Dangers Of A Depressive Episode
During a depressive episode, most people are very vulnerable. They feel worthless and defeated. You may see yourself not caring about school or work. That can impact your future if it happens often. The more profound effects of depressive episodes affect peoples ability to take care of themselves. You may be at a higher risk of hurting yourself through self-cutting. Others have suicidal thoughts or make attempts to harm themselves. Because of this, major depressive episodes are considered life-threatening events.
The length of a depressive episode varies, but the average duration is thought to be six to eight months.
How Long Do Depressive Episodes Last
There is no average duration for major depressive disorder as a whole since every persons experience and response to treatment is different. Depressive events must last at least two weeks to meet the diagnostic criteria to qualify as a depressive episode.
Studies have found that the average duration of a major depressive episode is between three and four months, while other research has estimated that the average duration is six to 10.7 months.
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Using Nlp To Fight Depression
Introducing Neuro-Linguistic Programming into your therapy routine can be a helpful way to combat symptoms of depression.
As an emerging theory in psychoanalysis, NLP can assist with eliminating learned helplessness.
You may also find it can assist with working through traumatic events, helping alleviate some of the burdens youre carrying.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming has been found to feel liberating when used during a depressive episode.
It assists in enhancing the belief that each individual is in control of their life.
It can also provide patients with the fundamental skills to work through grief, trauma, and post-traumatic stress.
To learn more about NLP and how it can assist with depression, we highly recommend these books:
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Symptoms That Lead To A Diagnosis
If youre suffering from any kind of mental health disorder, its important that you identify and understand your symptoms in order for our doctors to correctly diagnose you. Bipolar disorder consists of both manic and depressive episodes that create an unstable mood.
Mania can be extreme changes in mood, or you can have hypomania which is typically less severe. