What is Depression?
Depression is a chronic mood disorder.
In this condition the:
feelings of sadness,
loss of motive,
anger,
Frustration.
Is depression considered as just sadness?
Depression disorder is a group of symptoms.
These symptoms reflect a sad and irritable mood which causes grief or sadness.
Is there any type of depression?
Depressive disorders are mood disorders of different types.
Within each of the following types, there are variations in the number, severity, timing, and persistence of symptoms.
• Major depression
Symptoms of major depression last for at least two weeks, along with sad and/or irritable mood that interferes with the ability to work, sleep, eat, etc.
• Dysthymia
It is a less severe type but sometimes this type of depression is more long-lasting as compared to major depression.
This type does not produce disability but prevents the affected person from feeling good.
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
This type of depression involves one episode of mania.
This type of disorder is chronic and recurring.
The person can experience any or all the symptoms of the depressive disorder.
What Are the Reasons For Depression?
The exact cause is unknown. Researchers believe that depression is caused by certain biochemical changes in the brain due to a genetic trait, or triggered by some stressful events.
Some types of depression have a familial tendency.
Other than genetic predisposition, the following may play a role in depression:
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Some medical conditions, such as hormonal disorders:
hypothyroidism,
cancer,
stroke or Parkinson’s disease
• Some medicines such as steroids
• Sleeping problems
• Stressful life events, such as Difficult relationships, failing a class, death or illness of someone close, divorce, childhood abuse or neglect, financial problems, social isolation, etc.
What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
• Persistent sad, anxious mood
• Unexplained and frequent crying spells
• Agitation, restlessness, anger, and irritability
• Changes in appetite, often with weight loss or gain
• Lack of concentration
• Loss of energy
• Self-loathing, feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt and pessimism
• Becomes socially withdrawn
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
Depressed men:
As compared to women, men complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies.
Other signs and symptoms in men include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behaviour, and substance abuse.
Depressed women:
As compared to men, women develop depression at an early age and episodes recur more often. Women experience anxiety, dependent disorder, and an eating disorder.
Depressed teenagers:
Teenagers lose interest in activities they liked before, experience weight changes, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
Depressed children:
They tend to show sadness in behaviour, physical complaints, irritability or anxiety.
What are the Homeopathic Medicines for Depression?
Homeopathy medicines have good results in the case of depression. It helps symptomatically in depression cases. Some of the homoeopathic medicines which can help in this case. These are:
Arsenicum album
Aurum metallicum
Causticum
Ignatia Amara
Natrum muriaticum
Pulsatilla
Can Changing Lifestyle May Help to Reduce Stress?
Food:
• Consuming pistachios, walnuts and almonds are helpful in lowering cholesterol and protecting against stress.
• Almonds are also useful in managing stress.
• Consume proteins in a rich diet for breakfast.
• Drink Green tea, it is the best antioxidant and stress buster.
• Drink a lot and lots of water.
Regularize your daily activities:
• Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing help a lot to recover fast.
• Back counting helps to divert focus.
• Write down your thoughts /worries.
• Move to the park and feel the open air and deep breathing in the open air helps to relax and calm your mind.
• Listen to your favourite music.
Self-improvement:
• Think positive
• Go to a spa.
• Wear a bright colour that elevates your mood.
• Take a refreshing sleep.
