Get to know "depression" and how to take care of it
Depression is a disease that can occur during a person's life. As with other physical ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure , depression does not mean Those who are will be weak, failed or incapacitated. But it's just an illness They happen for causes such as loss, divorce, disappointment and without any cause. Which at present, this disease can be cured by using drugs Psychological treatment Or a combination of both
" Depression " Medical or Clinical depression refers to depression than depression. And a pathological one that is found in several psychiatric disorders, especially mood disorders are depression (Major Depressive Disorder or Depressive Episode) and bipolar disorder ( the Bipolar Disorder,) disease medicine for certain diseases. Certain medicinal substances can cause severe depression.
Causes of depression
The common causes of depression are Having both hereditary, psychological, and coping with the three common dire situations
- Depression is caused by stress. However, people who have no relatives have been ill may develop this disease. Often found that patients with this disease have abnormal levels of the chemical. That brain cells make To maintain emotional balance
- Psychological condition arising from the upbringing It is another risk factor for depression as well. Lack of self-esteem sees himself and the world in which he / she is constantly negative. Or easily stressed when faced with the monsoon of life All made them more likely to get sick easier.
- Facing dire situations, for example, if life suffers a major loss, becomes chronically ill. Relationships with close people are not smooth. Or must be changed in a way that is not desirable May trigger recurrent depression
Symptoms of depression
- Depression - feeling sad, dull, irritable, or uneasy
- Lack of interest in the surrounding environment Or things that used to make fun of the past
- Weight loss or gain The appetite changes
- Insomnia or sleep more than usual
- Depressed people feel disappointed, hopeless, or worthless.
- Unable to concentrate, unable to make personal decisions, worsens memory
- Weakness, fatigue, lack of energy
- Anxious and do not want to do any activities.
- Miss death And wants to kill himself
If you have many of these symptoms For more than two weeks, you may be a " depression " if you have a history of illness in your family. Increased the illness with other members of the house But it does not mean that Will be the same everyone
Depression treatment
Depression can be cured through psychological treatments. And treatment with many kinds of drugs Where each person may respond Each treatment is not equal Some people may need a combination of treatments. Taking medication will make the symptoms improve faster. While psychological treatment can help you feel " immune " to better combat the problems that come in, Most of the time, the treatment of depression You do not need to come to the hospital for treatment. When the symptoms of the disease are severe Until there is a danger of trying to kill yourself Or the patient cannot take the medicine Or does not respond to drug treatment May provide electrotherapy But it is used only if absolutely necessary.
1. Psychological treatment of depressed patients
There are many forms of psychological treatment. In helping people with depression This may be " talking " with a psychiatrist 10 to 20 times, which will help patients understand the cause of the problem And lead to problem resolution By changing views on doctors Behavioral therapy helps patients learn how to gain satisfaction. Or the joy of his actions And found a way to stop that behavior May lead to depression with
the next two forms of treatment that have been studied. A good treatment for depression is interpersonal therapy. And cognitive behavioral therapy By keeping the first style aimed at solving problems between Patients with those around you who may It causes and encourages depression. The latter will help the patient change their mind. And negative behavior with oneself
The treatment is based on psychoanalytic theory. Was used to treat this disease By helping the patient find conflicts within the patient's mind Which may have roots in childhood experiences Typically for patients with severe depression Have recurrent symptoms Will require drug therapy and psychological treatment at the same time For the best long-term results
2. Cure depression by using drugs
The current treatment of depression is divided into several groups. According to the chemical structure and method of action are
- Tricyclic group (is a drug with a three-circle chemical structure)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, abbreviated as MAOI
- SSRI (serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor) group
Each group has different advantages and disadvantages. But the treatment efficiency is the same What group of drugs might the doctor start with to the patient? First time to see the response Since we may not know before that Any patient will be "right" with any drug. Then the doctor will gradually adjust the dose to suit the next symptom
Treatment of depression effect by adjusting the brain chemical balance. As a direct cure Not just a drug that causes sleepiness So as to not have to think too much, as people often misunderstand each other Most patients Often wanting to stop taking your medication earlier than you should The most important and best practice is Constantly taking medicine Until your doctor tells you to stop Even if you feel better, some medications need to be gradually reduced. To give the body a chance to adapt Don't worry though Antidepressants are drugs that are taken and cannot be stopped. Just like any other disease treatment The doctor may periodically measure the correct drug level and symptoms.
What you should avoid is Buying oral medication from a pharmacy Borrow medicine from a friend Or taking medication from another doctor in combination with depression Without consulting your doctor first As well as other doctors or dentists that You are currently taking antidepressants, do not trust that they are just traditional folk medicine Would not cause any serious side effects Drinking alcohol from wine, beer or wine will decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
Sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medication Not a drug that can cure depression alone. As already mentioned Although doctors sometimes prescribe this drug in combination with antidepressants. To relieve anxiety symptoms early in the course of treatment And should not use stimulants or horse drugs for temporary relief from fatigue.
