What Symptoms Does Depression Cause

Will The Doctor Sign Me Off Work With Stress

Yes, your doctor can sign you off work with stress if you have been suffering from significant levels of stress that are now affecting your performance at work and your personal life.

However, consider how stress is not considered an illness but it can contribute to developing other health conditions and mental illnesses.

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Stomach Pain Or Uneasiness In The Abdomen

That sinking feeling in your stomach is one of the most recognizable signs of depression. However, when your abdomen starts to cramp, itâs easy to write it off as gas or menstrual pain.

Pain that worsens, especially when stress arises, may be a sign of depression. In fact, Harvard Medical School researchers suggest that stomach discomfort like cramps, bloating, and nausea may be a sign of poor mental health.

Whatâs the link? According to those Harvard researchers, depression can cause an inflamed digestive system, with pain thatâs easily mistaken for illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

Doctors and scientists sometimes refer to the gut as the âsecond brain,â because they have found a connection between gut health and mental well-being. Our stomachs are full of good bacteria and if thereâs an imbalance of good bacteria, symptoms of anxiety and depression may arise.

Eating a balanced diet and taking probiotics can improve oneâs gut health, which may enhance mood, too, but further research is needed.

How Depression Can Impact Sexual Health

Being sad is a normal emotion to feel on occasion. When that feeling does not go away and is accompanied by other symptoms like a general disconnect, loss of interest, fatigue, and disruption in sexual function, depression may be the culprit. Depression is a common mental health disorder, and data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that women are almost twice as likely as men to develop it.

Depression symptoms can interfere with daily life and can make going to work, enjoying family, and doing everyday activities difficult. There is no one cause of depression biochemistry, genetics, major life events, and certain medications can cause depression.

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Incorporating Physical Symptoms Into Treatment Goals

As with any general medical disorder, full remission should be the long-range objective in the treatment of mood disorders. Many physicians consider a patient to be in remission from depression when his or her acute emotional symptoms have abated, but residual symptoms, including physical symptoms, increase the likelihood of relapse. Physicians should move beyond simple treatment of acute symptoms to a model in which patients are treated until full remission is achieved a virtually asymptomatic state rather than simple response should be the ultimate goal of therapy. Many patients treated with antidepressants fail to achieve full remission, and the costs, both social and economic, of relapse or residual symptoms are high.

Numerous studies have shown79 that patients with major depression who have residual symptoms after treatment have higher relapse rates and they relapse earlier than do those without residual symptoms. In fact, relapse rates are 3 times higher in individuals who have residual symptoms after they have achieved significant improvement than in individuals with no residual symptoms.8 One may infer, then, that the likelihood of relapse is significantly reduced in patients who attain asymptomatic remission.

The Relation of Residual Symptoms to Relapse in Depressiona,b

Major Or Clinical Depression

Major depression is much less common than mild or moderate and is characterized by severe, relentless symptoms.

• Left untreated, major depressive disorder typically lasts for about six months.
• Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but major depression can be a recurring disorder.

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Physical Symptoms Of Depression

Depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that causes recurring and sometimes constant feelings of sadness and lack of interest. Someone diagnosed with depression may find it difficult to do simple, everyday tasks or feel that life isnt worth living.

Its not known what exactly causes depression. Avariety of factors may be involved, such as biological differences, brain chemistry, trauma, hormones or inherited traits.

Depression cant always be quickly solved, and it is a mental health disorder that may require long-term treatment with medication, psychotherapy or both. While we typically associate depression with emotional pain, signs and symptoms like crying and feeling hopeless, depression can also manifest in different types of physical pain.

Emotional SymptomsFor some, depression may occur only once, like after a challenging life event such as the loss of a job. However, people typically have multiple episodes of depression. During these depressive episodes, symptoms can occur the majority of the day or sometimes every day. These symptoms include:

For many people with depression, their symptoms are severe enough to affect day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities and relationships with others.

PreventionTheres no sure way to prevent depression, as everyone responds to treatment differently. However, these strategies may help:

How To Prevent Manic Depression

There is no known preventive measure for manic depression. The best approach is to seek immediate treatment at the onset of its symptoms. This way, you will prevent the proliferation of its signs and symptoms with ease.

You should avoid the use of drugs and alcohol which may trigger a relapse of manic depression.

A lot of caution should be taken when taking these medications. Avoid missing out your medicines during a visit or a vacation.

