Depression : Its Faces and Facets

I don't know what I want in life. I don't know what I want right now. All I know is that I'm hurting so much inside that it's eating me, and one day, there won't be any of me left  ~ Unknown

 

Depression usually isn't caused by one event or reason, but is usually the result of several factors. Causes vary from person to person. Depression can be caused by lowered levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry signals through the nervous system) in the brain, which limits a person's ability to feel good. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the biochemistry of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. This neurotransmitter regulates the onset of sleep, sensory perception, mood, body temperature, hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) and photophobia (light sensitivity). Low serotonin is associated with increased carbohydrate cravings, depression, pain, tenderness, and restless sleep. Prolonged stress consumes the levels of serotonin and can cause mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or migraine. Stimulants such as caffeine, refined carbohydrates, chocolate, sugar and stimulants such as cold remedies, alcohol, drugs, diet pills, and tobacco can also lead to reduced levels of serotonin in the brain. In the case of mood disorders, anxiety disorders or migraine, a combination of antidepressants and other prescription drugs. The long-term use of these medications can cause serotonin syndrome.

 

Psychologist Rollo May described depression as the “inability to construct a future”. Genetics are likely involved as depression can run in families, so someone with a close relative who has depression may be more likely to experience it. Significant life events such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, a move to a new area, and even a breakup with a girlfriend or boyfriend can bring on symptoms of depression. Stress also can be a factor, things that are difficult for anyone to handle. Also, chronic illness can contribute to depression, as can the side effects of certain medicines or infections. Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. But depression is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much—if not more so—than genetics. However, certain risk factors make you more vulnerable to depression.

 

The Faces of Depression

Depression often looks different in men and women, and in young people and older adults. An awareness of these differences helps ensure that the problem is recognized and treated.

In Men : Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with men. Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behaviour, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.

 

In Women : Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

 

In Teens : While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact, irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant symptom in depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. But with help, teenage depression is highly treatable.

 

In Older Adults : The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.

 

New Moms : Many new mothers suffer from some fleeting form of the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression, in contrast, is a longer lasting and more serious depression triggered, in part, by hormonal changes associated with having a baby. Postpartum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression that occurs within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.

 

The Facets of Depression

There are 4 major facets of depression. They are Emotional, Cognitive, Motivational and Physical.

Emotional : Hopelessness, despair, periods of uncontrolled crying, feelings of guilt and unworthiness, awakening in the morning with a sense of gloom, feel tension, anxiety, lack concentration, loss of control, fear of insanity, disease or death, loss of interest in usual activities are just some of the feelings a person may be going through. At any given time, multiple will affect and grip a person completely. This person finds even the basic requirements of life frightening and overwhelming. They lose all sense of love and accomplishment. Many depressed people also feel guilty and often believe their behaviour is sinful and God’s punishment. Some people blame their depression on external causes. They feel if others ( often even including the counsellor) would reduce their demands on them, the depression would probably no longer be there.

 

Cognitive : A person starts experiencing memory problems and have poor concentration. They even have difficulty carrying on a normal conversation because they are preoccupied with the fear of looking foolish. They start having difficulty in making decisions or being creative. Inadequacy and incompetence make them spiral down further.

 

 

 

Motivational : Everything seems difficult. Morning are the worst. The effort to get up, out of bed and move is monumental. They don’t like socializing because they will be reminded of their own inadequacy and failures. They cut back on their social life and prefer to stay alone at home, often in bed. They have little ambition and work obligations seem overwhelming.

 

Physical : During depression, the body gives signals as “clinical signs of depression”. These include sleep and eating disturbances, decrease in sexual drive, loss of physical energy. Sleep gets affected badly. One cannot fall asleep, or wakes up and cannot go back to sleep, may just want to lie in bed. One experiences loss of appetite, there can either be rapid weight loss or one may develop voracious, sporadic and nervous appetites leading to serious weight gain. Constipation or gastro intestinal problems are typical. Depressed people also report decrease in sexual interest. In some cases the body loses its capacity for sexual excitement. Fatigue, loss of energy, difficulty in even moving around the house, co ordination between the mind and body gets slow are some of the typical symptoms. They may be agitated most times, with a constant need to pace, or rub their hands, or touch their hair etc. They may report pain when there is actual clinical or medical reason or explanation for it.

 

If even the thought of tackling your depression seems overwhelming, don’t panic. Feeling helpless and hopeless is a symptom of depression—not the reality of your situation. It does not mean that you’re weak or you can’t change! The key to depression recovery is to start small and ask for help. Having a strong support system in place will speed your recovery. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to others, even when you feel like being alone. Let your family and friends know what you’re going through and how they can support you. Please add to the above article by giving valuable suggestions.