The consequences of depression if not treated will end. Protracted depression symptoms and treatment. Elimination of external stimuli
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Treatment for depression
In treatment depression allocate methods of active and preventive therapy. Active therapy is aimed at stopping the symptoms of the disease during an attack of depression. The goal of preventive therapy is to prolong the achieved remission. At the same time, according to the nature of the impact, they distinguish drug treatment and psychotherapy.
Medical treatment for depression
Drugs called antidepressants are used in the treatment of depression. Anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics) and mood stabilizers (mood stabilizers) are also sometimes used.The most preferred are antidepressants, which are prescribed both during the period of active treatment and after. There are several groups of these drugs, which differ both in chemical formula and principle of action, and in the effect produced.
There are first and second generation antidepressants.
First generation antidepressants
These include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The mechanism of action of TCAs is based on blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine). In this case, the concentration of these mediators accumulates in the synaptic cleft. Drugs from this group are effective in severe, resistant depression. Their effectiveness reaches more than 70 percent, which explains why they remain reserve drugs. TCAs are used when other antidepressants are not clinically effective. However, treatment with these drugs is accompanied by numerous side effects (negative effects on the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract). In addition, TCAs do not combine well with other drugs, which limits their use.
MAO inhibitors block an enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of the main mediators of the nervous tissue. As a result, neurotransmitters do not break down, but accumulate in the synaptic cleft. Currently, this group of drugs is used extremely rarely due to serious side effects(for example, a hypertensive crisis) and the diet that must be followed while taking these drugs.
Second generation antidepressants
This group includes agents with high neurochemical selectivity. This means that they selectively act on a certain type of neurotransmitter. So, there are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (mianserin). The effectiveness of these drugs is much lower, and therefore they are used for mild to moderate severity. However, they are much easier to tolerate and produce fewer side effects.
However, most of the newest drugs have recently been banned due to the fact that their inversion effect has been proven. This means that some drugs from this group can provoke suicidal behavior. The maximum risk of such a side effect is observed in the younger generation.
Stages of treatment for depression
There are several stages in the treatment of depression.First stage
One antidepressant is prescribed in an average therapeutic dose, as a rule, from the group of SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors). This may be fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine. In the absence of positive dynamics within 2-3 weeks, the next step is to increase the dose of the antidepressant to the maximum. In parallel, drugs from the category of nootropics or stimulants are prescribed.
Second phase
If there is no improvement after increasing the dose of the drug, then a change in the antidepressant is recommended. It is recommended to choose a drug from a group with a similar mechanism of action, while remaining within the same group. It is not recommended to change the drug from the SSRI group to TCAs or MAO inhibitors.
Third stage
In the absence of positive dynamics at the second stage, a transition from monotherapy (treatment with one drug) to combination therapy (treatment with several drugs) is recommended. It is most commonly a combination of two antidepressants, or an antidepressant and a tranquilizer. In severe endogenous depression, a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics is recommended.
Fourth stage
It involves the use of electroconvulsive therapy. This method is carried out in the case of depression, which turned out to be resistant to pharmacotherapy.
After the relief of a depressive episode, they move on to the stage of maintenance therapy. This stage consists in continuing to take antidepressants, the dose of which is set individually. It is necessary to know that premature termination of treatment leads to a relapse (re-exacerbation) of depression in 50 percent of cases. Maintenance therapy should last at least six months.
Pills for depression
In the treatment of depression, tablet forms of drugs are most often used. In rare cases, an intravenous drip of an antidepressant is taken.The main drugs used in the treatment of depression
Drug group | Representatives and their average therapeutic and maximum doses | Most Common Side Effects |
SSRIs
(Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) |
| Sexual dysfunction in the form of weakened erection, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia. |
SNRI
(Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) |
| |
SNRIs
(Selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors) |
| |
MAO-A inhibitors
(Monoamine oxidase type A inhibitors) |
| Sleep disorders, irritability, visual disturbances, nausea, stool disorder. |
TCA (Tricyclic antidepressants) |
| increased blood pressure, changes in the blood picture. |
Also, drugs from other groups are used in the treatment of depression. Most often, these are sleeping pills, tranquilizers and nootropics. The use of sleeping pills is disputed by experts in this field. Insomnia is considered by many to be a symptom of depression that disappears with proper treatment of the disorder itself. Sleeping pills only eliminate insomnia, but not the disease itself. Tranquilizers are anti-anxiety drugs that come to the rescue with severe anxiety. Nootropics are also successfully used - neurometabolic stimulants that are designed to stimulate the brain.
Drugs from other groups used in the treatment of depression
Drug group | Representatives | How to apply? |
tranquilizers (anti-anxiety agents) |
| Diazepam 2.5 mg ( half a tablet) twice a day. Lorazepam 2 - 4 mg per day. Alprazolam 0.5 mg two to three times a day. |
Sleeping pills |
| Andante half a tablet 5 mg) half an hour before bedtime. Somnol Half a tablet 15 minutes before bedtime. |
Nootropics |
| Mexidol administered intramuscularly in one ampoule ( 100 mg) once or twice a day. Bilobil used two tablets per day. Noofen applied at 250 - 500 mg ( one or two tablets) per day. The dose is divided into 3 doses. |
Psychotherapy for depression
Psychotherapy is an essential step in the treatment of depression. Depending on the form and severity of the disorder, psychotherapeutic methods can be used alone or in combination with drug therapy.Exists a large number of methods of psychotherapy. The optimal technique is selected individually for each patient, depending on the causes that caused depression. Also, the choice of a psychotherapeutic method is influenced by such factors as the severity of symptoms, the general condition of the patient and the presence of other diseases.
Regardless of the method chosen, the goal of psychotherapy is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease and return the patient to his usual way of life. Also, the treatment allows the patient to develop self-help skills and identify signs of relapse (repeated exacerbation of the disease). This allows the patient to successfully resist depression after the end of treatment.
The most common methods of psychotherapy for depression are:
- cognitive behavioral therapy;
- interpersonal therapy;
- psychodynamic therapy;
- existential therapy;
- gestalt therapy.
The basic principle of this method of treatment is the assertion that the feelings, thoughts and actions of a person are closely related. Correction of one of these areas leads to positive changes in the others. A distinctive feature of cognitive behavioral therapy is the fact that the treatment does not require the identification of the causes that provoked depression. Using various techniques, the therapist identifies, analyzes and corrects the patient's erroneous beliefs. As a result, the patient's thinking changes, which allows him to cope with situations that previously seemed insurmountable to him.
The skills that the patient acquires during this therapy are:
- tracking your own negative thoughts and beliefs;
- recognizing the connection between destructive thoughts, emotions and behavior;
- developing true and realistic beliefs;
- application of acquired knowledge in practice.
The principle of this method of psychotherapy is based on improving the relationship of the patient with the outside world. Interpersonal therapy is most effective in cases where depression is provoked by factors such as divorce, problems in relationships with the opposite sex or with children. Often this method is used when the cause of the disorder is the loss of a social role due to retirement, job loss, severe trauma. In the process of treatment, the patient acquires the skills to solve problems with loved ones, learns to develop and maintain communication with his surroundings. Most often, interpersonal therapy is carried out in the form of a group, when not only the patient, but also members of his family take part in the treatment.
Psychodynamic Therapy
The task of this type of psychotherapy is to establish a connection between the patient's past and the depression that disturbs him. Often the cause of the disorder is feelings and regrets about the events that have occurred. Often the role of trigger factors for depression are traumas suffered in childhood, or mistakes made in youth. In the course of treatment, the therapist helps the patient change his attitude towards the past and teaches him to perceive the present correctly.
existential therapy
This method of psychotherapy is based on the assertion that a person's life consists of a number of internal conflicts and his task is to resolve them. Experiencing a negative experience, a person reconsiders the meaning of life and finds new ways for his development. Depression in existential therapy is seen as a necessary stage in the loss of life priorities, leading to the acquisition of new values. The task of the therapist is to bring the patient to the realization that if he is “stuck” at the current stage of his life and does not let go of the problem, he will not be able to rise to the next stage of his development. Existential therapy is most preferable for cases in which depression develops against the background of age-related crises and problems associated with a change in lifestyle, the transition to new job, a decrease in social significance.
Gestalt therapy
In this type of psychotherapy, depression is seen as a consequence of the patient's unmet needs. According to Gestalt therapy, the human body has a system of self-regulation, which is why it independently copes with emerging disorders. In the absence of the ability to satisfy any of their needs, an incomplete gestalt is formed. The accumulation of a large number of unclosed gestalts leads to the fact that the mechanism of self-regulation fails and depression develops. In the process of treatment, the doctor determines exactly which unmet needs of the patient led to the disease, and works to close the gestalts.
How to get out of depression on your own?
In some forms of depression, you can get rid of it yourself, without resorting to the use of drugs.Actions to combat depression are:
- determining the cause of depression;
- analysis of identified causes;
- elimination of factors that cause depression;
- dealing with destructive beliefs;
- auto-trainings.
