GYN CHRONICLES alpha , and corticosteroids , can increase your risk of depression .
Conflict : Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to it may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends .
Death or a loss : Sadness or grief after the death or loss of a loved one , though natural , can increase the risk of depression .
Gender : Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed . No one ’ s sure why . The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may play a role .
Genes : A family history of depression may increase the risk . It ’ s thought that depression is a complex trait , meaning there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects , rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk . The genetics of depression , like most psychiatric disorders , are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington ’ s chorea or cystic fibrosis .
Major events : Even good events such as starting a new job , graduating , or getting married can lead to depression . So can moving , losing a job or income , getting divorced , or retiring . However , the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a “ normal ” response to stressful life events .
Other personal problems : Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression .
Serious illnesses : Sometimes , depression happens along with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition .
Substance misuse : Nearly 30 % of people with substance misuse problems also have major or clinical depression . Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you feel better , they ultimately will aggravate depression .
Symptoms
Depression can affect your emotions , mind and body . Depression symptoms include : Feeling very sad , hopeless or worried ; Not enjoying things that used to give you joy ; Being easily irritated or frustrated ; Eating too much or too little ; Changes in how much you sleep ; Having a difficult time concentrating or remembering things ; Experiencing physical problems like headache , stomachache or sexual dysfunction ; and Thinking about hurting or killing yourself .
Everyone may feel sad or down from time to time . However , clinical depression has more intense symptoms that last two weeks or longer . So don ’ t diagnose yourself from just reading this article , but if you are not sure seek expert advice .
Treatment
Depression can be serious , but it ’ s also treatable . Treatment for depression can be medical and nonmedical which include :
“ Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed . No one ’ s sure why . The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may play a role . “
Self-help : Regular exercise , getting enough sleep , and spending time with people you care about can improve depression symptoms .
Counseling : Counseling or psychotherapy is talking with a mental health professional . Your counselor helps you address your problems and develop coping skills . Sometimes brief therapy is all you need . Other people continue therapy longer .
Alternative medicine : People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms can improve their well-being with complementary therapy . Therapy may include massage , acupuncture , hypnosis and biofeedback .
Medication : Prescription medicine called antidepressants can help change brain chemistry that causes depression . Antidepressants can take a few weeks to have an effect . Some antidepressants have side effects , which often improve with time .
Brain stimulation therapy : Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis . Types of brain stimulation therapy include ElectroConvulsive Therapy ( ECT ), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) and Vagus Nerve Stimulation ( VNS ).
It is worth noting however that prevention is always better than cure . What can be done to prevent depression ? You can help prevent depression by getting enough sleep , eating a healthy diet and practicing regular self-care activities such as exercise , meditation and yoga .
Suicidal thoughts is the most severe form of depression and preventing suicide needs to get a high priority . It requires strategies at all levels of the community . Everyone can help prevent suicide by learning warning signs , promoting prevention and resilience and committing to social change .
Warning signs include : often talking or writing about death , dying or suicide ; making comments about being hopeless , helpless or worthless ; expressions of having no reason for living ; no sense of purpose in life ; saying things like “ It would be better if I wasn ’ t here ” or “ I want out ”; increased alcohol and / or drug misuse ; withdrawal from friends , family and community ; reckless behavior or more risky activities , seemingly without thinking ; dramatic mood changes ; and talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others .
At a personal level if you are concerned about a loved one or friend these are 5 tips on what you can do : Ask if they are thinking about suicide - this sounds scary and I ’ m sure most of us would be hesitant to do this but research has shown this is quite useful ; Keep them safe - reduce access to lethal means for those at risk ; Be there with them - listen to what they need ; Help them connect with ongoing support ; and Stay connected - follow up to see how they are doing
Let us be our brother ’ s ( sister ’ s ) keeper in this war against suicide ; you may just be the difference between life and death . ■
MAL 44 / 21 ISSUE 27