According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a widespread mental disorder affecting approximately 3.8% of the global population, with women being 50% more likely to experience it than men. Depression goes beyond ordinary mood fluctuations and can significantly impact various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being.
In this blog, we will delve into what depression is, discuss when to seek help, explore different treatment options, and specifically, examine the viability of online treatment for depression.
What is Depression?
Depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, manifests as a prolonged state of depressed mood or diminished interest in activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), recognizes various types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance-induced depressive disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder.
Depression can affect anyone, and risk factors include a history of abuse, significant losses, or exposure to stressful events. Women are more susceptible to depression than men, and it is estimated that over 280 million people worldwide grapple with this condition. Alarmingly, more than 10% of pregnant women and recent mothers experience depression, contributing to over 700,000 annual suicides globally, making it the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
When to Seek Help for Depression
Understanding the symptoms of depressive disorders is the crucial first step in acknowledging your condition and initiating a conversation with a healthcare professional. If you find yourself experiencing the following five hallmark symptoms outlined by the DSM-5 regularly, it’s essential to communicate with your doctor.
- Loss of Interest in Enjoyable Activities: Depression often manifests as a disinterest in or abandonment of once-enjoyable activities such as spending time with friends, exercising, or pursuing beloved hobbies. This change may be self-observed or pointed out by a concerned loved one.
- Emotional Shifts: A significant shift in your emotional life characterizes depression, leading to an inability to anticipate happiness or pleasure and an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Additionally, increased irritability or anger, diminished self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness may become prevalent in daily life.
- Changes in Eating Habits: Depression can manifest in significant weight loss or gain, along with alterations in appetite. You may notice a tendency to turn to comfort foods or neglect proper nutrition, indicating a potential connection to depressive symptoms.
- Disruption of Sleep Patterns: Depression often interferes with regular sleep schedules, causing difficulties in achieving a full night’s rest. Both insomnia, characterized by waking up and struggling to fall back asleep, and hypersomnia, characterized by excessive sleeping, are common occurrences in people dealing with depression.
- Physical and Mental Fatigue: Psychologically challenging times are mirrored in physical fatigue, with depression swiftly draining energy levels. Everyday tasks, even basic ones like household chores or personal grooming, may feel overwhelming, and the desire to simply lie down or move slowly becomes a constant struggle.
Medications for Depression
Medications are a common part of depression treatment, with doctors considering factors such as possible side effects, overall health, potential drug interactions, and specific symptoms before prescribing them. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to address neurotransmitter imbalances like serotonin and norepinephrine. Tricyclic antidepressants, while effective, may cause more severe side effects and are typically reserved for cases where other medications have proven ineffective.
How to Ask for Help with Depression
Asking for help is a significant but necessary step in overcoming depression. While opening up to friends or family can provide valuable support, seeking professional help is often essential. Therapists trained to address mental health concerns can guide individuals through the complexities of depression.
Taking the initiative to ask for help may feel daunting, but it is vital to the healing process. Enlisting the support of someone trustworthy, supportive, and nonjudgmental can make this journey more manageable. Writing down thoughts or rehearsing the conversation can ease the process of expressing feelings of depression.
Reaching out to someone who has experienced depression can also provide valuable insights and empathy. Additionally, considering a 24/7 hotline for confidential discussions about feelings and potential next steps can be a crucial lifeline.
Get Online Treatment for Depression
In the digital age, accessing treatment for depression has become more convenient through online platforms. At Pause Pain & Wellness, we offer comprehensive online solutions for mental health, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs. As a leading marijuana clinic in Mississippi, our dedicated team prioritizes understanding specific requirements, providing a unique approach to mental health.
For those considering online treatment for depression, the convenience of remote sessions, personalized care, and a range of therapeutic options make it a viable choice. Contact Pause Pain & Wellness at 833-940-5060.