In order to get out of depression on your own, you need to determine the cause of this disorder. It can be as a specific event (divorce, dismissal, death loved one), as well as a combination of several factors. To establish the cause of depression, it is necessary to analyze all significant aspects of life (work, personal relationships, friends). To make the analysis more effective, it is recommended to keep a special diary in which you need to record your own thoughts and reflections. In the future, the diary can be used to record ongoing measures to eliminate depression.
Keeping a diary is an easy but patient method. Notes should be made daily, describing in detail the situations that worsened the patient's condition. It is necessary to record both emotional (increased apathy, irritability) and physical changes (joint pain, muscle tension). Analysis of records will help to understand what circumstances, and in what place (at work or at home) are the primary causes of depression.
Analysis of the causes of depression
When identifying the underlying causes of a depressive disorder, it is necessary to analyze their nature and take measures to eliminate them. Conventionally, all trigger (provoking) factors of depression are divided into two groups.
The first category includes reasons that a person cannot eliminate on his own (death of a loved one, unfavorable situation in the country, despotic boss). In such cases, in order to get out of depression on your own, it is recommended to change your attitude towards these circumstances. Auto-training and work on certain character traits are effective.
The second category of causes of depression includes circumstances that a person can partially or completely change on their own.
Eliminate factors that cause depression
When identifying the causes of a depressive disorder that can be eliminated on their own, it is necessary to work to eliminate them. In most cases, factors of this kind are often interrelated and have a complex effect that contributes to the development of depression. So, worries about appearance lead to self-doubt and problems with the opposite sex. Difficulties in relationships can also be influenced by selfishness, the desire for dominance, and other traits of the patient's character.
The routine at the workplace causes a loss of interest in work, which entails professional unfulfillment and financial insolvency. On the other hand, material problems can be the result of extravagance or inability to plan a budget. Therefore, the correction of the factors that cause depression requires an objective and integrated approach from the patient.
Dealing with destructive beliefs
According to experts, many patients with depression have common character traits. Therefore, when fighting this disorder on your own, you also need to work with the mental aspects of the personality. When identifying attitudes contributing to depression, measures should be taken to correct them.
Common personality traits of people prone to depression are:
- Perfectionism. A person who is determined to receive only the ideal result rarely receives satisfaction in life and is constantly in a state of tension.
- polar thinking. These people think on an all-or-nothing basis. They only recognize gold medals (not silver or bronze), "excellent" grades (not "good" or "satisfactory").
- Pathological sense of duty. Individuals with this trait are constantly convinced that they owe something to someone (be a good mother, a sympathetic friend, a first-class professional).
- Catastrophization. This trait is expressed in a tendency to exaggerate the significance of negative events. For example, a child with a bad grade can be regarded as his complete incapacity in learning, which entails the absence of any professional prospects.
Autotraining is an effective tool in cases where the patient cannot influence the causes of depression. Auto-training is an exercise during which the patient independently enters a state close to a trance. This state is achieved at the moment of maximum muscular and mental (mental) relaxation. Then, against the background of such an altered consciousness, certain attitudes are introduced, which subsequently change the personality of a patient with depression. In other words, auto-training is an independent coding of the psyche in order to get rid of negative emotions and thoughts.
Rules for conducting auto-training
It is necessary to conduct auto-training in a comfortable environment, limiting the influence of external factors that can interrupt the session. To do this, turn off the phone and other means of communication, and also make sure that no one at home is distracting. The posture of the body can be any. The main thing is that the position of the body does not interfere with relaxing the muscles and does not cause inconvenience.
Having taken a comfortable position, it is necessary to distract from extraneous thoughts and relax the muscles. To achieve complete relaxation, mental affirmative formulations should be used.
Examples of affirmative statements are:
- I feel a pleasant heaviness all over my body;
- my arms and legs are getting heavy, I can feel it;
- I feel warmth in my right palm (or any other part of the body);
- I feel my forehead getting cool.
The next stage of auto-training is the pronunciation of various commands (affirmations), the purpose of which is to eliminate the depressive mood. The structure of the commands and the words used can be different and are selected individually depending on the cause that caused the depression. The meaning of affirmations comes down to the formation of self-confidence, a positive outlook on work, personal relationships and other circumstances.
So, people who suffer from a lack of attention of the opposite sex will benefit from statements that increase their self-esteem and significance.
Examples of affirmations for depression due to problems in personal life, are:
- I am attractive / attractive;
- I am confident / confident in my charm;
- I am successful with men/women;
- I am loved / loved.
Examples of such settings are:
- I am satisfied/satisfied with my life;
- I stop worrying about my future;
- I get rid of negative thoughts.
The basis of successful auto-training is the regularity of the sessions and the perseverance of the patient. Quite often, having achieved complete relaxation, a person falls asleep without having time to move on to affirmations. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to take a sitting posture, and exercise in the morning or during the day.
How to deal with depression and stress?
Stress is the main cause of depression, regardless of gender and age of the patient. Therefore, in order to cope with depression, it is necessary to develop such a quality as stress resistance. This skill is expressed in the ability to survive various negative situations without much damage to one's own health, relationships with others and other aspects of life. An equally important point in the fight against depression is the ability to eliminate stressful factors or limit their influence. Steps to help manage depression and stress include:
- improvement physical condition;
- elimination of external stimuli;
- proper stress management.
Improvement in physical condition
The physical condition of a person has a direct impact on his mood and emotional background. Lack of proper rest, fatigue, weakened muscle tone make the body more susceptible to stress and depression. Therefore, the first step in the fight against this disorder is the correction of those aspects of life that lead to an unsatisfactory physical condition.Measures to normalize the physical condition of a person are:
- timely and complete rest;
- proper nutrition;
- physical activity;
- therapy of somatic (bodily) pathologies.
Depression deprives a person not only of mood, but also of physical strength. At the time of the struggle with this disorder, the body must be given the opportunity to restore resources. Performing daily duties at work and at home requires a lot of effort. Therefore, for a certain period, some changes should be made to the daily routine in order to allocate time for rest. At the same time, one should not encourage one's own passive behavior and idleness. Rest in depression means doing those things that bring pleasure and allow you to restore the body's reserves.
- relaxing baths;
- performing self-massage;
- conducting meditations;
- listening to soothing music;
- hobby;
- cosmetic procedures (at home or in a specialized institution).
Rational use of physical resources in the workplace will help the distribution of cases. For the first half, it is recommended to plan larger and more important tasks, since during this period the body has more strength. During the working day, you need to take a break for lunch, and when working at a computer, take a break every 2 to 3 hours.
Proper nutrition
Hunger is a significant stress factor. Therefore, to cope with depression, care should be taken to ensure that the diet is complete and varied. The daily menu should include required amount proteins (1.5 grams per 1 kilogram of weight), fats (about 100 grams for women and 130 grams for men) and carbohydrates (from 300 to 500 grams, depending on the level of physical activity).
Without fail, during a period of depression, strict diets should be abandoned, as they greatly deplete the body. Many patients with this disorder develop various appetite disorders. Both refusal of food and overeating only exacerbate the condition of a person. Therefore, in stressful situations, it is necessary to control the quality and quantity of food consumed in order to provide the body with all the necessary elements.
Physical activity
Adequate level of physical activity is a must in order to cope with depression. If possible, it is recommended to enroll in a gym or any sports section. Morning runs and/or evening walks can be an alternative. In addition to the systematic performance of certain exercises (walking, jogging), it is recommended to increase energy expenditure during the day. When sedentary, you need to do a small 10-minute exercise every 1 to 2 hours (arm swings, squats, jumps). You can also perform household chores to rhythmic music, walk more, refuse the elevator.
Therapy of somatic (bodily) pathologies
Pain is a stress factor that provokes irritability, anger, discontent. In addition, physiological discomfort makes a person worry and worry about their own future. Therefore, in order to cope with depression, time should be devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of existing diseases.
Elimination of external stimuli
Often, one or more minor external stimuli that a person can eliminate on their own act as a factor accompanying a stressful state. Therefore, in order to cope with stress, it is necessary to take measures to limit the influence of such factors or eliminate them completely. Often, significant improvements in depression can be achieved by organizing a comfortable work or bed. Such moments as an uncomfortable mattress or poor-quality lighting, affecting a person from day to day, can significantly worsen his condition.Examples of external stimuli are:
- dripping faucet;
- drafts, cold;
- protruding furniture corners;
- inconvenient location of office equipment;
- increased noise level in the room.
Proper stress management
Many causes of stress cannot be completely eliminated or prevented. Therefore, in order to cope with depression, it is necessary to develop a tolerant attitude towards stress factors.Steps to help deal with stress include:
- analysis of the situation and change of attitude towards it;
- getting rid of negative emotions;
- building optimism.
In many cases, a person's response to stressors is exaggerated. To understand the true meaning of the event, it is recommended to analyze the situation. To do this, use special questions.
Questions to help analyze the situation are:
- what are the real consequences of the event?
- What would happen if the event had not happened?
- What are the names of the emotions I'm experiencing?
- What is my true role in what happened?
- Was it in my power to change the situation?
- what would be the best outcome for me?
