Depression - a State of Mood Imbalance
Published on Jan 30, 2017 and last reviewed on Jan 19, 2023 - 2 min read
Abstract
As this world is growing more advanced in every field possible, depression is becoming a common term talked about by almost everyone.
Let us see what depression actually means. Depression in simple words is a state of mood imbalance.
It is characterised by prolonged sadness, irritability and loss of interest in daily activities. Changes in mood, irritability, anxiety, sleepiness, etc., are common but when these signs become so prominent in a person that others around them start noticing, then it should be a cause for worry. There are instances wherein the depressed might seem very calm and composed on the outside towards the society. But, the moment they are alone the depressive symptoms start pouring out. They sit alone; they cry when no one sees them and then one fine day commit suicide, which really shocks everyone because no one knew what was going on and no one saw the warning signs.
Why Does Someone Become Depressed?
Depression does not start all of a sudden. It is not a disease, but a state of mind that slowly builds up over a period. Reasons for being depressed can be varied. The commonest one is the inability to maintain a balance in one's life. If a person is repeatedly failing in doing something, the socio-economic factors take a toll on him or her, which in turn leads to all sorts of negativity.
For example; With the internet boom, this world has indeed become a small place. There is a constant need in everyone's mind to be the best or to be like someone they saw on television or to achieve love, success or money. When they fail in doing so, they judge themselves and the vicious cycle of depression starts in their lives.
How to Deal with Depression?
It has to be understood that it is not a physical disease, which can be treated just by popping a pill. If you are the sufferer, you have to seek some help from someone trustworthy, such as parents, friends or even a professional. Moreover, you have to be very determined to get out of it. You can get out of it only if you want to.
If you know someone going through this, then be their support system. They need your help more than anything around. Remember that positivity, determination and a bit of love are required to heal a soul. Think healthy to be healthy.
To know more about the consequence of depression, consult a depression specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/psychiatrist/depression
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What Do Mood Disorders Present Like?
The most common symptoms of mood disorders are:
- Sad, anxious, and empty moods.
- Feeling of hopelessness.
- Low-esteem.
- Excessive guilt.
- Thoughts of self-harm.
2.
What Does Depression Look Like?
Depression, clinically, presents as a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and thoughts of self-harm.
3.
What Is the Action of Good Mood Stabilizers?
Good mood stabilizers are, constitutionally, psychiatric central nervous system drugs like Lithium, Carbamazepine, Haloperidol, etc.
4.
What Is the Age of Onset of Mood Disorders?
Almost half of all mood disorders are seen in the mid-teens, and 25 % of the cases develop in the mid-twenties.
5.
What Is the Role of Mood Stabilizers in Depression?
Mood stabilizers are, constitutionally, psychiatric drugs that help control mood swings by restoring neurochemical balances in the brain by decreasing brain activity.
6.
How Does Depression Affect the Brain?
Some shreds of evidence show that depression, anatomically, shrinks several parts of the brain. The patients have been shown to lose some amount of gray matter volume from the brain.
7.
What Is the Consequence of Bipolar Patients Not Taking Medications?
Bipolar disorder is not a curable condition and requires several management protocols and strategies. Discontinuing medications or not seeking adequate medical help can lead to exaggerated symptoms or relapse of aberrant behaviors. These reversions can lead to relationships, workplace problems, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicide.
8.
At What Time Do Most People Get Depressed?
People mostly get depressed as a result of some changes in the internal, external, or social environment, which include:
- Genetic predilection.
- Cranial chemistry alteration (neurotransmitter imbalances).
- Stress (personal or professional).
- Health issues.
- Hormone imbalances.
- Reduced daylight exposure or seasonal changes.
- Tragic life events (deaths, separations, or parents’ divorce).
- Family or social issues (financial loss, harassment, bullying, or peer pressure).
9.
What Is the Onset Period of Depression?
Depression usually develops in the 20s and 30s, but the signs usually develop around five years prior to a diagnosis. The condition usually develops after a drastic change in life (external or social factors) or even by chemical changes in the body.
10.
What Is the Time Span of Bipolar Depression?
Bipolar disorder presents with episodes with drastically varying degrees. These episodes, including bipolar depression, typically last for two weeks.
11.
What Does a Bipolar Episode Present Like?
Bipolar disorder presents extreme mood swings ranging from extremely high moods like mania and aggression to extremely low periods like depression, with each spectral end lasting for weeks to months.
12.
What Is the Long-Term Consequence of Depression?
Untreated and intervened depression can increase the chances of risky lifestyle choices like alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, and drug addiction (like cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc.)., In addition to brain chemical imbalances, these behaviors lead to the progression of health disorders, even leading to self-induced harm or pathological deaths.
13.
Does Depression Show Up on Brain Scans?
On specialized brain scans, like PET (positron emission tomography) scans, depression shows highly decreased brain activity. Threads of evidence lay the groundwork for the hypothesis that depression leads to gray matter volume loss.
14.
Are Depression Patients Included in Disability Lists?
WHO (world health organization) has included depression as one of the major disabilities of the world population. Many nations, including the US and UK, have included depression in their disabilities act.
15.
What Symptoms Are Most Commonly Associated With Depression?
The most common symptom of depression is a lingering and unresolvable feeling of sadness and hopelessness, thinking difficulties, bursts of anger, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, loss of interest in activities, etc.
Last reviewed at:
19 Jan 2023 - 2 min read
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