Depression

  Hello dear readers and welcome or welcome back to my blog today I wanna focus on the topic of: depression I personally have walked a long winding road with depression, sometimes winning most time's losing, losing hope, losing time, losing friends, losing family, losing jobs, losing homes, losing myself, losing my grip on life, losing my will to live. I've walked the halls of so many psychiatric facilities I can't count them on my hands and toes and no I am not saying this to brag or to seek out some kind of sympathy I am merely trying to relate and offer guidance through dark turbulent times that happen in life, so if this is something that is affecting you in your everyday life then hopefully this post can help shed some light on this condition.

de-pres-sion

/de'preSH(e)n/

noun

Feelings of severe despondency and dejection.

Examples: Melancholy, misery, sadness, gloom, woe, sorrow, despair.

"self-doubt creeps in and that swiftly turns to depression"

What Causes Depression?

Depression is not a condition that a specific cause. It can happen for many different reasons and have many different triggers usually, depression doesn't doesn't work quickly or suddenly instead, it develops over long periods of time and can lead to a series of "downward spirals" 

 The four major causes of depression are:

*1. Family History | though there are no specific genes that we can look at and trace to depression, if your family members have had depression, you are more likely also to experience depression. The jury is still out on whether, or not this link is due to learned behavior or biology. 

*2. Illness and Health Issues | Physical illnesses or injuries can have a significant impact on your physical health and mental health. Chronic health issues, long term health issues, or physical health issues that drastically change your lifestyle can cause depression. Often, your doctors will understand this and recommend a mental health treatment as a part of your overall treatment. Issues connected to your brain, hormones, menstrual cycle or menopause, low blood sugar or sleep problems can be very impactful. 

*3. Medication. Drugs, and Alcohol | Many different medications can have the unfortunate side effect of depression. If you feel depressed after starting a new medicine or medication, you should research it's side effects or talk to your doctor. There could be a better alternative your doctor could give you alternatively. Additionally, recreational drugs and alcohol use can cause or worsen depression. While they may initially feel like they help symptoms of depression, they will make you feel worse eventually. 

*4. Personality | Some people and personalities are just more apt to experience depression. For example, people who tend to hold in worries, are perfectionists, and are sensitive to criticism are naturally more likely to be depressed. 

Additional causes of depression 

In addition to those causes, two of the more abstract causes of depression can be: 

Life Events | It has been found through research that life events can increase your chance of being depressed. Examples of events like this include:

* Losing your job 

* Being in a dysfunctional relationship 

* Stress at work

* Isolation

* Going through a breakup or divorce 

* Being diagnosed with an illness

* Being unemployed for a long period of time 

* Grieving a loved one (in any way) 

While negative life events or divorce can cause depression, they don't necessarily always cause it. Often, it is more about how you deal with these difficult situations.

And then there's....

Chemicals in the Brain 

Brain chemistry is a vastly complex  and developing field of study. There is much that is still being researched in addition, there are so many other factors besides simple brain chemistry that can lead to depression. Therefore, depression is not merely caused by a lack of certain chemicals, However there are specific processes between nerve cells that can contribute to depression.

Treatments for Depression 

Many of the medications used to treat depression target the brains messaging centers. Some stimulate serotonin or noradrenaline production. In addition, some treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are used to treat depression because they also targets the brain's messaging processes. However, these types of treatments are only used when therapy, lifestyle changes, social change and medication have not helped. 

A more definitive list of treatments for depression is;

*Self-Guided changes to your lifestyle | Simply changing things like your sleep cycle, how you spend your time, and other daily habits can do a lot to improve your depression. 

*Therapy | Beginning counseling, therapy or psychotherapy, with a mental health provider can help you better understand, and cope with your feelings while having someone to talk them through with. You can do therapy for a short time or stay in it for extended periods of time, and due to Covid19 a lot places offer telehealth or zoom which is sometimes just easier.

*Alternative Therapies | Many people with mild depression can heighten their therapeutic experience by supplementing it with acupuncture, hypnosis or biofeedback. 

*Brain Stimulation | For people who suffer from severe depression or psychosis brain stimulation can be beneficial. As mentioned before, ECT or TMS are commonly prescribed. However, you can also try vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Of course every person's depression is unique to them. Because there is no broad spectrum for how depression can appear. The treatments can also vary person to person. Just know that there is also a wise spectrum for treatment and that it might take a try or two to find the one, or couple of treatments that are right for you. 

Symptoms

Although depression may occur once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, these symptoms occur most of the day, nearly everyday and may include, but are not limited to: 

* Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness

* Angry outbursts, Irritability or frustration, even over small matter

* Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports

* Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much

* Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort

* Reduced appetite and eight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

* Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness

* Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

* Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame 

* Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things

* Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

* Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

15 Celebrities we tragically Lost to Depression / Mental Illness 

#1 Robin Williams 

#2 Marilyn Monroe 

#3 Dana Plato

#4 Kurt Cobain

#5 Chris Cornell

#6 Alexander McQueen

#7 Lee Thompson Young 

#8 Kate Spade 

#9 Anthony Bourdain

#10 Tony Scott 

#11 Don Cornelius 

#12 Mindy McCready

#13 Mac Miller 

#14 Chester Bennington 

#15 Misty Upham 

If you or anyone you know is suffering with depression you are not alone. If you are currently in crisis and need someone to speak with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or you can go to Lifeline

I hope you've enjoyed this read. I look forward to researching the next topic for you guys. 

Take good care of yourselves, and each other. 

Cheers, 

A 💕