Getting rid of negative emotions
Some conflict situations require a person not to show true emotions. Constant suppression of anger serves as a favorable environment for the development of depression. Unspoken dissatisfaction or anger does not disappear, but accumulates, gradually destroying a person’s mental health. Therefore, after a conversation with superiors or another situation in which you had to restrain yourself, you should get rid of negative emotions.
Ways to get rid of negative emotions are:
- A diary. By rewriting a traumatic event on paper, a person thus transfers negative emotions to the outside world and gets rid of them.
- Punching bag. Instead of a pear, a pillow or a rolled up blanket can be used. It is necessary to beat the pear until physical fatigue sets in.
- Scream. To conduct this exercise, you need to draw on a piece of paper a person or an event that caused negative emotions. After that, you need to hang the drawing at eye level and express your true opinion in a loud voice, turning to shouting.
According to experts, people with a pessimistic attitude are more likely to experience stressful events and are more prone to depression. Fixation on the negative aspects of life and one's personality provokes constant anxiety and an unsatisfied state. Therefore, in order to cope with stress, you need to learn to distinguish not only negative, but also positive aspects.
- praise yourself even for small achievements;
- do not blame others for your failures;
- avoid communicating with whiners;
- don't live in the past;
- watch humorous programs;
- listen to classical music;
- smile more;
- take care of appearance;
- perceive problems as a new experience;
- don't blame yourself for your mistakes.
Effects of depression
According to experts, by 2020 depression will take a leading place among all other diseases. She will get ahead cardiovascular diseases and oncological diseases. Today, depression is the leading cause of absenteeism and disability. The main problem is that it affects the young promising generation. The most terrible consequence that depression can lead to is suicidal behavior. It is believed that more than 80 percent of depressed patients have thoughts of committing suicide. A quarter of them attempt at least one suicide attempt. The statistics of suicide today are frightening. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 800,000 people worldwide commit suicide every year. According to other sources, this figure exceeds more than 1,000,000. This is due to the fact that many countries, of course, are trying to hide the statistics and downplay the data. The number of suicide attempts is equated to 15,000,000. The female sex tries to commit suicide 4 times more often than the male. At the same time, men are 4 times more likely to commit completed suicides. A large percentage of these data is occupied by the teenage generation. Among people aged 17 to 30, suicide is the second leading cause of death.
The risk group includes those people among whose relatives there have already been suicide attempts. The likelihood of suicidal thoughts increases when experienced physical or sexual violence, the death of a loved one, the presence of drug or alcohol addiction.
According to WHO, from 60 to 70 percent of 800,000 people are people with affective (emotional) disorders, that is, suffering various types depressions. At the same time, depressed patients not only have the greatest suicidal tendency, but also the highest percentage of completed suicides. Thus, we can say that the problem of suicide is the problem of depression. Despite all these data, only one in four who committed suicide receives professional medical care after that.
What causes depression?
Prolonged depression leads to a decrease in the patient's quality of life. Violations occur in the personal, professional and social spheres of life. The lack of adequate treatment changes for the worse the patient's attitude both to himself and to the reality around him.Problems caused by depression are:
- deterioration in appearance;
- decrease in working capacity;
- relationship difficulties;
- sexual disorders;
- social isolation.
depression leads to various negative changes at the physiological level. Because of this, patients begin to lose hair, skin condition worsens, and weight problems arise. In this case, a person loses the incentive to monitor his appearance. All this leads to the fact that as the disease progresses, the appearance of a patient with a depressive disorder ceases to meet generally accepted evaluation criteria.
This effect of depression is most evident in women. Representatives of the weaker sex cease to pay attention to the choice of clothes, hairstyle, manicure. Lack of interest in life and a depressed mood leads to the fact that over time the patient ceases to follow even the basic rules of self-care. Wrinkled and inappropriate clothes, unwashed and sloppily collected hair, lack of makeup - this is a standard description of the appearance of a person with prolonged depression.
Decreased performance
With depression, the physical resources of the body are depleted, so it becomes harder to perform functional duties at work or at home. At patients concentration of attention decreases, memory worsens, block appears. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the patient has no desire to work. This leads to the fact that the quality of the work performed is significantly reduced. This behavior affects income levels, often leading to demotion or job loss.
Difficulties in relationships
Decreased need for communication is one of the symptoms of depression. Lack of interest in close people and their problems leads to problems in relationships with the environment. Inability to perform household duties and indifference to family members often leads to serious conflicts, some of which end in divorce.
Protracted depression in adults (more so in women) often affects relationships with children. In addition to difficulties in communication, parental depression leads to serious disorders of the child's psyche. Such children are more prone to various emotional disorders, difficult to adapt, withdraw into themselves. Failure to fulfill parental responsibilities negatively affects the child's academic performance and behavior.
Sexual Disorders
Intimacy problems are a common comorbid factor in depression. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is a reduced level of the hormone in the body, which enhances sexual attraction(dopamine). Also, the suppression of sexual activity is influenced by low self-esteem and other manifestations of this disorder. During sexual intercourse, a patient with depression does not receive full satisfaction, which also negatively affects the quality of intimate life.
social isolation
Depression leads to the fact that the patient's social circle narrows significantly. Such patients stop attending sports sections, do not come to friends' birthdays, do not take part in corporate events at work. The circle of communication is limited in two ways. On the one hand, the patient interrupts previous contacts and stops meeting new people. On the other hand, due to the lack of sincere interest in the environment and obsession with themselves, colleagues and acquaintances themselves interrupt communication with such people.
Prevention of depression
People who are in good health, physically fit, and have an active social life are less likely to develop a depressive disorder than others. Therefore, the prevention of depression is based on maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Depression prevention measures include:
- healthy rest;
- playing sports;
- relaxation.
Healthy rest
Lack of timely and proper rest depletes a person's reserves and makes him more susceptible to depression. The most complete recovery of the body occurs during a night's sleep. Therefore, an important preventive measure for this disorder is to provide conditions for quality sleep.The rules of healthy rest are:
- Purification of consciousness. Many people tend to analyze the past day before going to bed, focusing on mistakes made or experienced stressful situations. As a result, the time required to fall asleep increases, and going to bed occurs in a depressed state. Therefore, one of the effective measures against depression is the rejection of negative thoughts and reflections before going to bed.
- Relaxing baths. Taking a bath before bed can help relieve physical stress and help you fall asleep faster. In order for water procedures to contribute to relaxation, the water temperature should not be higher than 37 degrees. It is necessary to take a bath 20-30 minutes before bedtime. You can increase the effectiveness of the bath by adding infusion of chamomile, lavender, linden to the water.
- Refusal of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks stimulate the function nervous system Therefore, 2 hours before bedtime, alcohol should be excluded. Strong black or green tea, coffee, tobacco products have a similar effect on the body.
- Drinking herbal tea or milk. Chamomile or mint tea will help you relax and fall asleep faster. Promotes rapid falling asleep warm milk with honey. To make the drink work faster, it is recommended to drink it slowly and through a straw. This is because when a person sucks, a natural reflex is triggered, and he falls asleep faster.
- Listening to music. For a quality night's rest for 2-3 hours before going to bed, it is recommended to stop watching TV or spending time at the computer. You can replace these activities by listening to calm music. According to numerous studies, classical music has a pronounced therapeutic effect. So, the music of Wolfgang Mozart helps to lower blood pressure and normalize the pulse, which helps to fall asleep faster.
- Walking before bed. It is necessary to walk in the fresh air 1 - 2 hours before going to bed. Before leaving the house, it is recommended to leave the window in the bedroom open for ventilation.
- Bed preparation. According to statistics, in about 15 percent of cases, the cause of poor sleep is a poorly organized bed. For quality rest, it is recommended to sleep on semi-hard orthopedic mattresses. The pillow should be low, and bed sheets better to choose from natural materials. Colors that promote fast falling asleep are white, blue and green. If you have problems with sleep, psychologists recommend giving up bedding red, yellow and black colors.
Sports
Low self-esteem is one of the common causes of depression. Therefore, sport is effective measure against this disorder. Playing sports helps to improve physical data, which contributes to the acquisition of self-confidence. The systematic exercise allows you not only to escape from disturbing thoughts, but also strengthen immunity, normalize blood pressure. With increased physical activity, endorphins begin to be produced in the human body. This substance is called the hormone of happiness, as it improves mood.What sport is suitable for a depressed person?
With a tendency to depression, it is recommended to play sports in a group, because communication with other people allows you to quickly cope with the disorder. Therefore, if possible, you should enroll in a gym or sports section. The optimal sports for depression are aerobics, sports dancing, and yoga. If circumstances do not allow visiting specialized sports facilities, then jogging, exercises, and complex exercises will be useful.
Rules for doing exercises for depression
In order for sports to be effective and help resist depression, it is recommended to follow some rules.
The rules for performing physical exercises for depression are as follows:
- The main criterion that the chosen activity must meet is the pleasure received by the patient in the process of its implementation.
- It is necessary to go in for sports systematically, 2-3 times a week.
- With independent studies, you should start with small workouts in duration and intensity. Gradually, it is necessary to increase the load, while controlling the physical condition.
- Sports should not cause heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache. The only acceptable feeling is a slight fatigue in the muscles.
