions. The goal of this systematic review was to identify evidence-based, universal interventions that can reduce the risk of depression. This review included six meta-analyses that studied psychological interventions, two school-based meta-analyses, and one eHealth meta-analysis. The quality of the studies included in the review ranged from fair to good. Prevention interventions have been largely based on psychological therapeutic components and were delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, communities, and workplaces.

Prevention of depression in school settings may reduce the burden of mental illness among adolescents. However, such programs may not be effective enough to prevent all cases of depression. A more effective approach might involve addressing issues related to school culture and socialization among adolescents. Among other measures, school personnel should be trained to identify at-risk students and conduct initial screening. They should also increase awareness of mental illness and provide a safe space for students to express their feelings. Furthermore, they should inform students about the link between substance use and depression.