July 2022 47 www.bahrainthismonth.com Types of Depression The symptoms caused by depression vary from one individual to another. To identify the type of depression a person has, a doctor or psychologist may add one or more specifiers. A specifier describes specific features of depression, such as: • Anxiety distress — This is depression with unusual restlessness or worries about possible events or loss of control. • Mixed — Simultaneous depression and mania, which includes elevated self-esteem, talking too much and exuding increased nervous energy. • Atypical — Depression that includes the ability to be cheered by happy events temporarily, an increased appetite, lethargy, and an excessive desire to sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a bodily heaviness. • Melancholic — Severe depression associated with lack of response to things that previously brought pleasure and is associated with early morning awakening, early morning negativity, significant changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, irritation, or apathy. • Peripartum onset — A common depression that occurs during pregnancy or in the periods after child delivery (postpartum). • Psychotic — Depression with delusions or hallucinations, that may involve personal inadequacy, shortcomings, reflections of failure or other negative connotations. • Seasonal pattern — Depression related to changes in seasons and reduced exposure to sunlight. • Catatonia — Depression that produces physical activity that shows uncontrollable and purposeless movement or fixed and inflexible posture. General Disorders that Cause Depression Symptoms Some disorders include depression as a symptom. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from an experienced and qualified medical professional, so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. These disorders include, but are not limited to: • Bipolar I and II disorders. • Cyclothymic disorder. • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. • Persistent depressive disorder. • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. • Other depression disorders. Here are a few lifestyle changes that can help depression: Exercise - Regular exercise can be as effective at treating depression as medication. Not only does exercise boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals, it triggers the growth of new brain cells and connections, just like antidepressants do. Social support - Strong social networks reduce isolation, a key risk factor for depression. Keep in regular contact with friends and family. Nutrition - Eating properly is important for both your physical and mental health. Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help you keep your energy up and minimise mood swings. Sleep - When you don’t get enough sleep, your depression symptoms will be worse since sleep has a strong effect on your mood. Sleep deprivation exacerbates irritability, moodiness, sadness, and fatigue. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night. Very few people do well on less than seven hours a night. Aim for somewhere between seven to nine hours each night. Stress reduction - Make changes in your life to help manage and reduce stress. Too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression. Take the aspects of your life that stress you out, such as work overload or unsupportive relationships, and find ways to minimise their impact. If you recognise that you may be suffering from depression, seek help and advice as soon as possible – Depression is a slippery slope that gathers momentum fast. This article is not intended to give or provide medical advice. The symptoms and treatments described have been researched and rewritten from appropriately qualified sources. If in doubt, consult a physician without delay. The opinions given in this article are the author’s and do not reflect the opinions of the magazine, owners, or editors. “You don’t drown by falling into water, you drown by staying in the water.” The same applies with depression.
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