If you develop another sickness that requires the use of medicines, you should first consult with your psychiatrist to avoid negative interactions.

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Psychological Depression Symptoms Include:

• doing poorly at work
• difficulties with your family or home life

It’s not always possible to tell that you’re having symptoms of depression right away it can start and progress gradually. A lot of people don’t realise they’re ill and try to carry on and cope with their symptoms. Sometimes it takes a friend or family member to notice that there’s a problem.

Is There A Test Or Self

A myriad of tests exists online to determine whether you may be depressed. Many of them ask the same questions: Have you felt sad or angry at nothing in particular for more than X amount of time?Have you lost interest in normal activities?Have you lost interest in socializing? Try to take a test from an official depression treatment organization or government website. Also note that even if the test says youre depressed, you should seek an official diagnosis to confirm it is clinical depression. Psychological self-diagnosis is a risky venture at best, but with official evaluation, you can get proper treatment and medication.

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Atypical Depression And Autism

Atypical depression is a common form of depression that is often associated with autism. Individuals with atypical depression may experience symptoms such as social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and weight gain or loss. This type of depression can be difficult to treat, but there are many effective treatments available.

Every year, approximately six percent of New Zealanders suffer from depression, which is a serious mental health issue. Anxiety and depression are more common in adults with autism. Adults with autism or intellectual disabilities may have to wait a long time for a mental health diagnosis, which is a time-consuming and complex process. Children with autism may be more likely to suffer from depression, according to research at the beginning of the century. There is no universal definition of depression in autism there have been several examples. Many of the symptoms of depression found in the general population are thought to be associated with autism. This is also true for people with autism who are 18 and older, according to new research.

Causes Of Chronic Depression

These are some of the potential causes of chronic depression, according to Dr. Daramus:

• Chemical imbalances: Imbalances of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, can cause chronic depression.
• Genetics: Depression can be genetic, and you may be more likely to develop it if a biological relative has it. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person has a 40% chance of developing depression if a first degree relative such as a parent, sibling, or child has it.
• Trauma, stressors, or life events: Sometimes, depression is the way that someone responds to a traumatic event. It can also happen because of a life event or stressor, such as a bad breakup or a toxic workplace. Some people are more sensitive to these stressors than others.
• Health conditions:Depression can co-occur along with certain medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and Parkinsons disease. These are chronic health conditions that may be worsened by chronic depression.
• Medications: Certain prescription medications can affect the balance of chemicals in the brain and cause depression as a side effect. For instance, some people find that birth control pills or statins bring on depression.
• Substances: Substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs can trigger or worsen depression.

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Signs Of Depression In Dogs

Depression can show up in many different ways, depending on the cause. A pet thats depressed from the loss of a long-term companion will act differently than a pet that is grieving the loss of a normal routine during a move.

A 2016 study out of New Zealand and Australia looked at the signs of depression in dogs and cats after the losing a companion animal.3 These signs may include:

• Sleeping more than usual or appearing lethargic

• Demanding more affection or being clingy/needy with their owners

• Frequenting areas of the home where their companion sent the majority of their time

• A change in vocalization

• Unusually aggressive behavior towards people or other animals

• Inappropriate elimination in the home

We can also see other signs of depression, sadness, or anxiety in pets, depending on the situation. You may see signs like:

• Withdrawal from social situations

• Increase in destructive behaviors

• Not wanting to participate in normal play activities

When a veterinarian is looking to potentially diagnose a pet with depression, the first step is to get a thorough medical history from the pet parent. Knowing about any changes in the home can be extraordinarily helpful in determining if depression is the cause of any clinical signs your pet is showing.

I Grew Up Routinely With Feelings Of Emptiness

My recovery journey highlights how the right support can accelerate an individuals ability to build resilience and motivation to recover and lead a fulfilling life.

My recovery journey highlights how the right support can accelerate an individuals ability to build resilience and motivation to recover and lead a fulfilling life.

At the same time, some of the circumstances I endured as a result of struggling with mental illness are profoundly sad. I was unable to really attend school in grades 11 and 12 and was largely home schooled. This is because even though my schools authorities were caring and understanding, trying to help me, most of my peers bullied, excluded and made fun of me. Society would talk about me and my situation in a in a derogatory way, saying, Im mad.

I attended counselling, took my medications, and started to recover. The most difficult time in my journey with mental illness was facing the stigma I experienced because of my illness. My recovery journey highlights how the right support can accelerate an individuals ability to build resilience and motivation to recover and lead a fulfilling life.

