What is depressiom, what causes it, and how is it treated?

[msc545]

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. It can also cause physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

There are many potential causes of depression, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some people may be more vulnerable to developing depression due to their family history, while others may experience depression as a result of life events such as major loss or trauma.

There are several treatment options for depression, including medication and therapy. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help to improve mood by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, can help individuals understand and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their depression.

It's important to note that treatment for depression should be tailored to the individual and may involve a combination of medications and therapy. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it's important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

[Blackmoonsns]

The statement provided on depression was spot on how to treat it it's really up to the individual they need to recognize they have a problem and when it comes to family history and upbringing they need to realize as a child you're not held responsible for the wrongdoings of the trauma that happens to your childhood and in your adult life that's if saying you're not actively doing negative things to cause this trauma. After a person has recognized they have a problem they need to seek help I would recommend a therapist this process is going to take years to get over but in the meantime the best thing to do is to push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and your safe space take up hobbies find new interests meet new people find a better set of people most of the time toxic people will keep toxic people in their life this is a huge problem this prevents growth and all you do is further spiral down into a negative black hole.

[moondazed]

Great MyTake

That was pretty interesting and informative! Too bad Gag doesn't promote such subjects more often

[moondazed]

Thank you for MHO
Merry Christmas

[lightbulb27]

I just watched some videos [as if they are the truth and such... but yea, it was intresting the viewpoint] about these thoughts:

How important bacteria are to a persons functioning... that it impacts mood. transferring bacteria to people changed their thinking. That may indicate that drugs, like anti biotics are implicated...

How important the body is to emotions... that is... there is a "body budget" that influences how one feels. Mind and body work together. The book "How emotions are made".

[exitseven]

I know it is complex but I a had a friend that is a wellness coach who told me that depression can be caused by being out of the loop of control of your life. I really took that to heart so I tried to see if I could work towards getting some control over my circumstances. Even just working towards that goal might help.

It actually worked pretty good until covid came and screwed it all up/

[msc545]

Don't take mental health or medical advice from a "coach". People like this are uneducated and unlicensed.

[exitseven]

I know that, however I had known her for a while and we had many discussions and the last thing I wanted was to see a shrink and take meds. And like I said, it was working until covid came along and screwed it up

[msc545]

Be nice - we do a lot of other things besides meds.

[exitseven]

@msc545 I did not mean to say otherwise. I had my annual physical and this was after covid and I was really depressed. I spoke about it to my doctor and he took it really serioiusly and we talked about it for about a half hour. He told me that covid screwed up a lot of people and that if covid never happened I would be teaching my classes and living my life. We spoke for a while and afterwards I really did feel better. Anytime I start to get bummed out about how messed up things are I try to think of that conversation.

[msc545]

If there are no medical reasons not to do this, try *mild* walking 10 minutes a day, without stopping during the walk, for 10 days every day. This will help a lot.

[exitseven]

@msc545 I do a HIIT workout 4x a week and it always makes me feel better.

[msc545]

OK good!

[strateguy632]

very good description

[KrakenAttackin]

Agreed with all of the above.