Depression

Depression which is the common cold in mind

Depression is a disease of the brain that anyone can easily get. In other words, it can be called the common cold in mind.
If you miss the right timing for treatment of a cold, it can develop to a severe disease. Similarly, the depression can be cured,
but it can be a severe disease which may lead to suicide if it is not treated. 10~25% of women and 5~12% of men may
experience the symptoms of depression for a lifetime. It has been known that only 4~6% is diagnosed as major depression,
which is half level. Since people experience significant discomfort and disorder with mild depression which is not diagnosed
as major depression, it is recommended to get treatment as soon as possible. However, less than 10% of those who have
mild depression recognize symptom of depression as the disease and get treatment.


Causes

  • There are a variety of causes of depression. The most important thing is the change in brain function. Various personal and
    social causes induce the depression, but imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine which are neurotransmitters between
    nerve cells in the brain finally causes the depression.
  • Therefore, a lot of medication is used to treat depression. These drugs regulate the activity of these neurotransmitters to
    improve depressed mood and energy.
  • Stress also affects the depression. Variety of good and bad stress, financial problems, and life events such as interpersonal
    relationships play an important role to cause the depression.
  • Physical disease also affects depression. Physical diseases such as thyroid disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer cause
    the depression. Depression may cause these physical diseases or worsen them.
  • In addition, alcohol or other drugs affect it. For example, depression typically encourages drinking, and drinking strengthens
    depression again which leads to a vicious cycle.

Symptoms

  • Depressed mood, sad thinking and worry which are repetitive and difficult to get out of it
  • Decreased interest in their favorite activities
  • Cumbersome and annoying sense in everything
  • Negative thoughts about the future and idea in which I am useless
  • Cannot sleep or waking up early
  • Changes in appetite such as loss of appetite or binge
  • Reduced concentration
  • Agitation, anxiety and tension
  • Memory loss and fatigue
  • Decrease in sexual libido
  • Physical symptoms include as headache, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, dizziness, vomiting or nausea.

Treatments

  • Medication therapy

    Various antidepressants which regulate activities of
    neurotransmitters in the brain are used. It takes 3~6 weeks
    to show the effects. This duration is the time to restore
    the brain functions back to normal. In addition, drugs should
    be maintained for at least 6~12 months to prevent the
    recurrence after it is improved. Antidepressants are effective
    for anxiety, depression, tension reduction and quality of sleep.
    It does not have addictive side effects and side effects are
    usually slight. If you find the side effect, you can stop taking
    the drug and change it. You would not have any problems.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

    it is the counseling technique to develop methods to change
    negative thoughts about themselves, environment and future
    which patients with depression have and encourage them
    to find the positive thoughts by themselves and handle
    the current problems.

  • Psychotherapy

    It is done with medication therapy. Counseling for
    psychosocial stress or mental inner conflict, interpersonal
    problems, and personal characteristics is carried out.

To Overcome Depression

  • Patient’s efforts

    • pleasant mind and positive thinking
    • Regular exercise: aerobic exercise for 30 minutes or more three times a week
    • Healthy meals: water, fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins and mineral supplements
    • Regular sleeping habits
    • Vigorous outdoor activities
    • Ongoing counseling with friends, family members and professionals
  • The efforts of family members and friends

    • Describe that it is not a simple depression but a disease to be treated, and help him/her to get treated.
    • Have some time to take a walk together in order to get the sunlight
    • Sufficiently listen to patient and sympathize with him/her
    • Do not criticize the symptoms and be careful not to give premature advice or pressure
    • If the suicide is mentioned, let him consult with professionals.
    • Since it is highly likely to recur if treatment for depression is stopped when it is improved, encourage him/her
      to maintain the treatment.