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What You Can Do To Feel Better

When youre depressed, it can feel like theres no light at the end of the tunnel. But there are many things you can do to lift and stabilize your mood. The key is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there, trying to do a little more each day. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there by making positive choices for yourself.

Reach out to other people. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to friends and loved ones, even if you feel like being alone or dont want to be a burden to others. The simple act of talking to someone face-to-face about how you feel can be an enormous help. The person you talk to doesnt have to be able to fix you. They just need to be a good listenersomeone wholl listen attentively without being distracted or judging you.

Get moving. When youre depressed, just getting out of bed can seem daunting, let alone exercising. But regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication in countering the symptoms of depression. Take a short walk or put some music on and dance around. Start with small activities and build up from there.

Eat a mood boosting diet. Reduce your intake of foods that can adversely affect your mood, such as caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, sugar and refined carbs. And increase mood-enhancing nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids.

Symptoms And Causes Of Depression

Symptoms of depression can be very different from person to person. However, as a general rule, if you are depressed you feel hopeless, sad and lacking interest in things that used to make you feel happy.

Depression symptoms are bad enough to interfere with work, social life and family life, and can persist for weeks or months.

Doctors describe depression in one of three ways, depending on how serious it is:

• mild depression it has some impact on daily life
• moderate depression it has a significant impact on your daily life
• severe depression this makes it nearly impossible to get through your life day to day

A few people with severe depression may have symptoms of psychotic depression.

Below is a list of depression symptoms it’s unlikely that one person would have all of them.

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What If My Symptoms Dont Improve

If youre not responding to treatment, you may live with treatment resistant depression. This is when your symptoms have not improved after at least 2 standard treatments. This can also be known as treatment-refractory depression.

There is currently no official criteria used to diagnose treatment resistant depression.

What treatment is available for treatment-resistant depression?There are treatment options for treatment resistant depression. Even if antidepressants have not worked already for you, your doctor may suggest a different antidepressant from a different class.

The new antidepressant you are offered will depend on the first antidepressant you were given.

Sometimes your doctor can prescribe a second type of medication to go with your antidepressant. This can sometimes help the antidepressant work better than it does by itself.

Where antidepressants have not worked, your doctor may suggest talking therapies, ECT or brain stimulation treatments. See the previous section for more information on these.

What is an implanted vagus nerve stimulator, and how is it used in treatment resistant depression?If you live with treatment resistant depression, and youve not responded to other treatments, you may be able ask for an implanted vagus nerve stimulator.

Please speak to your doctor if youre interested in this treatment and for more information. You may be able to get this treatment funded through an Individual Funding Request.

• NHS – Your Rights by clicking here.

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.
• Speak to a trusted friend, family member or spiritual leader.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Depression is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Anyone can experience depression even if there doesnt seem to be a reason for it. Causes of depression include difficulties in life, brain chemistry abnormalities, some medications and physical conditions. The good news is that depression is treatable. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/31/2020.

References

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Difficulty Concentrating Remembering And Making Decisions

Depression can interfere with a persons cognitive abilities. They may have trouble focusing or concentrating on personal or professional matters. Additionally, they may find it difficult to make decisions, even those involving seemingly minor, everyday choices.

People with depression may also find that they cannot remember things as well as they did previously. They might forget appointments or commitments and not recall things that they said or did recently.

How To Deal With Employees Who Are Signed Off With Stress

The concern is the detriment of physical or mental health due to excessive pressure in the workplace to finish up work that might be too much. The employer should place the health of the employee in his or her business plan.

This is why some employers have the Employee Assistance Program to take care of employees. If you cant attain this kind of program, you can always refer your employee who is signed off with stress to a professional.

With this referral, you can at least save your employee and find some flaws in your business plans that may have caused the concern in the employee. This can also make sure that the employee is signed off with stress will be able to recover with the time out.

In a referral, you can manage this through support. This kind of referral is needed when the following conditions are met:

• The managers connection with the employee is complicated and needs a new avenue to solve.
• The employee is dysfunctional with absenteeism for long periods of time.
• There are health concerns that need addressing like anxiety or depression.

Another typical concern is that with the fact that work-related stress and pregnancy can have an impact on the female employees and making motherhood difficult. As mentioned before, the employer should give them the time off by being signed off with stress.

You can try to ease your stress in pregnancy by learning some exercise moves by buying this video on this website.

Have a meeting or talk with the employee

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