Major depression: what it is, symptoms and treatment

It is a disorder that influences the affective area of ​​a person , in which their relationships and daily tasks can be impaired. Major depression is also known as clinical depression , and it is accompanied by a loss of interest in things that previously could cause happiness or pleasure, as well as low self-esteem. It also influences eating and sleeping habits and there are high levels of anxiety .

There are no laboratory tests that allow the diagnosis of this condition, it can only be done through the experience of the patient and their relatives. Generally, this disorder occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 , but it has a higher incidence in people between the ages of 30 and 40, it is more common in women than in men, and it can also occur in children. It is necessary to treat major depression to reduce symptoms and prevent the person from affecting their physical integrity, which could cause them to have to be hospitalized immediately.

If major depression is in a mild phase, the symptoms may not be so perceptible, in the next level the reality of how you see your life and yourself will be altered, as well as your relationship with others, in this way more thoughts will be generated of this type that will affect your behavior.

It is necessary to pay attention not only to the symptoms, but to their duration, if they have been present for more than two weeks , it is necessary that you visit a psychologist to make a correct diagnosis and discover what is the cause of major depression .

The symptoms of major depression are as follows:

• Changes in sleeping, eating, and energy habits.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Loss of interest in things that once seemed pleasant.
• Low self-esteem.
• Feelings of hopelessness and guilt.
• Irritability, anger and restlessness.
• Physical discomfort such as headaches or intestinal problems.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.
• Hallucinations or delusions are present only when the depression has psychotic features.

In the treatment of depression it will be necessary to combine psychotherapy with antidepressant medications . In the first place, psychotherapy will be essential, since it will educate the patient to confront their negative thoughts and change them for more positive ones , while remaining real. It will also allow to get to the root of the events or situations that have led the person to this situation.

On the other hand, what antidepressants will do is restore normality to the chemical processes of the brain, having a considerable impact on the symptoms of depression. In case of hallucinations it will be necessary to prescribe other medications.

The most important thing in this process will be to keep a strict control on the taking of the medicines, the changes will be seen from a few weeks , do not be impatient if at first you do not see any results. Do not stop taking the medication or alter the recommended doses. In the event that there is a risk of suicide or that the patient has already made an attempt on his life before, it will be necessary to hospitalize him.

During this process, it is necessary to gradually return to daily tasks, and some activities that could help you cope with major depression are:

• Identify activities that make you happy.
• Do exercise.
• Maintain sleeping habits.
• Do not stop eating and avoid doing it alone.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• In addition to your psychologist or psychiatrist, have someone close to you that you can vent about and help you make some decisions.

It is necessary that you go to a psychiatrist to indicate the appropriate treatment, the following home remedies will only help you reduce anxiety , relax your nervous system and fall asleep in case you suffer from insomnia. Among these are:

• Passionflower : you can consume it in extract between 45 and 60 drops or in capsules, ingesting no more than 90 mg a day.
• Valerian : not only will it relax tension and help you rest, but it will also relieve headaches. Its taste and smell is quite strong, so it is advisable to take them in capsules.
• Chocolate : it will release serotonin and endorphins that will improve your mood. He prefers dark chocolate, which has fewer calories.

If you want to know more remedies to treat depression we recommend the article natural remedies for depression

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Major Depression: what it is, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Mental Disorders .