Depression, the Disease of Our Age

“I GUESS I AM DEPRESSION!”

Let's take a closer look at Depression, which is called the disease of our age, is the subject of songs, and whose symptoms most people encounter at least once in certain periods of their lives.

 

>What is Depression?

It is an important but treatable mental illness that manifests itself with mental, emotional and physical symptoms. Depressed mood and lack of pleasure are the most prominent features of depression. During periods of depression, the person is unhappy and pessimistic.

Why does depression occur?

Disruption of the chemical balance in the person's brain is important in the formation of depression. The amount of noradrenaline and serotonin chemicals in the brain in the synapse gap between nerve cells decreases. This decrease causes depressive symptoms to appear. Although this decrease sometimes occurs spontaneously, some challenging life events also affect the decrease. Experienced traumas, losses, sadness and difficult events, ongoing problems, newly emerged challenging life events, low education level and poverty may also be effective in the formation of depression. It is hereditary, people with a family history of depression are at risk.

Women are at a higher risk of becoming depressed than men. The reason is not exactly known. It may be hormonal and the fact that the life load is higher than in men can be considered as the reasons.

What are the types and symptoms of depression?

It consists of two types: Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder. .

Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)

The symptom that distinguishes major depression is the almost complete loss of the person's ability to taste anything. Sleep and appetite difficulties are often experienced. Concentration problems may occur. Most people may feel sad and helpless at some point in their lives. However, in major depression, these feelings, depressed mood and loss of interest must be seen throughout most of the day (especially in the morning) and must continue for at least two weeks.

For the diagnosis of major depressive disorder, the following symptoms must be present within a 2-week period: 5 or more� The requirements must be met;

• Feeling depressed most of the day

• Decreased interest in daily activities

• Significant weight gain or decrease

• Severe insomnia or inability to wake up

• Slowness in thoughts and movements

• Feeling exhausted/tired most of the day

• Difficulty focusing and making decisions

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

 

Major Depressive Disorder with Atypical Features

It is evaluated in the category of major depressive disorders. This disorder occurs in people with certain behavioral patterns. The emotional states of people with atypical depression show drastic changes according to external stimuli. There may be extreme joy in the face of good news, and extreme sadness in the face of bad news. Atypical depression often first begins in the teenage years and continues into adulthood. People experiencing atypical depression usually experience the following symptoms:

• A significant increase in weight

• A significant increase in appetite

• Intense sleepiness

• Feeling of heaviness in arms and legs

• Sensitivity to rejection

 

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, which is considered among the types of major depression, occurs during pregnancy or four months following birth. It is a type of depression that occurs during the week. It is not known exactly what causes postpartum depression, which occurs in 10-15% of women who give birth. Severe sadness, constant crying, intense anxiety and hopelessness are common symptoms in women experiencing postpartum depression.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is distinguished from other types of depression by occurring during certain seasonal periods. Seasonal affective disorder, which is especially seen in winter periods when daylight hours decrease, affects 1%-2% of the population and is usually seen in women and young people. seasonal affective disorder People experiencing depression display a completely different appearance in winter than they do in summer; Seasonal affective disorder, which usually continues with a hopeless, sad, stressed and apathetic appearance, begins in the autumn-winter period and continues until the spring and summer months, when the days become longer.

 

With Melancholic Features. Major Depression

In major depression with melancholic features, people begin to not enjoy any activities they previously enjoyed. In order to be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder with Melancholic Features, at least three of the following symptoms are expected to be exhibited;

• Inability to enjoy most activities

• Lack of reaction to good events

• Changes in psychomotor behavior

• Excessive feeling of guilt

• Insomnia

• Increase in depression in the morning

 

With Psychotic Features Major Depressive Disorder

The type of major depressive disorder that progresses with hallucinations and delusions is called major depression with psychotic features. People with major depression with psychotic features may state that they hear voices telling them that they are worthless and do not deserve to live.

 

Major Depressive Disorder with Catatonic Features

Severe impairments in psychomotor behavior are observed in people experiencing major depression with catatonic features. In depression with catatonic features, at least two of the following symptoms are required:

• Muscle inactivity

• Unreasonable muscle movements

• Severe negativity or not speaking at all

• Unusual body position

• Hearing the words and actions of others recurrence

 

Dysthymic Disorder

It is a type of depression with an insidious onset that has a chronic course. Although it is common, it is a rare disorder. Patients experience symptoms of depression that are not too severe and last for at least two years. Dissatisfaction with anything, sleep disturbances, constant pessimism condition, fatigue, insecurity, reluctance and lack of interest, and physical complaints disturb the patients. There may be periods of discomfort that last for a few days. These effects do not last more than two months. Depressive symptoms in people continue mildly for at least 2 years. This is a chronic problem. This disorder may be referred to as latent depression. The most common complaint of patients is that they are depressed. The initial stage of the disorder usually occurs in childhood or adolescence.

What are the treatment methods for depression?

• Psychotherapy

• Medication

Research shows that depression is a disease with a high rate of treatment. The most commonly used method in the treatment of depression is the combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressant drugs have extremely few side effects. Contrary to the widespread misinformation about drugs in society, antidepressants do not cause addiction. Medicines usually show their full effects after 2-3 weeks. Therefore, it is necessary to be patient. The aim of psychotherapy is to change the person's negative thoughts and behaviors and to be more active in combating depression. The psychotherapy process can be supported by the use of medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy practices, in particular, are among the most effective treatment methods in that they help depressed people change the way they think that drives them into depression and create positive cognition patterns.

Recommendations for depression patients:

• Be patient! The treatment of this slowly progressing disease also takes time.

• Set small and realistic goals in your life.

• Do not disrupt physical activities (walking, running, swimming, etc.)

• Do not stay in bed after waking up

• Dosage change or discontinuation of the drug should be under the supervision of a doctor, do not make changes yourself. and do not skip usage.

• Listen to music that you think makes you feel good.

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