*** Should ask your doctor every time you have a problem caused by drugs. Or there are problems that you think may be caused by drugs
Side effects of antidepressants
Antidepressants There are some side effects for some users which can be a nuisance. But not dangerous However, when I felt that a drug side effect occurred. Please let the doctor know The following side effects are most likely to occur from the tricyclics, which are the most commonly prescribed drugs. And we have already suggested some ways to mitigate the side effects as follows.
- Dry mouth, dry throat - drink water frequently, chew sugarless gum, maintain good oral hygiene .
- Constipation - Eat foods that contain pulp. Or have a mild laxative effect, such as grapefruit, tamarind, papaya
- Urination problems - There may be a difficulty urinating. Urine not rushing as usual May use your hands to clump your abdomen to help and consult a doctor.
- Sexual problems - There can be some problems while having sex. Which can consult a doctor
- Blurred vision - this symptom disappears quickly No need to cut new glasses
- Dizziness - get up from the chair Or slow bed Drink more water
- Drowsiness - symptoms may disappear on their own Don't try to drive Or working with machines If you are very drowsy in the morning, postpone the medication before bedtime to eat the evening before.
For an SSRI group, the following side effects may apply.
- Headache - may have symptoms for a while and it will disappear.
- Nausea - usually just temporary
- Insomnia or restlessness - This can occur during the first 2 to 3 weeks of taking the medicine, and if it persists, consult your doctor.
Preparing for Depression
Usually, as far as data is found during treatment, people who are predisposed to suffer from depression tend to begin at age 25, after which they develop long-term depression. Even after receiving treatment But still need to monitor the symptoms closely Depression is similar to having diabetes or hypertension , even though there are no symptoms. But must take medication to control the relapse
But the advantage of depression is that once you have been treated Patients will be able to return to normal life. Some people have better intelligence, others are good at the master's, others doctorate degrees, others are senior management. Be a person who can succeed in society.
So when it comes to treatment If the patient has completed the medication The doctor who treated the drug will stop the drug. And also have to closely monitor the symptoms This is because it can be relapsed like cancer that once it has killed all the cancer , but it must be watched to come back to cancer or not. Depression is the same.
Depression that occurs in men.
It is said that the number of depression cases in men is less common than women. But surprisingly, the suicide rate in men is higher. Which when the male is already depressed The risk of developing heart disease is very high, and drugs and alcohol are often used to help with depression. Some people work hard. Even though easily irritated and easily angry, I never get discouraged. Or even a little hopeless It is difficult for doctors to diagnose this disease. It is known that patients are always rejecting treatment.
Depression that occurs in women.
It was found that women were twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, which are believed to be caused by changes in hormone levels such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum conditions or entering menopause. In addition, in their lives they will be responsible for many things both indoors and out. Cause stress In the treatment, it can only be done to encourage and understand the patient as possible.
Depression that occurs in children
It's not just adults who are at risk of depression. But in children, the chances of developing this disease are also there. Symptoms that are noticeable in young children such as not going to school, pretending to be sick, addicted to parents, or worried about the death of their parents. In older children, it will be silent. Refuse to speak, often have problems at school, pessimism
The diagnosis of depression in children is difficult as well. Since the child's mood is constantly changing, parents who are close to need to be able to observe whether the child's behavior changes or not. If changes occur and follow the symptoms of depression. Should travel to see the pediatrician for consultation and refer the child for treatment
Depression that occurs in the elderly.
And entering the golden age often causes mood fluctuations not normally. Which most people understand that it is normal for people of this age But in fact, not at all Because most patients will show a lot of physical symptoms The drugs used can also have side effects that can cause symptoms of depression. If sent for diagnosis and treatment It will certainly make the life of the patient at this age happy.
How to prevent depression
- Don't get involved in complicated situations.
- Don't set goals that are difficult to achieve. Or go into carrying a lot of responsibility
- Try to break down big jobs into smaller ones. Make choices that are more important first. And make it as full as possible
- Don't expect yourself too much, because you are creating a failure.
- Attend an activity that you may enjoy, such as exercising, watching movies, watching sports, taking part in religious or social activities. But don't overdo it or get frustrated. If it doesn't help you feel more comfortable instantly Because it may take some time
- Don't be quick to make big decisions in your life, such as quitting, changing your wedding, or getting divorced without consulting someone who knows you well, and Have enough neutral views on the problem For any reason Try to postpone your decision until your illness improves.
- Don't expect to recover from the type of depression. "Shortcut of one hand" because it is difficult Try to help yourself as much as you can. Without blaming himself that That does not disappear because they do not try or are not good enough
- Remember not to accept pessimism. Tell yourself that it is one of the symptoms. And will disappear when the symptoms of the disease improve