- To record your own achievements (weight loss, decrease or increase in body volume), it is recommended to keep a diary. It should also note missed workouts, well-being after sports and other points.
Relaxation
Relaxation is one or more actions aimed at getting rid of physical and / or mental stress. Relaxation techniques can help you deal with a particular stressful event more easily. Having relaxed in time, a person will be able to more objectively assess the stress factor and control their emotions about it. An adequate response to stressful circumstances is an effective preventive measure for depression. Relaxation is also recommended to eliminate general tension at the end of the working day.There are many methods that allow you to eliminate muscle and emotional tension. They can be used individually or in combination. Best way relaxation is determined individually.
Relaxation methods are:
- breathing techniques (breathing and exhaling according to a certain system);
- visualization (presentation of images that have a calming effect);
- audio relaxation (listening to soothing music);
- autogenic training (self-hypnosis with the help of special formulas);
- relaxation according to Jacobson (alternate tension and relaxation of body parts).
This disease has been known since the time of Hippocrates, and an experienced psychotherapist will tell you how to get rid of it.
During prolonged depression, there is a decrease in self-esteem, and there is also a loss of interest in life and the usual routine.
In certain situations, a sick person is predisposed to alcohol, nicotine or other types of addiction. Treatment and causes are varied.
Symptoms of the course of the disease
Depressive symptoms are divided into main and additional.
In order to confirm the diagnosis, the presence of two main and at least three additional signs is required. The symptoms of chronic depression vary. The main ones are:
- a depressed state that does not depend on situations for a long time (14 days or more);
- loss of interest or satisfaction from past activities;
- deeply pronounced fatigue and lack of strength, manifested by the invariability of this state (for example, within 30 days).
Additional symptoms of the disease:
- doom, sadness;
- feelings of guilt, meaninglessness, confusion, panic and fear;
- excessive self-criticism;
- inability to concentrate and find a way out of the situation;
- thoughts of death and suicide;
- loss of appetite, marked decrease or increase in body weight;
- sleep disturbance, manifestation of insomnia or, conversely, a long sleep.
Depression is not more common in children than in adults. Her symptoms:
- loss of appetite;
- sleep problems (nightmares);
- Difficulties in learning that were not noticed before;
- character problems: arrogance or hostility.
For 14 days, 4 or more of the following symptoms may occur:
- depression (children and adolescents may experience irascibility);
- a significant decrease in satisfaction or interest in most activities;
- weight loss and appetite loss (probably increased food cravings and weight gain);
- mental agitation or inhibition;
- decreased activity and increased fatigue;
- a feeling of "worthlessness" and increased self-criticism, as well as an unjustified sense of guilt;
- passivity of thinking or decrease in capacity, concentration of attention;
- suicidal tendencies;
- disruption of the digestive organs;
- decrease in energy, increased fatigue during ordinary physical exercises and intellectual stress, excessive relaxation;
- pain and various unpleasant sensations in the body (for example, heart pain, stomach pain, muscle pain).
Protracted depression appears after a prolonged stressful state, but often without a cause. In this case, a person feels a deterioration in well-being every day. It should be understood that in some people the presence of several signs does not at all indicate the presence of the disease. However, it is important to know how to get out of a protracted depression. The condition is unlikely to be self-limiting and must be treated.
Forms of depression
- Major depressive disorder (major depression) refers to clinical form. During a couple of courses, there is no improvement from treatment with antidepressants.
- Minor depression, in which several typical manifestations persist for more than 14 days.
- atypical form. Simultaneously with the main signs, specific ones are also observed: increased appetite, weight gain, drowsiness, emotionality.
- The postnatal type of pathology develops after childbirth.
- Recurrent transient depression, during which the symptoms make themselves felt no more than once every 30 days for 3 days.
- Dysthymia (considered long term), referring to chronic mood swings. The patient indicates a daily unsatisfactory mood for more than two years.
How the disease manifests itself
At first, neurasthenia, sleep problems, loss of desire to perform daily duties are observed. Symptoms may worsen within 14 days, indicating the onset of the disease. Full manifestation occurs after 60 days or more. One-time attacks are observed.
If the disease is left untreated for a long time, the possibility of a suicide attempt increases. There is a distance from relatives and friends for no apparent reason. Possible neurosis. The duration of the disease is on average from 20 to 32 weeks. The disease brings mental suffering to the person himself and to the people around him. Relatives are not always able to help the sick. Especially when the disease has already developed into a protracted or severe form. A specialist can help. After all, sometimes ignoring pathology can lead to death. You need to contact a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or psychologist.
The main advice of psychologists may be as follows: do not feel sorry for yourself, fight your condition and try to get out of it, come to terms with the cause of depression, get enough sleep.
It is necessary to keep yourself in good shape, exercise if possible and eat right, which is especially necessary for women. Unfortunately, often patients are afraid to go to a specialist in the treatment of psychological problems because of the imaginary adverse effects:
- likely social restrictions;
- universal condemnation if anyone finds out that a person is being seen by a psychiatrist;
- fears of a negative impact on well-being of medicines, which are often based on false ideas about the damage caused by psychotropic drugs.
Ways to treat protracted depression
Methods for treating the disease depend on the condition. As a result, therapy takes place either with full hospitalization, or partially within the walls medical institution. Protracted depression in most cases is treated with the use of pharmacological drugs, psychotherapy and social adaptation. First of all, the patient must abandon the previous way of life, otherwise even the strongest antidepressants will not lead to a positive result.
With pharmacotherapy, stimulating and sedative medications are taken. The former are used for deep depression with manifestations of melancholy and apathy. The appointment of a dosage of drugs such as Clomipramine, Imipramine, Paroxetine, Desipramine, Pyrazidol, Fluoxetine, should be done by a doctor. Sedative drugs are prescribed for a protracted form of anxiety disorder with manifestations such as panic, irritation, suicidal thoughts. Preparations: Lyudiomil, Azafen, Amitriptyline, Coaxil. With mild long-term depression, herbal preparations are used: St. John's wort.
The main thing is not to forget that with the wrong dosage, an aggravation of the disease can be observed. Psychotherapy is considered not a replacement, but a significant addition to drug rehabilitation. Unlike drug therapy, it implies a more active role of the patient in the treatment process and contributes to the development of new skills of emotional self-regulation, which in the future ensures more productive overcoming of critical situations without going into depression.
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Effective measures to combat protracted depression
What is dangerous
Prolonged depression appears after prolonged stress. In this state, a person feels worse every day.
Here are some of the consequences that this condition can lead to:
- Health problems. Depression is, as a rule, a passive way of life, constant nervous tension, lack of desire for healthy eating and sports. More often best friends people in this state are alcohol, cigarettes, drugs. All this inevitably leads to poor health.
- Nervous breakdowns. Pessimism, bad mood, irritability, apathy accumulate negative energy in a person. An excess of these emotions promises a nervous breakdown. And sometimes they have terrible consequences - in a state of such affect, a depressed person can with my own hands create a real disaster.
- Loss of the meaning of life. Depression gradually reduces communication with relatives, friends, everything less people want to provide help, support is shown less and less, self-esteem falls lower and lower. “Why then live if no one needs me?” - sounds in the head of a person who has fallen into depression. The general state of these thoughts is only getting worse.
- Horrible appearance. All of the above in consequence can cause some of the following disadvantages in appearance:
- obesity or, on the contrary, ugly thinness;
- "dull" eyes;
- bags under the eyes;
- fatigue;
- ugly posture (usually stoop);
- unkempt hair, skin;
- for girls - the lack of attractive makeup, manicure;
- bad taste in clothes, etc.
Signs and symptoms
In fact, there are many types of depression. Some are associated with some event (postpartum, a consequence of parting, etc.), others - with age (in a teenager, in older people, after all, a midlife crisis). But the manifestations of this disease are almost always the same.
This condition has the following symptoms:
- constant bad mood;
- tearfulness;
- apathy;
- a feeling of complete misunderstanding (of people and people);
- sleep disorders;
- lack of appetite;
- early fatigue even at low loads;
- decreased sexual desire;
- unwillingness to strive for something;
- increased anxiety, despair;
- distrust of others;
- refusal of someone else's help;
- craving for loneliness;
- low self-esteem;
- loss of interest in everything that happens;
- self-flagellation.
It is important to understand that in some people, the manifestation of some of the signs does not at all indicate the presence of a stressful condition. For them, it is just a character trait and an acceptable way of life for them. In a person who is in prolonged depression, at least 80% of these symptoms can be noted.
How to treat
Psychotherapy
Most likely, a person with prolonged depression will not be able to return to a normal life on their own. There are some professionals working to help manage this condition and other mental disorders.
What are the symptoms of bipolar depression? Read on.
Here is a list of people who have the power to make a significant positive impact:
Everyone works in their own way. Some people get out of despondency with conversations, others with medicines, others with hypnosis, etc. But you need to remember that you should only go to them if you have a sincere and overwhelming desire to cope with a severe form of apathy. Otherwise, the help of doctors, most likely, will be invisible.
Medical treatment
This situation will have to be dealt with with the help of special medicines. Their action is aimed at calming the nervous system, reducing susceptibility to irritating factors.
