Depression
What is Depression?
Depression, or feeling sad, is a normal emotion. Usually it is due to a disappointment or frustration, such as a difficult life situation or losing someone. With time, we learn to overcome our problems and accept changes in our lives. But in some people, depression can be so severe that it affects their entire lives, preventing them from coping as they used to. Depression of this degree is an illness and needs treatment.
What causes Depression?
- There may be a genetic basis to the illness, as it seems to run in families in some cases. However, it can also occur in people with no such family history
- In women, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, childbirth, miscarriage or menopause may play a role in causing depression.
- Certain personality types – those with low self-esteem, poor coping abilities, and those who always view things negatively – are prone to depression
- Patients with certain physical illnesses such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cancer and heart disease may also be more prone to depression
- External factors such as financial problems, relationship difficulties, or any stressful life event, can trigger or contribute to depression
Whatever the cause, changes in brain chemicals and structure have been shown in patients with depression.
What happens when you have Depression?
It affects the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way the person eats and sleeps, how he feels about himself, and how he think of things. It is not a passing blue mood that can be simply “willed away”.
How do you know if you have Depression?
The following are the most common symptoms of depression. A person with depressive illness often experiences 5 or more of such symptoms for 2 weeks or longer:
- Feeling down, gloomy or feelings of sadness that do not go away.
- Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyed in the past, such as socialising with friends and family.
- Weight loss or weight gain, decrease or increase in appetite.
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; or sleeping excessively.
- Feeling agitated or restless.
- Feeling tired and lacking in energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Difficulty concentrating or have trouble thinking.
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
Are you at risk for Depression?
Depression can affect anyone from any social, cultural or economic background. Research has shown that up to 10% of men and 20% of women will suffer from depressive illness during their lifetime. It commonly begins in people between 20 to 40 years old, although it can occur in children or older people. Research has shown that it is more common in people with a family history of depression.
How is Depression treated?
Depression is treated using medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Medications
Antidepressants are the most widely prescribed type of medication for depression. They take at least one to two weeks to begin working, although many people start feeling better once treatment begins. Side effects, if any, unfortunately often appear before people start feeling better but these side effects usually do not last.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves finding out what makes the person depressed, what he is thinking of, the way he thinks, discovering ways to deal with the problem more effectively, and helping the person learn to solve problems. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy are examples of therapies used to treat depression.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a specialised form of treatment used in certain cases of depression. It involves passing a brief electrical current to the brain to cause a fit in a controlled manner. This is carried out by a team of specially trained doctors and nurses. It is safe, painless and effective, and has no long-term harmful effects to the patient.
Patients may experience some short-term memory loss, but usually recover by 4 to 6 weeks. ECT is used when the symptoms of depression are severe and cannot be controlled by other therapies, or when it needs to be controlled quickly, such as when the patient is thinking of committing suicide.
Patient Education Guide
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