Friday, March 29, 2024

Is Depression Emotional Or Mental

Beyond Treatment: Things You Can Do

Mental Health Minute: Depression

Once you begin treatment, you should gradually start to feel better. Here are other tips that may help you or a loved one during treatment for depression:

  • Try to get some physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can boost mood.
  • Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
  • Eat regular, healthy meals.
  • Do what you can as you can. Decide what must get done and what can wait.
  • Try to connect with other people, and talk with people you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced, or changing jobs until you feel better.
  • Avoid using alcohol, nicotine, or drugs, including medications not prescribed for you.

Other Types Of Depression

There are different types of depression, and some conditions where depression may be one of the symptoms. These include:

  • postnatal depression sometimes new mothers, fathers or partners develop depression after they have a baby this is known as postnatal depression and it’s treated in a similar way to other types of depression, with talking therapies and antidepressant medicines
  • bipolar disorder also known as “manic depression”, in bipolar disorder there are spells of both depression and excessively high mood the depression symptoms are similar to clinical depression, but the bouts of mania can include harmful behaviour, such as gambling, going on spending sprees and having unsafe sex
  • seasonal affective disorder also known as “winter depression”, SAD is a type of depression with a seasonal pattern usually related to winter

How Can I Help A Loved One Who Is Depressed

Its important to remember that a person with depression cannot simply “snap out of it.” It is also important to know that he may not recognize his symptoms and may not want to get professional treatment.

If you think someone has depression, you can support him by helping him find a doctor or mental health professional and then helping him make an appointment. Even men who have trouble recognizing that they are depressed may agree to seek help for physical symptoms, such as feeling tired or run down. They may be willing to talk with their regular health professional about a new difficulty they are having at work or losing interest in doing things they usually enjoy. Talking with a primary care provider may be a good first step toward learning about and treating possible depression.

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How Common Are Mental Illnesses

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

  • More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.3
  • 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.4
  • 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.5
  • 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.6

Do Introverts Struggle In Life

Depression Symptom And Prevention Infographic For People With Mental ...

Introverts find it difficult to move fast in many organizations and offices without walls, which can be detrimental to their ability to think on their feet. If youre an introvert, its difficult to find time to think in quiet during a brainstorming session or other meetings.

Navigating Social Situations As An Introvert

It is not uncommon for people who are introvert to find it difficult to communicate in social situations. When introducing themselves to strangers or speaking in public, extroverts tend to experience heightened anxiety because these tasks open their minds and expose them to new perspectives. Extreme introverts, on the other hand, are people who have a more withdrawn personality than most people. This does not, however, refer to a disorder rather, it refers to a personality type. Because not everyone introverts are the same, these activities can be challenging and anxietytizing for some people, and so the challenges and anxieties associated with them vary from person to person. This recognition, in turn, allows introverts to develop social skills in order to feel more at ease when speaking in public or engaging in conversations.

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Seek Support For Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is often not recognised and can go on for months or even years if left untreated. Its important to seek support as early as possible, as the sooner a person gets treatment, the sooner they can recover.

Untreated depression can have many negative effects on a persons life, including serious relationship and family problems, difficulty finding and holding down a job, and drug and alcohol problems.

There is no one proven way that people recover from depression. However, there is a range of effective treatments and health professionals who can help people on the road to recovery.

There are also many things that people with depression can do for themselves to help them recover and stay well. The important thing is to find the right treatment and the right health professional for a persons needs.

Disruptive Behaviour And Dissocial Disorders

40 million people, including children and adolescents, were living with conduct-dissocial disorder in 2019 . This disorder, also known as conduct disorder, is one of two disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders, the other is oppositional defiantdisorder. Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders are characterised by persistent behaviour problems such as persistently defiant or disobedient to behaviours that persistently violate the basic rights of others or major age-appropriatesocietal norms, rules, or laws. Onset of disruptive and dissocial disorders, is commonly, though not always, during childhood. Effective psychological treatments exist, often involving parents, caregivers, and teachers, cognitive problem-solving orsocial skills training.

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Life Events And Depression

Research suggests that continuing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness or prolonged exposure to stress at work can increase the risk of depression.

Significant adverse life events, such as losing a job, going through a separation or divorce, or being diagnosed with a serious illness, may also trigger depression, particularly among people who are already at risk because of genetic, developmental or other personal factors.

The Biopsychosocial Model Of Depression

Depression | Talking about mental health – Episode 4

The biopsychosocial model acknowledges that when a person has a diagnosis, it can impact multiple areas of their life. Diagnoses are no longer viewed as isolated issues, but things that affect the whole person. This has led to a compassionate and empathetic approach in medicine.

