Depression can often feel like a thick fog engulfing your brain and emotional processes. Things may feel hopeless, and life is simply marked by an incessant sadness. Many people who suffer with depression often wonder if it will ever go away.
In addition, some may wonder if depression does go away, will it come back? These are all normal experiences, and you are not alone in feeling this way. The good news is that proper treatment can inhibit depression. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are the Types of Depression?
- Major Depression
- Persistent Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depressive Psychosis/Psychotic Depression
- Perinatal Depression/Postpartum Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Situational Depression
- Atypical Depression
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?
There are several symptoms of depression and they can vary in severity. Often, there is a feeling of increased fatigue and decreased energy. Other symptoms include:
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Insomnia
- Loss of interest in activities
- Overeating
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent aches
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Thoughts/attempts of suicide
What Are Common Causes for Depression?
There are also many causes for depression including:
- Physical, sexual, emotional abuse
- Major events such as moving or losing a job
- Having a baby
- Genetics or chemical imbalance
- Death of someone around you
- Specific medications
- Substance abuse
- Serious illnesses and more
There is hope as depression can be treated effectively.
How Do Depression Symptoms Differ Between Men and Women?
Depression affects the body with both emotional and physical symptoms. While everyone can experience some similarity in depression symptoms, no two patients are the same. Studies have shown that there is a difference in the depression symptoms experienced by men as opposed to the depression symptoms experienced by women. There is also a difference in the causes.
- Depression in Men is usually caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Men can also become depressed by losses, being overwhelmed or having problems with their relationships.
- Depression in Women is generally caused by a death in the family, abuse, major life events and family history.
What To Do If You Have Depression
The good news is, depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Treatment options for depression include talk therapy with a counselor or a variety of medication options. It is not uncommon for the first medication you try to not be the right one. Luckily there are a number of different medications used in the treatment of depression.
Once you start taking medication for depression, know that it can take a few weeks before you feel it is working. Medication is usually used in combination with psychotherapy for the best results.
Many patients respond positively to a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The important thing to remember is treatment time can vary, and you should stay the course until your doctor recommends it is safe to stop treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, seek help from your doctor, a counselor or a psychiatrist. Do not be afraid of the stigma of depression and mental health. It is more valuable for you to get help. Men tend to fear the stigma of being viewed as weak for seeking help which makes them less likely to get the help they need.
Depression Cannot Go Away By Itself
Some believe depression will go away by itself. Unfortunately, this is untrue. Depression is a mental health condition which requires treatment. In fact, the symptoms could worsen if left untreated. As a result, it is vital to seek and receive treatment to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Don't Assume Depression Is Gone And Quit Taking Medication
When you are taking prescription medication for your depression and start to feel better, do not stop taking your medication. There is a good chance that the reason that you feel better comes from the medication you have been taking. Many psychiatric medications require a strict tapering process and it could be dangerous for you to stop taking the medication cold turkey. If you feel strongly about coming off medication, talk to your doctor so that you can work together to come up with a plan.
There May Be A Relapse
Depression relapses can occur, and there isn't a single answer as to the many reasons why. For some people, the stresses of life can re-initiate depression. Other triggers can come in the form of unexpected family emergencies and more. This is especially true with dormant depression symptoms that can flare up in difficult situations.
Other causes for relapse may include a premature discontinuation of depression treatment. For instance, patients may feel better and stop treatment before they are fully cured.
What To Do If Symptoms Return After You Quit Treatment or if Treatment Fails to Make a Difference
If a combination of psychotherapy and medication fails to make a difference in your depression symptoms, there is a third option that might work for you. You may be a candidate for an FDA approved in-office treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS Therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic beams to stimulate the nerve cells in your brain. It has proven effective in treating depression and other disorders that fail to respond to more traditional treatment methods. Typically, the patient will receive TMS therapy five days a week for six weeks.
When you are depressed, your brain is not as active as it should be. The beams from the TMS therapy stimulate those areas of the brain that are less active. The American Psychiatric Association recommends TMS Therapy as a viable alternative to the traditional combination of psychotherapy and medication. To see if you might be a candidate for TMS Therapy, contact MidValley Healthcare.
MidValley Healthcare in Meridian and Boise, Idaho Can Treat Depression
If you suspect that you or a loved one might need help with depression or another mental health condition, consider taking our Depression Screening Test. Our team of licensed professionals at MidValley Healthcare in Boise, ID, and Meridian, ID, is here to help. We work with clients on an individual basis to achieve a happier, healthier life. Contact us today to make an appointment.