However, such medications cannot be the only treatment. They are appointed in order to muffle this condition in order to begin more effective follow-up work with the patient.
Please note that some drugs have a number of side effects. You cannot assign them yourself. Only a specialist can choose for you a comprehensive and useful treatment.
Homework
To get out of a long depression, a person must help himself first of all. Below are the main techniques that will enable you to make a big leap towards getting rid of this condition.
- Dream. To stay in a good mood, you need to get enough sleep. High-quality and long sleep also allows you to partially forget about the "eternal" fatigue, weakness, decreased concentration and other ailments. Please note that people with low blood pressure need more time to sleep.
- Proper nutrition. Speeches about this are always so inspiring, but after 1-2 days of steamed cereals and cutlets, the desire to watch your table disappears. In fact, everything is much simpler than it seems. It just takes good preparation. You need to go on the Internet and look for recipes that are useful and affordable for you and your wallet recipes for every day. You will see how diverse this cuisine is! Schedule a menu for 2-3 weeks. Important: write down a list of “on-duty” meals that you can cook if you don’t want to bother with what is scheduled for lunch or dinner in your schedule. But still it is desirable not to deviate from what was stated earlier. After a month of such nutrition, you can feel the lightness and restoration of the work of the whole organism. Feeling better naturally.
- Phytotherapy. Use various herbs has a great effect on both the state of mind and well-being. Decoctions, infusions, dry mixes, rinsing, steaming are the most gentle way to solve many problems. In addition, it is a great alternative to medications.
- Sport. Daily exercise is the bare minimum. For residents of large and developed cities, there are many options available. There are many areas where everyone can find themselves: swimming, dancing, yoga, aerobics, playing basketball, volleyball and much more. It is also easy to find friends here, which can also affect the course of life. Jump rope, hoop, yoga classes - you can do this and more every day, without leaving your home. The most "desperate" can start running, skiing, skating, etc. Among other things, playing sports favorably affects the formation of an excellent figure.
- Attractive appearance. When a person is liked by people of the opposite sex, self-esteem grows noticeably, and this has a beneficial effect on mood. You can take the first steps towards changing your image with the help of online programs, advice taken from magazines, online lessons, etc. Yes, in the end, changing your image costs some money, but if you start working on yourself gradually, the costs will probably not be much for you. noticeable.
How to get rid of severe depression? Read the article.
- Don't feel sorry for yourself. As long as a person sympathizes with his condition, he feeds his enemy - depression - with new forces. You need to be stronger, because life passes, and not in the best way, but everything can be fixed ...
- Do not dramatize. Many go through what can be called the cause of depression. It is necessary to come to terms with the fact that caused this condition and either try to fix it or move on in life, depending on the situation.
- Don't sit on your hands. If a person with such a problem locks himself in the house near the TV, nothing will happen. On the contrary, after a certain time he will sink more and more into his condition. And if he comes out and starts to develop himself, move, work on himself, make new friends, communicate, then the problem will gradually begin to be forgotten.
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Symptoms and treatments for chronic depression
But what if the person has always been like this? Self-absorbed, depressed, with a negative outlook on life, lethargic and apathetic. Maybe he's just a pessimist? Alas, things are not always so simple. If depression has a long, protracted form, and began in childhood, it is indeed very difficult to diagnose. And the patient himself is in no hurry to go to the doctors, because over the years he has got used to considering all these symptoms as just features of his character. Nevertheless, this disease has a name - prolonged depression.
Formation, signs and course of the disease
Protracted depression can last for years. Most often, this disease occurs in people with severe somatic diseases that can pose a real threat to life. For example, about a third of all patients who have had a myocardial infarction suffer from prolonged depression. Persons with oncological pathology and patients with tuberculosis are also significantly susceptible to it. This is due to the fact that having chronic illness, directly threatening life, a person experiences constant super-stress. Over time, in the absence of positive dynamics in the general somatic disease, mental condition a person gets worse and symptoms of prolonged depression appear: depression, loss of interest in life, negative outlook on life, low self-esteem, etc. For this reason, long-term depression is usually expressed predominantly through psychological symptoms. Often this condition later turns into a neurotic personality development - a depressive or hypochondriacal type.
The clinical picture (symptoms) of chronic depression in general is often similar to hypochondriacal depression. The patient has various fears associated with the underlying, somatic disease. In addition, self-esteem is significantly reduced, the patient considers himself a burden for the family, blames himself.
Another factor conducive to the formation of a protracted form of depression is alcoholism. In general, the initial emotional and personal characteristics of a person lead to alcohol abuse. And with prolonged alcoholization, permanent psycho-emotional disorders are formed, turning into a protracted course of depression. In the future, the problem grows like a snowball: taking alcohol with already existing depression leads to a decrease in critical evaluation and self-control, and as a result, even to suicide attempts.
Features of the disease in children and adolescents
When we talk about adults, it is clear that for the formation of a protracted course of the disease, more than weighty factors are needed (for example, the presence of a severe oncological disease). And what about the children? After all, there are situations when a person feels the symptoms of prolonged depression all his life, from childhood, it becomes like a part of his personality.
As for children, the symptoms of prolonged depression can be formed in them due to the following factors:
- prolonged illness, frequent hospitalizations in childhood;
- features of the child's personality (anxiety, suspiciousness, a tendency to hysterical reactions predominate);
- chronically unfavorable psycho-emotional climate in the family;
- comorbid psychiatric disorders (eg, schizophrenia);
- organic lesions of the central nervous system of the child.
It is important to understand that in this case, we are talking not only about children, but also about those adults who have been accompanied by symptoms of a protracted depressive disorder all their lives. Most likely, the prerequisites for its formation were formed in childhood, and then the disease passed into the chronic stage. In such cases, treatment can be difficult, because the disease has time to gain a foothold in the nervous system and the human psyche.
All about protracted, deep depression
The character of a person is so multifaceted that he himself often does not suspect that he has a protracted (deep) depression, attributing the main signs of poor health or the influence of external circumstances. Irritation, resentment, sadness - these emotional signs can cause very irreparable harm to mental health if they occur too often, or even become a habit.
Most people do not consider mental anguish a reason to see a specialist, bashfully hiding their suffering, considering the problems too insignificant and personal. But in fact, prolonged depression is like a mechanism of self-destruction and it requires the support of loved ones and relatives and proper treatment.
If a person is left alone with depression, he must help himself by contacting a psychotherapist, otherwise the result may be suicide, or moral emptiness and facelessness. Prolonged and deep depression destroys the protests of the individual, destroys individuality. A person ceases to perceive reality, does not want to do anything, there is no vital stimulation.
Symptoms and signs
Depression goes hand in hand with time, so the phenomenon is ambiguous and elusive. Gradually, starting with some kind of internal breakdown, she repaints bright colors in very dull tones, bad moods become commonplace. Everything is wrong, everything is not right - life does not bring the former joy of perception. It seems to a person that there is no need to live, there is no one to love and there is nowhere to wait for salvation.
These hidden thoughts are greatly reflected in the outward appearance of a person. He is not interested in how he looks, he is annoyed by any circumstances that require his active participation. A person who has a deep depression is not able to analyze, do and think - he is completely absorbed in self-digging, analysis of past mistakes and disappointments.
A melancholy expression does not leave his face, dark circles under his eyes indicate insomnia. The place in the social society is bursting at the seams, and now it seems to a person that he has found the only correct solution - to leave this deceptive world. All these are symptoms and signs of an illness, the treatment of which must be carried out immediately. But from a medical point of view, a potential suicide might just have to treat the thyroid gland.
Teenagers as an example
A mockery of fate - human mood is closely related to health. If everyone knew what to do with the body in order to cure the spirit, as the psychoanalyst knows, the suicidal statistics in the world would significantly decrease.
Especially to such phenomena as constant depression, adolescents are very prone to their transition period, associated with the frequency of hormonal surges. Known signs such as:
caused by nothing more than a restructuring of the body. And, if you do not provide all possible assistance in resolving internal contradictions in time and do not treat you with a specialist, depression is quite capable of striking.
External preconditions
The human psyche is designed in such a way that no mental health specialist can know exactly what to do. The only symptoms that scientists rely on are based on the human immune system and external factors that greatly affect the will and love of life.
Immunity plays an important role not only in the life of the body, but also in personal development. Iron deficiency, for example, can have a negative effect on certain areas of the brain that are responsible for emotional mood.
But even a completely healthy person can be seized by severe depression if he has experienced some kind of shock. Several common prerequisite factors for depression have been identified:
- early loss of loved ones;
- personal tragedy;
- alcohol or drug addiction;
- neurological diseases;
- hereditary character traits;
- innate sensitivity;
If emotionally it is not clear from a person that he is hiding depressive tendencies, somatic signs appear, they can help to recognize impending problems. These are insomnia, appetite disorders, headaches and dizziness.
Sometimes treatment with certain drugs provokes melancholy and depressive states.
The point of view of a professional doctor
Since a very neglected depression is indeed capable of irrevocably destroying a person's life, scientists and pillars of psychiatry have elevated it to the rank of complex mental illness. This is not surprising, since moral emptiness can lead to complications such as:
And these are more serious diseases that can accompany depression, or be its continuation. The amazing relationship between emotions and health has not yet been unraveled. Only three consequences have been found that help to prescribe the correct treatment.