This model was introduced in 1977 by American psychiatrist George Engel as a model for a holistic approach to caring for patients.

Now, clinicians focus on the big picture. For example, they consider how a physical illness can impact a persons state of mind and social experience. Its more than just a medical issue.

The biopsychosocial model consists of three realms:

Depression is a mental, physical, and social issue, with causes and risk factors from all three areas.

Depression meets the criteria for a disorder because of the way it disrupts a persons functioning in all three areas of the biopsychosocial model.

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Overcoming Shyness & Anxiety: Mastering Eye Contact

People with no known mental illnesses, including those who are not diagnosed, may struggle to master eye contact. Eye contact avoidance can be caused by shyness, low self-esteem, or even introversion. An introverts social interactions can be exhausting and difficult to manage. Introverts spend a lot of time alone, and they are drawn to minimally stimulating environments and people they know well because they require a lot of alone time. They are less likely to pay attention and may also find it difficult to deal with anxiety when confronted with an unusual situation, such as introducing themselves or participating in public speaking. Furthermore, introverts frequently believe that they are communicating more than they actually are, and when they do communicate, it is typically effective but not frequently enough. As a result, people who struggle with eye contact may find it difficult to navigate social situations and rely on self-confidence to overcome their shyness and anxiety.

Are Introverts More Emotional Than Extroverts

According to research, introverts are more sensitive to stimulus. As a result, when a highly stimulating environment is present, the introvert is more likely to be overwhelmed. As a result, the introvert is more likely to be emotionally stressed than the extrovert.

Are you an introvert, extrovert or middle-of-the-road? Learn how to discern between them, as well as what their pros and cons are. It is not a bad thing that introverts do not dislike socializing rather, it is an inefficient way for them to unwind. According to Laurel Steinberg, extroverts are driven by the desire to connect with others. Realistically speaking, an introvert with an extrovert temperament is considered an introvert with an extrovert temperament. introverts find it easier to be in social situations because they are less likely to be nervous or anxious. As an introvert, you might want to think about developing a more assertive voice during conflict.

The effort to fit into a particular culture is perfectly fine. If you are an introvert, it is possible that you will find yourself benefiting from exploring the benefits of alone time in pursuit of your personal goals. Those who have an introvert tendency may find it very simple to connect new acquaintances. I can be an introvert or extrovert and I believe it is possible. When you embrace your strengths, you can achieve happiness and success in a variety of ways.

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What Can I Do If I Have Depression

If you have symptoms of depression, see your healthcare provider. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, refer you to a specialist or suggest treatment options.

If you or someone you know is thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life:

  • Go to the emergency department of your hospital.
  • Contact a healthcare provider.

Depression Causes & Risk Factors

Dealing With Depression In Times of Crisis

Although the causes of depression are not fully known, they are likely a combination of factors. Risk factors for depression include:

  • genetics or family history of depression
  • brain chemistry
  • personal life circumstances.

Depression can strike at any time but commonly appears during late adolescence to mid-20s. Women are more likely to experience depression than men. Some studies show that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode during their lifetime.

Depression in Adolescents

Childhood and adolescence can be difficult, creating a range of emotions that may be hard to manage. Sometimes, the ups and downs are serious enough to warrant professional help. Learn more about depression in children and adolescents.

Depression & Serious Medical Diagnoses

Being diagnosed with a serious medical condition like cancer is frightening. Feelings of depression are common for both patients and family members. It’s normal to feel sadness and grief. The future may seem uncertain. Your dreams may be on hold temporarily. But if sadness lingers for a long time or you or a loved one are having trouble coping with daily life, you may need professional help.

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Appetite And Weight Changes

Depression in and of itself can make someone feel like eating more or less than they typically do. People who are depressed may report they have lost weight without trying or have gained weight without being sure of the reason why.

One factor that may contribute to weight gain is emotional eating which refers to a person using food to self-medicate feelings of depression. These behaviors can lead to weight gain over time. If someone is overweight or obese, changes in self-image, associated health problems, and weight stigma can also contribute to depression.

The relationship between weight and depression may depend on more than how much someone weighs.

For example, a 2019 study proposed a specific link between higher amounts of body fat mass and depression .

Depression can also cause someone to lose weight. Loss of appetite, low energy, and motivation that makes preparing meals difficult, bowel symptoms, and other factors may cause weight loss in someone who is depressed. People who have eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, often also have depression or another mental illness.

Weight loss in eating disorders can be extreme and may cause a host of physical symptoms. Several studies have suggested that malnutrition from inadequate food intake may worsen depression, though additional research is needed to support the theory.

