When we hear the word depression , most of us think of it as just sadness, loneliness, and a feeling of hopelessness. True, those feelings are the main symptoms of this condition. But the story is actually much deeper than that. Did you know that this pressure in your mind directly affects your body, such as your sleep, your diet, and your weight? This can also be the reason for the inexplicable pains that sometimes occur in the body.
Many times, even if someone knows they have depression, they don't think about connecting these physical symptoms to their condition. So, there is a high chance that these symptoms will be missed. So, the next time you go to see the doctor, write down these questions on a piece of paper. It's good to be prepared, because it's common for us to forget what we want to ask when the doctor comes in.
Depression Test (PHQ-9)
Check if you have depression with the internationally recognized PHQ-9 method
How depression affects not only the mind, but also the body
Depression is not just limited to the mind. It affects our entire body. Let's see how.
| The area that affects the body | Possible effects of depression |
|---|---|
| Appetite and body weight | Some people lose their appetite completely and lose weight. Others gain weight because they constantly eat to cope with their sadness and do not exercise. |
| Sleep | Many people think that when they are depressed, they feel sleepy all the time and sleep a lot. That's true. But some people can also have severe insomnia. |
| Physical pain | Research has found that depression can increase the perception of physical pain. Examples include frequent headaches, backaches, and stomach aches. |
Questions you should definitely ask your doctor
Okay, so let's see what the most important questions to ask your doctor are.
1. What kind of depression do I have?
Yes, there are different types of depression. The treatments that work best for each type are different. Therefore, knowing exactly which type you have is very important for successful treatment.
2. What is the best treatment for me? Medication? Psychotherapy? Or both?
Depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, your doctor will advise you on the most appropriate treatment option for you.
- Medication: Medication helps control symptoms by balancing the activity of certain chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) in the brain.
- Psychotherapy: This is a type of talk therapy that can help you deal with your emotions and manage the stresses of everyday life.
Often, the results are very successful when these two methods are used together. Also, don't forget to ask how long after starting treatment you can expect to see results.
3. Can my other illnesses affect this?
Some medical conditions can cause or worsen depression. For example, heart disease, cancer, and thyroid problems can affect this. These conditions can also affect the effectiveness of your depression medications. So tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have.
4. Do I really need to take the medicine?
Medication (often in combination with psychotherapy) is a very effective way to treat depression. Especially if the symptoms are severe, if you have thoughts of ending your life, or if you feel completely numb to the point where you can't enjoy anything, medication may be necessary. The best decision about this is made by your doctor.
The most important thing is not to try to deal with this situation alone. Seeking medical advice will give you a lot of strength to recover quickly.
5. What are the side effects of the medications given?
Like any medication, antidepressants can have some side effects. So, be open about this with your doctor.
- What are the side effects of this medicine?
- How are they managed?
- Do I need to have blood tests or blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication?
- While taking this medicineIs pregnancy safe?
Knowing all this and starting treatment will be a great psychological relief for you.
6. What changes do I need to make in my lifestyle?
In addition to medication, making small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in controlling this condition. Ask your doctor:
- Exercise: Daily exercise releases hormones that bring great happiness to the mind.
- A good diet: It is important to eat a nutritious diet.
- Alcohol and drugs: It is essential to stay away from these completely, as they make depression worse.
- A specific routine: Getting into the habit of waking up, working, and going to bed at the same time every day will bring some order to your life.
7. What do you think about alternative treatments?
Some people may be interested in various Ayurvedic treatments, traditional medicines, vitamins, or dietary supplements. Research to date has not proven that these alternative treatments can completely cure depression. However, some things may provide some relief.
But, the most important thing is, before you use anything like this, you should talk to your doctor about it and get his approval, because some alternative things can conflict with the main medication you are taking.
What to do in an emergency?
This is the most important thing. You and your family need to know in advance what to do if you ever feel like harming yourself. You and your doctor need to make a specific plan for this.
Have a clear understanding of what to do in such an emergency, the phone numbers to call (for example, a trusted friend, family member, or a counseling service), and where to go immediately (the nearest hospital Emergency Department - ETU ).
💡 Take-Home Message
- Depression is not a weakness, it is a treatable illness. It affects your mind as well as your body.
- Don't be afraid to talk about this. Talk to your doctor about everything openly.
- Before you go to see the doctor, write down the questions you want to ask. That will help you a lot.
- With a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, this condition can be almost completely cured.
- Always have a plan for an emergency. You are not alone, ask for help.
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