Psychology of life
There is such a thing as personality types. Some are more prone to depression than others:
- Statothymic - exaggerated principles, conscientiousness.
- Hyperthymic - very low self-esteem, self-doubt.
- Melancholic - excessiveness in everything, pedantry.
All these qualities are fertile ground for the germs of neurosis, since reality does not always correspond to ideas, as it should be.
The division into personality types is of great help to psychiatry in identifying the following signs of impending major depression, the treatment of which takes a long time. These are isolation and complexes - their presence almost always predisposes to disorders.
Biology
Terrible depression can also begin without any long prerequisites. These are hereditary factors that do not depend on the human essence. Or side effects intensive care medicines. Here are a few basic points for the development of a nervous disease:
Very often somatic diseases are inherited. Symptoms can be veiled up to a certain age, in particular, it is important to survive adolescence, do something and not let depression develop. The treatment of such depressive conditions is very complex and multifaceted.
Sociology
Due to social factors, terrible depression can also appear, mainly in women and adolescents. So, because of migration, men do not suffer, easily taking root in any conditions. Adaptation of women occurs according to a different scenario, very often complicated by nervous disorders.
Deep depression does not necessarily begin with a change of residence, but this step in itself is fraught with negative emotions, because it is difficult for women and children to create a new social circle. The signs and symptoms of the onset of melancholia are divided into several long months of adaptation:
- chronic stress associated with moving and chores;
- feeling of insecurity;
- financial difficulties;
- quarrels and disagreements in the family;
- fear of not finding like-minded people.
The social upheavals that cause phenomena such as depression and apathy include the following factors:
- family discord;
- abrupt changes in life;
- moving;
- strict and harsh upbringing;
- lack of love.
Any life upheavals imperceptibly for a person endow him with chronic stress. And something needs to be done with it, otherwise there is a possibility that a very terrible depression will develop, from which there is no way out.
Treatment
Doctors consider depression in any of its manifestations to be a disease of the brain, and a complex one at that. More than half of the world's population suffer from this disease, many are unaware of its presence and how to get out of deep depression. If you briefly describe all the symptoms of such a disease as neglected depression, then the most important signs are apathy and depression for a long time, and the accompanying ones:
- feelings of guilt and anxiety;
- psychomotor anomalies;
- chronic insomnia;
- decrease or increase in appetite;
- negative thoughts.
Against the background of depression, the following somatic disorders very often progress:
- cardiac ischemia;
- complications with the thyroid gland;
- osteochondrosis;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- pain in the joints;
- hepatitis.
Not all consequences are listed. Women are more likely to seek medical care, recognizing the symptoms, than men who have a habit of flooding depression with alcohol, encouraging their own alcoholism. As a result, they get a number of diseases, coupled with social problems.
Psychotherapists have several effective methods struggle with the disease, whose name is deep depression.
Hypnosis is recognized as the most popular, helping to convince a person in the opposite direction from his established thinking as a result of neglect of the disease.
Medical treatment is also used, as well as psychotherapy sessions with relaxing procedures. During treatment, it is important not only to eliminate stress with antidepressants, but also to cure concomitant diseases, strengthen the spirit and body. It is important to understand the patient that he really needs help, to be aware of the problem, otherwise it makes no sense to do anything.
Major depression: causes, symptoms and treatments for the disorder
Major depression or prolonged depression is a severe mental disorder characterized by a sharp decrease in mood, apathy, mental and physical lethargy.
Often this form of the disease is confused with somatic diseases or even a mental disorder, which is why the patient does not always receive specialized help and support on time. This is partly due to the over-popularity of the word "depression", which today has become fashionable to refer to any emotional distress or low mood.
One of the main differences between real depression, a severe mental illness, is considered to be a permanently lowered mood and a lack of connection with the deprivation or loss of something. If a person declares that he has depression due to the loss of a job, money, separation from a loved one, or due to any other reasons, this may be a depressive episode, a “push” to the development of the disease, but not prolonged depression. With this disease, the patient ceases to feel his connection with the outside world, everything seems unnecessary, uninteresting to him, thoughts, feelings, desires disappear, melancholy, apathy, and physical weakness pile up.
Major depression usually lasts from a few weeks to several years before a person is treated or admitted to a specialized hospital.
Causes of depression
Everyone is at risk for chronic depression, with approximately 5% of the population aged 18 years and older suffering from this disorder.
The development of the disease is associated with the impact on the human body of several pathological factors at the same time. Most often, this form of the disease develops in women after 40 years of age and in older people of both sexes. This is due to hormonal and age-related changes in the body, frequent stress and general deterioration in health.
Causes of Prolonged Depression
- Endogenous or biological - deep depression can be caused by hormonal imbalance in the body, a decrease in the concentration of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin causes a sharp deterioration in mood, apathy and other symptoms of the disease. This pathology, like other mental illnesses, is considered a hereditary pathology precisely because the predisposition to a low content of certain hormones, such as serotonin, is transmitted genetically and in people with a hereditary predisposition, the risk of depression is several times higher. According to recent research by scientists, depression may occur due to a slowdown in the intake of nutrients and oxygen to the cerebral cortex, this may be due to endocrine pathologies, metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins and nutrients in the diet, and even seasonal changes. So, autumn or spring depression develops due to a lack of vitamins, shortening daylight hours and hypodynamia.
- Psychogenic - it is generally accepted that it is because of psychological trauma and stress that protracted depression develops. Most often, this occurs when a person "lingers" in negative experiences and "does not let go" of the situation. Depression can be caused by the death of a loved one, separation or divorce from a life partner, a sudden change in lifestyle, for example, when you lose your job, go bankrupt, change your place of residence, and other similar circumstances. Sometimes the disease occurs without visible reasons- it is caused by the impossibility of achieving the set goals, incorrectly set priorities, the feeling that life has not been lived the way one would like (for example, the so-called midlife crisis) and other similar reasons.
- Social - every person, living and interacting with the people around him, feels the pressure of society, its requirements. Social problems, uncertainty about the future, military conflicts, the danger of terrorism, drug addiction and other issues that a person cannot influence the solution of, many times increase the personal level of anxiety of each of us, which can also cause deep depression.
- Physiological - prolonged overwork, chronic lack of sleep, somatic diseases, alcohol abuse, nicotine and other psychoactive substances can become the cause of prolonged depression. Diseases and an unhealthy lifestyle cause a strong weakening of the body, and when using any doping, the nervous system is overexcited, mediators are synthesized and consumed in an increased amount, which quickly causes their deficiency, which can become a risk factor for the development of the disease.
- Other reasons - a prolonged nervous breakdown can occur due to taking medications - hormonal, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, sedative and some others. If you take such drugs for a long enough time and without the control of the attending physician, a deep prolonged depression may occur, which will be quite difficult to cope with, since a pronounced deficiency of neurotransmitters has formed in the body.
Symptoms
The symptoms of major depression depend on the severity and stage of the illness.
At the beginning of the disease, the behavior and lifestyle of the patient remains normal, only his way of thinking and feeling changes.
As the disease develops and the condition worsens, pronounced symptoms of the disease appear.
General
- Apathy - a violation of the emotional-volitional sphere is observed in all patients with deep depression. In this state, the patient does not want anything, he becomes passive, not talkative, too calm, ceases to be interested in others. Sometimes apathy in depression is not clearly manifested, the patient continues to lead a normal life, performs daily duties, but at the same time experiences a complete loss of interest, becomes emotionally cold, sad and "lazy". The development of abulia is also characteristic - the complete absence of desires and motivation for action, as well as the inability to make strong-willed decisions. The first sign of emotional and volitional disturbances is a deterioration in the patient's mood, his behavior and appearance change - he ceases to monitor the condition of his clothes, cleanliness and neatness, does not support communication with others, spending most time alone.
- Akinesia - a slowdown in motor activity in severe cases with depression can be replaced by a sharp decrease in muscle tone and limitation of range of motion. At the beginning of the disease, a person experiences constant weakness, unwillingness to move, his working capacity decreases, muscle activity, the need to move, to do something causes irritation, as the disease develops, muscle weakness increases, movements slow down more and more, the patient tries to move as little as possible and can simply refuse to leave your house or your room.
- Changing your mindset is one of the biggest dangers of major depression. Moreover, these changes occur imperceptibly, both for others and for the patient himself, anxiety and irritability increase, fears, self-doubt, a negative attitude to life events and the inability to cope with the influx of negative emotions appear. Professional skills, memory worsen, thinking slows down, the patient has difficulty concentrating, performs any complex tasks or highly intellectual work.
- Physical manifestations - in addition to mental changes, depression appears weakness, headaches and muscle pain, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, weight loss or sudden weight gain, pain in the heart, digestive organs, or pain no specific location.
Psychotic symptoms
In addition to the classic manifestations of depression, with a major depressive disorder, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and depressive stupor may develop.
In severe depression, patients hear accusing or condemning voices, feel unpleasant odors, can see dead people, monsters, insects, snakes or other unpleasant creatures.