Depression Is A State Of Behavioral Shutdown

Given that many readers found my claims about the nature of depression controversial , I thought I would share a somewhat longer articulation of my approach to conceptualizing depression called the Behavioral Shutdown Model. This formulation is an extension of the unified theory of psychology and is adopted from an earlier paper I wrote on this topic.

Consider a television commercial that begins with an attractive woman isolating herself at a party. Everyone else appears to be having a good time, yet she stands in the background, ostensibly gripped in the throes of a seemingly inexplicable sadness. The cultural milieu is of upper middle class suburbia.

A soft voice inquires and informs, Have you experienced periods of depressed mood? Have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy? Do you feel tired, guilty, ineffective or hopeless? Depression is an illness. Ask your doctor about new antidepressant treatments available. The implicit message of the commercial is clear. When people are suffering from depression, something has gone wrong with the physiology of the brain.

Now imagine a voice overlay that asks, Have you been feeling down or depressed, guilty or hopeless? Have you lost interest in things you usually enjoy? Depression is an illness. Ask your doctor about new antidepressant treatments available. Somehow the depression as disease message in this commercial is less convincing.

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What If I Am Not Happy With My Treatment

If you are not happy with your treatment you can:

  • talk to your doctor to see if they can suggest changes,
  • get an advocate to help you speak your doctor,
  • ask for a second opinion if you feel it would help,
  • contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service and see whether they can help, or
  • make a complaint.

There is more information about these options below.

Advocacy

An advocate is independent from the NHS. They are free to use. They can be useful if you find it difficult to get your views heard.

There are different types of advocates available. Community advocates can support you to get a health professional to listen to your concerns. And help you to get the treatment that you would like. They arent available in all areas.

You can ask an advocate to help you make a complaint. Advocates that do this are called NHS complaints advocates. They are free to use and don t work for the NHS. They re available in all areas.

You can search online to search for a local advocacy service. If you cant find a service you can call our advice service 0808 801 0525 . You can email us too at . We will look for you.

Second opinion

Talk to your doctor about your treatment to see if you can resolve the problem with them first. If you dont agree with their decisions about diagnosis or treatment, you could ask for a second opinion. You are not legally entitled to a second opinion, but your doctor might agree to it if it would help with treatment options.

‘PALS’

Complaints

  • Advocacy by clicking here.

Psychosocial Effects Of Depression

Hidden Signs of Emotional Intelligence & The Mental Health Impacts | MedCircle LIVE Panel

The effects of depression on the brain can, in turn, affect your emotional well-being. This not only includes your favorite activities and your job but also your personal and professional relationships or activities.

When you live with untreated depression, you may notice your productivity decline. This could affect you at work or school even if you have high-functioning depression.

You could also experience the effects of depression on attention and memory performance. It might be difficult for you to recall newly learned information, for example.

Untreated depression might also lead you to isolation. You may feel lonely or like staying home more often and start passing on gatherings with close friends or family.

Keeping up with your social connections could make you feel overwhelmed and drained.

Other psychosocial effects of depression include:

  • loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities or hobbies
  • harder time concentrating on your tasks
  • feeling frustrated, restless, or irritable without any apparent reason
  • persistent anxiety or sadness thats not necessarily connected to a specific event
  • feeling helpless, vulnerable, guilty, or worthless
  • having a pessimistic or hopeless outlook on your life
  • difficulty with decision-making

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Eye Problems Or Decreasing Vision

Do you find that the world looks blurry? While depression may cause the world to look grey and bleak, one 2010 research study in Germany suggests that this mental health concern may actually affect oneâs eyesight.

In that study of 80 people, depressed individuals had difficulty seeing differences in black and white. Known by researchers as âcontrast perception,â this might explain why depression can make the world look hazy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression And How Is It Diagnosed

The NHS recommends that you should see your GP if you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks.

Doctors make decisions about diagnosis based on manuals. The manual used by NHS doctors is the International Classification of Diseases .

When you see a doctor they will look for the symptoms that are set out in the ICD-10 guidance. You do not have to have all of these to be diagnosed with depression. You might have just experience some of them.

Some symptoms of depression are:

  • low mood, feeling sad, irritable or angry,
  • having less energy to do certain things,
  • losing interest or enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy,
  • reduced concentration,

You may also find that with low mood you:

  • feel less pleasure from things,
  • feel more agitated,
  • find your thoughts and movements slow down, and
  • have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Your doctor should also ask about any possible causes of depression. For example, they may want to find out if youve experienced anything traumatic recently which could be making you feel this way.

There are no physical tests for depression. But the doctors may do some tests to check if you have any physical problems. For example, an underactive thyroid can cause depression.

On the NHS website, they have a self-assessment test which can help you to assess whether you are living with depression: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview/

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