Depression_Essay

Depression Axia College Febuary 11, 2011 Anthony Davis Today I would like to discuss the topic of depression and some of the causes and effects. There are many reasons for instance built up anger, divorce, unbalanced hormones, death, and brain chemicals are just a few. For every different cause there is a different treatment for depression. For example if one is suffering from built up anger or pain from the past, then they may benefit from a psychologist or a counselor to help cope with the issue at hand. If one is suffering from brain chemical or unbalanced hormones, then an antidepressant might be more effective. Depression is a serious mental illness and it is important to know which form or type you’re dealing with. It can last days, weeks, months, and even years. Major depression is serious and disabling causing you to feel hopeless, agitation, it can be hard for one to concentrate and can cause suicidal thoughts. Bipolar disorder is known as one of the major depressions. Bipolar disorder causes severe mood changes and can affect one’s lifestyle. There is no cure for this disorder but there is treatment. A person with bipolar disorder has no control over his or her mood or mood changes. It is also known as manic-depressive illness it is two separate emotional states. Treatment for depressions varies. There is Psychotherapy this is effective for clinical depression. The benefits of psychotherapy you learn to release and cope with certain situations. It gives you a new outlook on life; it also helps catch depression at an early stage. Cognitive and behavioral therapies are just a few different types of psychotherapy, which focus more on your thoughts and behavior that contributes to depression. Then where you have interpersonal therapy which focus more on how you interact with other people while being depressed. Then you have Psychodynamic therapy, which focus on a childhood trauma like rape, parents divorcing, witnessing a tragic event, or even fatal situation and etc. There is also medication also known as antidepressants. There are numerous on the market from Zoloft to Prozac to Cymbalta to Wellbutrin. With all medications come the side effects like nausea, dizziness, stomach upset, headache and so forth. Antidepressants are usually the first treatment people get for depression. When medicines fails there are other options to try, for example (ECT) electro convulsive therapy for clinical depression. Vagus nerve stimulation for major severe depression is also used when all else fails. ECT is when electrodes are put on the patient’s scalp and a controlled electric current is applied, like a brief seizure of the brain. The patient is under anesthesia so when he or she awakes they do not remember the treatment and they are often confused. It is often given up to three times a week up to four weeks. It is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms from a depressed or even suicidal individual. There is a small stimulator known as the vagus nerve that is placed in the front side of the armpit and is channeled under the skin and runs to the back of the neck directly to the vagus nerve. Electrical pulses stimulate the brain. This is only used for adults with long-term or reoccurring major depression. Also there are other ways to treat depression without having to depend on medicines or electrotherapy, there are home remedies, diets, and exercise that you can do to help relieve stress and anxiety. Certain foods that are high in powerful antioxidants like broccoli, carrots, peaches and spinach. Sources of Vitamin C like strawberries, oranges, kiwi and peppers. Sources of vitamin E like margarine, nuts and seeds are also helpful. Also protein rich food like fish, milk fresh poultry, beans and peas can boost your energy. Exercising has been proven to help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost energy. It also helps improve self-esteem in an individual that is the key psychological benefit of exercising. Strong social support is important like going dancing, walking, playing golf and tennis something that involves someone else. It will benefit one’s emotional comfort knowing someone is there to encourage you and also it’s a physical activity. Yoga is also another way for you to clear your mind and release negative energy and relax. Just trying to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week can jump-start your day. Depression is serious and when left untreated or neglected can only worsen the situation. If it is detected early and treated the better off you are. Managing and try to eat right and taking care of you can also help prevent depression. But always make sure you identify the type of depression and the correct treatment.