Usually, depression is dominated by ideas of one's own guilt, insignificance, delusions of persecution, impoverishment, jealousy. Unfortunately, often patients hide the psychotic symptoms of the disease, and their behavior is incorrectly interpreted by others who do not pay attention to "eccentricities" and " bad character» person.
Without medical treatment and the help of a specialist, it is impossible to get rid of the psychotic symptoms of depression on your own. The condition of the patient without treatment worsens, he may attempt suicide or harm himself.
Treatment
It is almost impossible to get out of such a serious condition - prolonged depression - on your own. For treatment, it is necessary to restore the normal functioning of the nervous system and increase the level of neurotransmitters in the blood.
Drug therapy helps to stop the psychotic and general symptoms of depression, but without appropriate psychotherapeutic treatment and lifestyle changes, it is impossible to achieve a complete recovery of the patient. Only complex therapy helps to get rid of all clinical manifestations diseases and prevent their occurrence in the future.
If you suspect this form of depression in yourself or someone close to you and do not know what to do, you should seek the advice of a specialist who can assess the severity of the patient's condition and recommend treatment.
Sometimes you can even get out of a prolonged depression on your own by changing your lifestyle, getting rid of a traumatic situation, devoting more time to sleep, rest, physical activity and healthy lifestyle life. Psychotherapy helps to solve many problems, but with a severe mental disorder, most often such methods are not enough and treatment begins with the normalization of the state of the psyche with the help of drug therapy.
Medical treatment
- Antidepressants - it is with these drugs that the treatment of any depression begins. Antidepressants increase the concentration of neurotransmitters in the blood, thereby helping to normalize mood and improve the general condition of the patient. For treatment, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine) are used - drugs of this group are the most well studied, despite the large number of side effects and generalized effects on the body, they are still very popular because of their proven effectiveness and low price. 2nd and 3rd generation drugs (sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine) are considered safer, they are prescribed for prolonged depression in patients with concomitant pathologies of the cardiovascular system, diseases of the kidneys, liver and endocrine system. All antidepressants have a delayed effect, the result of their use becomes noticeable only after 2-3 weeks from the start of treatment.
- Tranquilizers - drugs of this group help to cope with anxiety, fears and sleep disorders. Diazepam, chlorazepam, lorazepam, atarax, alprazolam are most often used for treatment. Tranquilizers should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and at the dose recommended by him, since drugs in this group are addictive, slow down thinking and reaction. When treating with tranquilizers, it is forbidden to drive vehicles or perform work that requires high concentration and reaction speed.
- Antipsychotics - This group of drugs helps to cope with the psychotic symptoms of depression. Antipsychotics have a pronounced inhibitory effect on the brain, thereby relieving the patient of hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms of the pathology of the nervous system. With this form of depression, atypical antipsychotics of the new generation are usually used, which have fewer side effects on the patient's body (olanzapine, risperidone, amperoside, neuleptil, triftazin).
Psychotherapy
Without the help of a psychotherapist, it is impossible to permanently get rid of a severe mental disorder. Cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, family or rational therapy is used for treatment. All these methods help the patient to realize their problems that caused the disease, learn to cope with them on their own or change their attitude towards life and others.
Other treatments
In the most severe cases, for the treatment of prolonged depression, use:
- magnetic stimulation - the cerebral cortex is affected by magnetic impulses, due to the stimulation of certain parts of the brain, the patient's mood stabilizes and the general condition improves;
- electro-convulsive therapy - it is considered a very dangerous and traumatic method, it is carried out only when other methods are completely ineffective, the patient is immersed in a narcotic sleep and the brain is affected by a short current shock, due to which hormones of joy begin to be released, which the patient lacked.
Protracted depression is a severe mental disorder, which is almost impossible to cope with on your own, this requires medication and the help of professionals.
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WHO predicts that by 2020 depression will become the second leading cause of disability and death. More and more more people suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders and need help. But most don't get it. What is the danger of sadness and anxiety, told President of the Professional Medical Psychotherapeutic Association Vladimir Kurpatov.
Age of neuroses
Ksenia Yakubovskaya, website: - Vladimir Ivanovich, why is our mental health deteriorating every year?
Vladimir Kurpatov:- The reason is the growth of mental stress all over the world. We live in an age of perfectionism, individualism, workaholism, computer technology, a flurry of information, excessive saturation of formal interpersonal relationships. In million-plus cities, there is even more pressure, competition and frustration. We are constantly surrounded by other people, in the crowd on the street, in transport. There is another point related to heredity - studies on rats have proven that if one of the "parents" suffers from neurosis, then more neurotic rats are born.Even healthy people need it from time to time psychological help. There is a large army of psychologists, centers and trainings for them. For mentally ill people, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care is well organized. Competent specialists work with patients. But there are patients who belong to "minor psychiatry": depression, anxiety, panic attacks, neuroses, psychosomatic diseases. And just this category of patients lacks the available forces and means. Naturally, without high-quality and timely assistance, diseases pass into the chronic stage.
Over the past 10 years, the number of depressed patients has increased by 20%. And the number of specialists and offices for free admission has decreased. There are only 1.5 thousand psychotherapists in the whole of Russia. In this regard, we are significantly behind the developed countries, where they are actively involved in the prevention and treatment of depressive and psychosomatic disorders. It feels like we are waiting for an epidemic of mental illness to begin.
Depression destroys marriage
- It seems that today everyone is depressed, and it is even fashionable. Maybe we are already accustomed to living in such a state?
This is a dangerous delusion in which the population lives. We believe that depression is a sad mood, depression or melancholy, which go away due to willpower, proper behavior, and upbringing. But this is a serious mental disorder, which, in case of poor-quality therapy, leads to disability. There are already more than a million mentally disabled people in the country. If we turn a blind eye to these problems, the consequences will be devastating, both socially and economically. Depression is a decrease in efficiency, activity, attention, desire to make efforts, set goals, often aggression. Moreover, in the course of a scientific study, we found out that if one of the spouses suffers from depression, then the marriage often breaks up. It is difficult to live next to a constantly depressed person.
Psychosomatic diseases often develop against the background of depression: cardiovascular problems, diseases gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, type II diabetes mellitus. Scientists see a connection with the occurrence of cancer. According to objective data, 38-42% of patients who visit doctors in polyclinics suffer from psychosomatic diseases, 25% - from anxiety and depression. But they don't get help.- Why?
They simply do not know that their condition is associated with mental illness. And not every specialist will tell them this. Patients say that they have to visit up to 16 different medical offices before they finally get to a psychotherapist. Patients are afraid to turn to specialists, they believe that they will be “registered”, forbidden to drive a car, deprived of other rights, or relatives will turn away because of the “mentally ill” cliché. A person remains with his disorders, they progress.
Being sane is too expensive
How do you know when it's time to see a specialist?
One of the most obvious signs of a disorder is sleep disturbance. As well as a change in appetite in any direction, excessive excitement, sweating, a frantic heartbeat, unstable mood, decreased performance. Here another problem pops up. Many people confuse a psychologist with a psychotherapist. Pre-morbid and painful conditions should be dealt with by trained physicians. A psychologist is a non-medical specialist. Today, crusts can be obtained quickly, there is no need to confirm qualifications. An unhealthy person can go to a psychologist for years, but there will be no result.
It has been proven that depression is associated with a change in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Only without drugs such disorders are not treated. There are a huge number of drugs, and it is possible to choose one that will not affect the quality of life or the individuality of a person. Depression is successfully treated, it does not belong to the category of incurable diseases. The main thing is to start the therapeutic effect on time.
- How? People complain that in polyclinics they are offered a consultation with a psychotherapist for a lot of money.
By law, citizens are entitled to free assistance. But, unfortunately, they don't always get it. There are not enough specialists in polyclinics. Often they only have time to prescribe some medications. At the same time, any polyclinic is interested in the psychotherapist additionally providing paid services. In private clinics, such assistance can be 3-5 thousand rubles. And if a depressive state has developed, then on average a person needs 20-30 visits to a specialist. Not everyone can afford such expensive assistance. I am sure that all psychotherapy should be easily accessible in ordinary clinics, as in the whole world.
- Is it possible to protect yourself from "madness" on your own?A healthy lifestyle, attention to your diet, rest, physical activity and other well-known rules must be observed. But I doubt that people will give up smartphones, the Internet, cars, metro and other blessings of life and leave for the bosom of nature. Namely, the features modern life have a negative effect on our psyche.
While there is no one hundred percent prevention and protection against depression, only timely assistance for early stages. Outpatient therapy gives a tremendous effect and it is necessary to develop it. Including by raising the culture of mental health so that people are not afraid to be treated. We all need to realize the importance of mental health.
Depression leads to a breakdown, worsens mood, reduces vitality. The consequences of depression have a negative impact on the quality of life and the general condition of the patient. In order to understand what happens to a person in a state of depression, let's take a closer look at its consequences.
The appearance of a person deteriorates. A person who is in a state of depression ceases to take care of himself. He loses the desire to do elementary things: wash his face in the morning, brush his teeth, comb his hair, cut his nails, shave. The point here is not laziness, as others often think, but the lack of incentives and motivations for this.
