The depression problem in 2022: Prevention and treatment

 

Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from depression, a mental condition that will continue to get worse in 2022. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects an estimated 264 million people worldwide and is the main cause of disability globally. The effects of a depression problem can be severe on a person’s relationships, job, physical health, and social and mental well-being. This article will address depression’s causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatments, as well as how it manifests in both men and women.

Depression Causes

Genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors all contribute to depression. Here are a few of the main reasons why people get depressed:

1. Genetics: Studies have shown that depression can run in families, indicating that it may be heritable.
2. Brain chemistry: Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine imbalances, among others, can cause depression.
3. Hormones: Depression may be brought on by hormonal changes during pregnancy, the postpartum period, menopause, or thyroid issues.
4. Painful Life Events: Depression can result from traumatic life events including the death of a loved one, divorce, money woes, or illness.
5. Drug Abuse: Depression can be brought on by substance misuse or addiction, or vice versa.

What are the depression symptoms?

Depending on the person’s condition, the severity, length, and frequency of depression symptoms can vary. Here are a few of the most typical signs and symptoms of depression:

1. Sorrow, despair, or a sense of emptiness.
2. Loss of enjoyment or interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
3. Changes in appetite and weight, including gains or losses.
4. Sleep issues, such as hypersomnia or sleeplessness.
5. Exhaustion, low energy, and diminished motivation.
6. Negative emotions like shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
7. Having trouble focusing, choosing, or recalling information.
8. Repeated thoughts of suicide or death.

Depression Treatment

There are numerous efficient therapies for treating depression. The following are a few of the most popular remedies for depression:

1. Drugs: Antidepressant medications that can aid with mood, anxiety, and sleep include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
2. Psychotherapy: Working with a qualified therapist to recognise and alter unfavourable thought, behaviour, and emotional patterns is known as psychotherapy or talk therapy.
3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): In order to induce a short seizure, an electric current is passed through the brain with the goal of treating depression.
4. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): To treat depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves applying a magnetic field to target parts of the brain.
5. Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, a balanced diet, social support, and stress-reduction techniques are examples of lifestyle modifications that can help with depression symptoms.

How to prevent and stop depression?

Prevention is the best approach to stop depression from taking hold. The following are some of the most effective ways to prevent depression:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise can boost confidence, lower stress levels, and enhance mood.
2. Eating Well: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lift your spirits and lower your risk of depression.
3. Social Support: Having a network of friends and family who are there for you can boost your resilience and lower your risk of depression.
4. Stress Reduction Methods: Stress reduction methods including yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation can lower stress and elevate mood.
5. Mindfulness: Using mindfulness techniques can help people become more conscious of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, which can lift their spirits and lower their stress levels.

What are the signs of depression in men?

Depression affects men and women differently, and men may experience different symptoms of depression than women. The following are some of the signs of depression in men:

1. Agitation or irritability: Men may become easily agitated, irritable, or angry when they are depressed.
2. Loss of interest in work or hobbies: Loss of interest in work or interests: Males are prone to losing interest in things they once found enjoyable, such as their jobs or hobbies.
3. Substance abuse: Men may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their depression symptoms.
4. Physical symptoms: Males may endure physical signs of depression such headaches, intestinal issues, and disruption in their sexual relationships.
5. Risk-taking behaviour: Men may engage in risky behaviour such as gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports to feel better.

What are the signs of depression in women?

Women are more prone than men to develop depression, and they may present with varied depressive symptoms. Here are a few indicators of female depression:

1. Changes in the menstrual cycle: While sad, women may suffer changes in their menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or greater than usual bleeding.
2. Guilt and self-blame: Women may experience guilt and self-blame when they are depressed, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness.
3. Increased sensitivity: Women may become more sensitive to criticism or rejection when they are depressed.
4. Sleep disturbances: Women may experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping, when they are depressed.
5. Appetite changes: Women may experience changes in appetite, including overeating or undereating, when they are depressed.

How can Nasha Mukti Kendra help you with your depression?

At Nasha Mukti Kendra, we understand that depression is a complex issue that affects every aspect of an individual’s life. That’s why we provide American-based therapy, i.e., Love and Care therapy, which is an effective method of treating depression. Our clinical psychologists use this therapy to help patients address the underlying causes of their depression. This therapy approach is proven to be highly effective in treating depression and has helped many of our patients to achieve long-term recovery.

 

In addition to therapy, we also provide an open space for our patients to do yoga and meditation. Yoga and meditation are proven methods of reducing stress and anxiety and can be highly beneficial for people recovering from depression. Our yoga and meditation sessions are guided by knowledgeable teachers who offer direction and encouragement to aid patients in learning mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These practices can help patients to reduce stress, increase their sense of well-being, and improve their overall mental health.

 

At Nasha Mukti Kendra, we believe that celebrating occasions is an essential part of recovery. We celebrate every occasion, from birthdays to festivals, to make our patients feel at home and happy. Our celebrations help our patients to develop a sense of community, belonging, and connectedness, which are all essential components of recovery. We believe that recovery is a journey that requires ongoing support, encouragement, and positivity, and we strive to provide our patients with a safe, supportive, and positive environment to help them achieve their goals.