Are you tired of everything too? Let's talk about Major Depression

It's normal to feel sad and down sometimes. But if you feel hopeless and empty all the time, it could be more than just sadness. This is what we medically call depression, or ``Major Depression'' or ``Clinical Depression''. This is not just sadness, it is a medical condition that requires treatment.

What exactly is clinical depression?

Think about it, it's normal to feel sad when we lose someone close to us, when we fail an exam, or when we lose our job. But depression is something different. In this, we feel very anxious and sad for most of the day, especially in the morning. We lose interest in doing things we used to enjoy (for example, talking to friends, watching a movie, or listening to a song).

For this condition to be called depression, these symptoms must be present almost daily for at least two weeks . In addition to these main symptoms, there may be several other symptoms.

Let's see what these additional symptoms are.

Who is most at risk for this condition?

In fact, depression does not discriminate against age, race, religion, or gender. It can affect anyone. In some families, this condition is passed down from generation to generation, but it can also affect someone who has no family members who have depression.

Between 20% and 25% of adults worldwide experience depression at some point in their lives. It can also affect older adults, young children, and infants. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed in these age groups.

Are women at higher risk?

Yes. Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men. The main reason for this is the hormonal changes that women go through throughout their lives. For example:

• Coming of age
• Monthly menstruation
• Pregnancy period
• Miscarriages
• Menopause (cessation of monthly menstruation)

In addition to these hormonal changes, the pressures on women in our society also play a role. The stress that comes with many responsibilities, such as household chores, work pressure, taking care of children, and caring for aging parents, can lead to depression.

Are the symptoms different for men when they get depressed?

Often, men are slow to recognize depression when it occurs. Because social stereotypes like "men should be strong" and "it's not good to cry" make them reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help.

Therefore, the symptoms of depression in men may appear a little differently.

• Constantly getting angry and yelling
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Violent behavior that results in harming others or oneself due to repressed emotions.

Suppressing emotions in this way can increase the risk of various illnesses, suicide, and even harm to others.

What are the triggers for depression?

There is no single cause for depression, but certain events can be a trigger.

• Loss of a loved one due to death, divorce, or separation.
• Feeling isolated from society, feeling lonely.
• Big changes in life - for example, moving house, graduating, changing jobs, retiring.
• Conflicts in relationships - Problems with one's partner or a superior at work.
• Being subjected to physical, sexual or psychological abuse .

How do you know for sure if this is depression?

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, the best thing to do is to see your doctor right away. You don't have to be a psychiatrist to do this, you can talk to your family doctor (primary care doctor) and discuss this.

The doctor will give you a complete medical examination. They will ask you about your personal life, whether anyone in your family has had mental illness, and will also ask you a few questions to identify symptoms of depression.

However, your doctor may order some blood tests. This is because there are other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. For example, hypothyroidism, drug or alcohol abuse, certain medications, and stroke can also cause symptoms similar to those of depression.

What are the treatments for depression?

The good news is that depression, while serious, is a disease that can be successfully treated and cured .

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe treatment. There are two main treatment options:

1. Antidepressant medication: Medications that work against depression.

2. Psychotherapy or talk therapy: Talk to a professional counselor about your mental health and find solutions through that.

Sometimes both of these methods are used together. The same medication does not work the same for everyone. So it may take your doctor some time to find the right medication and dosage for you.

For very serious patients who do not respond to medication, there are other treatments such as `(Electroconvulsive therapy - ECT)`. Also, modern treatments such as `(Transcranial magnetic stimulation - TMS)` are now being used.

Can depression be prevented from recurring?

If you have had depression once, there is a risk of it happening again. The best way to prevent it is to be aware of your triggers and to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Many people stop taking their medication when they feel better. This can cause the illness to come back. So if you feel like your symptoms are coming back, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible .

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