Depression is a mental disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide.
Depression is of 2 types: The sad kind, also known as major depression, or dysthymia; and manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with being wild and reckless.
It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with this illness.
Some other severe medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions. So an individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating.
The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:
What are the signs you’ve been experiencing?
How long have you had these symptoms?
How seriously do these symptoms affect your daily activities?
Have you experienced these symptoms before?
Have you been prescribed any medication for depression before?
If so, what medication were you given and which worked best in your opinion?
Do any of your family members suffer from depression?
If so, were your relatives treated for depression and of the treatments given to them, which worked best?
Do you consume alcohol or take drugs?
Have you been thinking about death or suicide recently?
Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. There is currently no laboratory test that can be used to diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on your reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the interview, your medical history and your family’s medical history.
It is very important that the family be supportive through this difficult time. The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support towards the person suffering from depression.
Facts relating to depression :
Depression is common, affecting close to 121 million people worldwide.
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.
Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary stages.
Less than 25 % of those affected by Depression have access to effective treatments.
In conclusion, depression like most major illnesses can be cured, if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an vital role in the treatment.
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