Major Depression
One of the more severe forms of depression is major depression, sometimes called clinical depression. Major or clinical depression results in consistent feelings of pessimism, low mood, irritability, fatigue and often suicidal feelings.
Major depression is a common illness, one that is very important however, to treat in its earliest stages. Without proper care, people with major depression may commit suicide or lead unfulfilling lives. There are many treatments however, both traditional and unconventional, that can help patients with major depression overcome their sadness.
Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Major Depression
Since no two people are alike, not everyone will experience clinical depression the same way. Most people will have some symptoms in common. These may include:
- Chronic mood changes, usually from anxious to sad or from lethargic to irritable.
- Crying often whether one feels good or bad, or for no apparent reason.
- Feeling like there is no point to life or losing interest in favored activities and social commitments.
- Having thoughts of suicide or wondering what the purpose of one's life is.
- Feeling anxious and worried chronically.
People with major depression may find they have trouble maintaining relationships with others, especially intimate ones. They may get angry at others that ask them to "snap" out of it, because this is not usually possible when someone has major depression.
Major depression can be episodic, meaning it may occur one time or a few times during one's life, or chronic, where one feels depressed most of the time. The frequency with which one experiences major depression will often impact treatment.
Most doctors prescribe many different treatments, often tailored to the person's individual symptoms and needs. For example, major depression among women may manifest as postpartum depression, occurring in the weeks following delivery of their baby. In cases like this, antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy may be necessary to help a mother recover her sense of wellness.
Other patients may experience major depression at various times of the year, especially during the winter months. Doctors often label this form of major depression Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD for short. Treatment may include the use of a special light that provides natural light to improve one's mood and stabilize a person's circadian or internal sleep and waking patterns.
Sometimes major depression is triggered by health conditions including chronic insomnia. In cases like this a doctor may want to treat the insomnia, or uncover the cause of insomnia and treat it before prescribing medications to treat depression.
Coping with Depression
Many doctors believe biochemical imbalances contribute to depression. These may result from poor lifestyle habits, like eating fast foods, drinking too much and smoking. You can do much to improve your health by changing these habits.
Some research suggests incorporating more essential fatty acids into your diet, which feed the brain and help some patients feel better. Foods containing high levels of essential fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon, flax seed and nut butters. It is important you evaluate your diet and lifestyle so you feel better faster.
Exercise can also help, by boosting endorphins and levels of "feel good" chemicals in the brain. While you may not "feel" like exercising, most studies confirm some exercise does lead to lasting mood changes and improvements.
Your doctor can work with you to recommend positive lifestyle changes to help you overcome depression. You may also consider joining a local or online support group, or attending group therapy, so you can talk about your worries, frustrations and successes with other like-minded people.