Depression is characterized by decreased mood and aversion to activities that can impact a person’s overall sense of well-being. With such state, a person cannot perform his activities of daily living perfectly, so it may also lead to alterations in his health status. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and remedies for depression.
Causes
According to Web MD, depression has several causes. One is abuse, since physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from the past increases a person’s risk for depression later in life. Conflict is another cause, since disputes with family members or friends lead to depression. Other causes of depression include major events like getting married or divorced, personal problems like being cast out of a family or social group, substance abuse, serious illness, certain medications like anti-acne isotretinoin and corticosteroids, and death or loss.
Signs and Symptoms
Depression presents a number of signs and symptoms. According to Mental Health, these include trouble concentrating, making decision, remembering, harming oneself, and delusions or hallucinations. The person may also withdraw himself from others, engage with substance abuse, miss work or school, and attempt to harm himself. He may also display sadness, hopelessness, guilt, moodiness, angry outbursts, and loss of interest in people and hobbies. Physical problems may also be evident and these include lack of energy, unexplained aches or pains, changes in appetite, weight loss, weight gain, changes in sleep patterns, and sexual problems.
Home Remedies
While medications like antidepressants are prescribed for people with depression, home remedies can also be done as part of the interventions for the condition.
Happy Diet
A person with depression should eat food choices that promote happiness, as per Everyday Roots. According to the publication, this feeling of happiness is brought about by the hormone serotonin, produced in the brain, serotonin boosts a person’s mood and reduces depression. The publication recommends eating food choices, such as eggs, sour cherries, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and fish oil, which is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Support Group
One vital remedy for depression, which can be relieved by physical means, is a support group. According to Duke University School of Medicine Durham psychiatry and behavioral sciences professor P. Murali Doraiswamy, as cited by Health, support groups have used to be standard in psychiatric settings, but they not used as frequently today. While the groups provide information on depression and serves as a support community containing people who deal with similar issues, people who are not interested in talking about depression may find a group that shares the person’s interest, such a yoga or reading club.
Nutrition, Exercise, and Sleep
The blend among food, exercise, and rest is another helpful framework of remedy for depression. According to Help Guide, the person should eat small and well-balanced meals throughout the day; this provides him energy and helps reduce moos swings. Regular exercise, as per the publication, heightens feel-good brain chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonins. To add, exercise activates growth of new brain cells and connections, which mimics the actions of antidepressants. Meanwhile, sleep allows the brain to recharge and recover; having adequate rest also relieves the symptoms. Otherwise, the person will be weaker, sad moody, and irritated. As per the publication, sleep hours should be seven to nine per night.
Depression has an impact on how a person thinks, behaves, and feels; which can interfere with his daily routine and adversely affect his health. Thus, it is vital to seek counseling or support if one is depressed. This way, the person will be helped in terms of planning and intervention.