The patient's skin becomes pale, nails break, hair falls out, muscles atrophy. A person does not want to do anything, meet and communicate with someone, take medicine. It seems to him that life has passed mediocre and nothing good will come of it.
Thoughts of suicide appear, suicide attempts occur. Thoughts of hopelessness, lack of prospects, aimlessness of existence lead a person to the decision to commit suicide. He does this not because he has no desire to live, but because his illness is pushing him to this.
The patient does not want to communicate with the family, blames only himself for all the troubles and mistakes, his self-esteem decreases. He remembers those who have passed away and decides that his time has also come.
The state of health is deteriorating. The effects of depression cause physical pain in various parts of the body.
Although there are no signs of illness, a person with depression constantly has something that hurts.
Immunity is weakened, and therefore a person becomes really susceptible to all kinds of diseases. He feels chronic fatigue and loss of energy.
It has been proven that people with depression have a significantly higher risk of having a stroke than healthy people. Even if the depression is completely gone, the risk still remains.
Depression is also associated with hypertension. Various inflammatory infections occur against the background of the development of depression. The autonomic nervous system is disturbed. Arrhythmia appears. There are problems with blood vessels.
As a rule, women are more prone to depression than men, and hence, family problems arise as one of the consequences of depression. Family members are used to the fact that the keeper of the hearth must constantly serve them. And if she stops doing this due to her illness, quarrels and scandals arise, which threatens to break up the family.
Yes, and a man in a depressed state also ceases to fulfill his direct duties: to support his family. Because of this, family troubles begin. The only exception can be that a person is retired or has a profitable business that develops without him, and the family lives on dividends.
Emotional echoes
Depression leaves consequences in the emotional sphere of a person. These include:
- anxious, sad state;
- premonition of trouble;
- depression, despair;
- self-blame;
- irritation;
- tears, hysteria;
- uncertainty;
- negative reaction to the environment.
In human physiology, the consequences are manifested in the following:
- Normal healthy sleep is lost. A person either cannot sleep, or sleeps constantly.
- Appetite changes. A depressed person either does not eat at all or overeats.
- The intestines stop working normally. Constipation occurs.
- Decreased need for sex. A person generally ceases to pay due attention to it or does it very rarely, as a duty.
- Decreases energy. The patient quickly overworks under normal stress.
- There is a tremor in the hands.
- There are pains in muscles, joints, various parts of the body.
Behavior changes
The consequences also affect human behavior:
- he becomes passive, it is difficult to attract him to active labor activity;
- the patient withdraws from communication with other people;
- there is a passion for alcohol and other psychotropic drugs, temporarily
- giving relief from suffering;
- there are sudden changes in mood;
- the patient refuses to entertain.
There are significant changes in thinking. It becomes difficult for a person to concentrate, to concentrate his attention. A depressed person cannot make a decision on their own. He thinks negatively, gloomily and pessimistically. He is visited by thoughts of his own uselessness, inconspicuousness, helplessness. Reflections on the meaninglessness of existence push to commit suicidal acts.
As the depression progresses, the person becomes unable to perform his job duties. The quality of the work performed is constantly declining. Having lost all interest in her, a person is on the verge of being fired.
Treatment for depression is not always successful. Some patients become disabled, as they lose their ability to work forever. This fact is stated by the MSEC (Medical and Social Expert Commission). The patient is entitled to a disability pension. You have to live on little money that the state subsidizes.
Depression, the effects of which are sometimes irreversible, is serious threat health and sometimes life.
In order to endure the consequences of the depression of a loved one, it is necessary to realize and understand that depression is a mental illness, and not laziness or weakness. Symptoms of the presence or absence of depression should be diagnosed.
The causes of depression are different: the death of loved ones, the loss of a favorite job, the dissolution of a marriage, etc. They should be identified and, if possible, the force of their influence on a person should be mitigated. The patient avoids communication with close people, but you can not leave a person alone with the disease, you must help him in every possible way in the fight against it.
Visiting a qualified specialist should help in the fight against the consequences of such an intractable disease as depression.
A decrease in vital activity, avoidance of reality, avoidance of communication with others and inability to enjoy the world around us are only a small part of the symptoms of a serious illness. Stressful situations that are repeatedly repeated with a person are often a springboard for depression and lead to a sad outcome. The consequences of depression can be both minor, such as a decrease in the level of performance, and serious, up to suicide attempts.
Therefore, so that apathy does not develop into a state dangerous to health, understand the causes of the disease and try to minimize the consequences. A competent diagnosis of symptoms will reveal the presence of depression or its absence, and a timely visit to a psychotherapist will help to avoid many serious complications.
How to define depression
The main consequence of depression is a decrease in the quality of human life, determined by the following features:
- physical indicators: level of activity, feeling of comfort, charge of energy, feeling of cheerfulness;
- psychological indicators: the ability to experience various emotions, cognitive functions, creative impulses, the level of self-esteem;
- social activities: striving for a certain position in society, sexual activity, interest in personal life;
- independence: working capacity, manifestation of daily activity.
If at least one of the listed signs is negative, it is advisable to take measures to improve the quality of life in this direction. Most of the negative indicators indicate a disease of depression, the delay in the treatment of which leads to serious consequences.
The main consequences and signs of depression
- Deterioration in appearance
Depression causes such consequences as hair loss, brittle nails, fading of the skin. If you do not pay attention to these symptoms in time, then as they progress, there is a loss of strength, the incentive for daily self-care disappears.
- Physical deterioration
Psychosomatic causes the patient to find symptoms of many physical illnesses, which forces him to visit various specialists with the hope of a cure.
- Family problems
A person who is in a depressed state ceases to cope with family problems. Initially, it was laid down that the duty of a man is to protect and provide for the family, and women - to keep the family hearth. Therefore, depression in a woman affects the ability to support her household and charge them with positive emotions. In this case, it is not censure that can contribute to her cure, but support from her husband and children.
- Decreased performance
The consequences of depression can be expressed in a decrease in physical and mental activity. If you do not make timely attempts to treat depression, its consequences can lead to loss of work.
Health problems
In addition to reducing the quality of life, depression has a destructive effect on human health, being a risk factor for serious diseases such as diabetes and oncology. Unfortunately, untimely treatment or unwillingness to get out of this condition leads to the following complications:
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system. The risk of a stroke or heart attack increases, the heart rhythm is disturbed, signs of hypertension or hypotension appear.
- Alcoholism. Most often, male depression leads to alcoholism than female depression.
- Disorders in the sexual sphere. Depression has a detrimental effect on a person's sexual life. In the form of consequences, there are often signs of a decrease in libido, problems with erection.
- Reproductive health disorders. The consequence of prolonged depression or the stress preceding it can be hormonal disorders in the body, leading to reproductive dysfunction.
- Sleep disorders. A person suffering from depression often complains of sleep disturbances. The patient is accompanied by insomnia, disturbed sleep, or vice versa, hypersomnia. Sometimes violations can be hidden: a person often wakes up, constantly has nightmares, talks or walks in a dream.
- Deterioration of mental abilities. Depression contributes to the death of cells of the nervous system, which slowly but noticeably leads to such disorders. This manifests itself in the problem of concentrating on mental tasks, forgetfulness, deterioration logical thinking. The decrease in energy, characteristic of a depressive state, leads to a loss of interest in any activity, which ultimately leads to physical, mental, and emotional degradation.
- Decreased immunity level. A depressed person often suffers from acute respiratory viral infections, more often suffers from fungal infections, since he does not have enough internal resources necessary to combat beriberi and seasonal exacerbations.
- Allergies and skin reactions. A depressive state can lead to neurodermatitis, exacerbation of psoriasis, eczema. Allergic reactions, such as urticaria, are frequent companions of this disease.
- Weakness, fatigue. Compared to the normal state of a healthy person, those with depression have significantly reduced energy levels. At the same time, physical activity decreases: a person moves little, stops playing sports. It leads to exhaustion muscle mass, and as a result, to disturbances in all body systems.
The return of the joy of life
Simple treatment of depression is not enough: despite the success of the therapy, in order to avoid relapses, the patient's condition must be constantly maintained. Unfortunately, recovery does not always mean a return to the state in which the person lived before the depression became unbearable. Therefore, for a complete restoration of moral and physical strength, the return of libido, a rest outside the home is useful for the patient. Proper nutrition, sports, various active types of recreation will help in restoring physical strength and improve the mental state of the patient. Positive results were shown by yoga classes, a passion for creativity (for example, art therapy). Life after depression should not include negative factors that can affect the patient's condition for the worse.
According to psychologists, the success of rehabilitation is positively affected by a pet that requires attention and care. The animal becomes a true friend. Playing with him, educating him, a person is distracted from the problems that bother him. A pet is able to make life interesting and eventful, and regular walks will help you make new friends. Experiences recede into the background, secreted hormones of happiness help to cope with negativity and teach you to enjoy life again.
As they say, there is a blessing in disguise: perhaps depression will give you the opportunity to figure out what is really a priority for you. Try to remember those moments in your life when you wanted this feeling of happiness to last forever? Time spent with loved ones or simple joyful moments will help you gain the ability to feel happy again.