Depression: Symptoms and Treatment

Depression may be treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or both. People suffering from mild to moderate depression can benefit from individual therapy. Aerobic exercise is occasionally advised as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. Medications and therapy are usually more effective for people with severe depression. It's worth noting that after you start treatment, you may see improvements in symptoms like sleep or appetite before you start feeling less depressed.

Fremont, CA: Many people associate depression with excruciating melancholy or a deep darkness that refuses to go away. However, depression can be cunning, manifesting in symptoms that are difficult to detect. If you have unexplainable aches or pains, are frequently agitated or furious for no apparent reason, or cry at the drop of a hat, you may be depressed.

Fortunately, you can adopt a proactive approach to depression.

Depression symptoms involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptyness, as well as a loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities.

Not all experience the same signs and symptoms of depression. In truth, depression may affect men and women differently. When depressed, women are more likely to describe feelings of sadness, remorse, or worthlessness.

Men are more prone to feeling tired, furious, impatient, and agitated and frequently experience sleep problems. A man may be less interested in hobbies, pastimes, or sex. They may overwork themselves to avoid discussing their feelings with friends and relatives. Men may also be more likely to engage in risky behavior and use drugs or alcohol to cope with depression. Some guys with depression may become abusive. More women attempt suicide than men, but males are more likely to finish the act; nearly four times as many men die by suicide as women.

Many guys refuse to admit their depression or its symptoms. They are unwilling to acknowledge that something is wrong or express their emotions. However, treatment can help both men and women recover.

Certain drugs and physical issues, such as thyroid problems, can produce depressive symptoms, so your doctor may want to rule these out. If your doctor suspects you have depression, they may treat it and assist you in managing your symptoms, or they may refer you to a mental health specialist.

Depression may be treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or both. People suffering from mild to moderate depression can benefit from individual therapy. Aerobic exercise is occasionally advised as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. Medications and therapy are usually more effective for people with severe depression. It's worth noting that after you start treatment, you may see improvements in symptoms like sleep or appetite before you start feeling less depressed.

Antidepressants function by changing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals, as well as nerve cell pathways or circuits that govern mood. Many people who take antidepressants find that they effectively treat their depression. However, seeing results can take four to six weeks, so be patient. Antidepressants can occasionally cause adverse effects such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Finding the correct drug that works for you and has the fewest adverse effects may take a while. If a first antidepressant isn't working well enough, your doctor may add a second prescription to strengthen its effect or switch to a different medication that may work better.