Depression can be devastating and painful. Everyone experiences being sad and feeling blue sometimes. But Depression is more than that, it can persist for a long time. People experience Depression in very different ways. It cuts across gender and all age groups.
According to NIMH web site the signs and symptoms of Depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
1. Medication- Talk to your doctor. Anti Depressive medication is helpful in treating Depression in kids, teens adults and older adults. Talk to a doctor if you or someone close to you is having suicidal thoughts.
2. Psychotherapy: Talk to a mental health professional. Cognitive Behavior therapy has been shown to be helpful with Depression. Reframing, counteract the negative thoughts and scripts in our head and changing the way we interpret the environment, making small steps towards change are all part of cognitive behavior therapy.
Research has shown that a combination of of medication and Psychotherapy works best in treatment of mild to moderate Depression.
3. Make small changes in Life style- Adding exercise, Yoga, meditation to your daily routine are all wonderful and very helpful.
4. Dont make major Life decisions when Depressed unless absolutely necessary, for example, getting married or divorced, moving to another city, major investments etc.
If you need further information or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Datta, please call 201-952-9905.