What is depression?
Depression is more than just being sad or feeling hopeless – it is a mental health disorder that can affect every aspect of your life. Depression can not be cured, and usually can not be recovered from quickly like the common cold or a stomach bug. For some, depression does just go away on its own, but for many others, depression will only worsen if left untreated over time. According to research done by the World Health Organization, depression may be the second greatest reason for disability across the globe, but only 10% of those suffering may ever receive any treatment that works for them.
How do you know if you are depressed?
The distinction between the very normal human emotion of sadness and the symptoms of depression may not always be readily apparent. The key distinction is that depression can only be diagnosed when you have experienced symptoms for two weeks or more. Common symptoms include the following:
Feelings of sadness
Feelings of emptiness
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Social withdrawal
Unexplained body pain or headaches
Trouble concentrating
Feelings of anxiety
Fatigue
Suicidal thoughts
How does depression affect your life?
In short: depression is a mood disorder, but it also affects your eating patterns, your sleep schedule, performance at work or in school, your personal relationships, and even your physical health. Oftentimes people with a depressive disorder also develop comorbid disorders, such as turning to alcohol and drug abuse. Your depression does not just affect you; it affects your friends, your family, your coworkers — it actually can affect everyone in your life.
The trouble concentrating or finding motivation associated with depression can impact productivity and you may fall behind at work or in school, or find yourself socially isolated and withdrawn.Depression left untreated can only get worse, and oftentimes will lead to other complications. It is essential that if you feel depressed or meet this criteria, you seek treatment from a trusted healthcare provider. There are lots of treatment options available for depression, and relief from symptoms can be found.[1]
What are the physical symptoms of depression?
Dramatic Weight Loss/Weight Gain – Depression may bring about a change in appetite, which can lead to either sudden weight loss or weight gain. Some research also indicates a link between depression and disease like diabetes.
Pain – Depression is stuck in a vicious cycle with chronic pain. Depression tends to cause chronic pain, which then only worsens the depression, and so on and so forth.
Heart Disease – Sudden weight gain and the lack of motivation found in depression may lead to an unhealthy lifestyle that results in heart disease.[2]
What are the risk factors for depression?
Everyone will experience bouts of sadness throughout their lifetime, but depression is usually triggered by challenging or traumatic events. Difficult events may challenge your sense of self-worth or bring on unneeded stress. Traumatic events may include:
Debilitating or serious illness
Long-term or chronic health conditions
Serious injury
Loss of job
Problems in your relationships
Family troubles
The death of a close friend or family member[3]
You can not control how you feel, but you can control whether you get treatment or not. There is no shame in finding treatment for depression, and ignoring the symptoms of your depression may only make them worse with time.
Ketamine Infusions for The Treatment of Depression
An innovative new treatment option, Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been found to provide rapid relief from depression and anxiety when infused at a low dose. The FDA has recently approved Esketamine, a nasal spray comprised of a compound based on Ketamine, for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Research indicates that Ketamine stimulates the regrowth of synapses within the brain, essentially rewiring the parts of the brain that may be causing distress. Ketamine is also available as an infusion. Some researchers maintain a 75% success rate when treating those suffering from depression or anxiety with Ketamine Infusions.[4]
[1] “Depression and Daily Life | Anxiety and Depression ….” https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/depression-and-daily-life. Accessed 31 Oct. 2019.
[2] “How does depression affect the body? – Medical News Today.” 9 Jul. 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322395.php. Accessed 31 Oct. 2019.
[3] “Depression (major depressive disorder) – Symptoms and ….” 3 Feb. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007. Accessed 31 Oct. 2019.
[4] “Ketamine research reports 75pc success rate in treatment of ….” 21 Jan. 2015, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-21/ketamine-hailed-as-new-treatment-for-long-term-depression/6032306. Accessed 31 Oct. 2019.
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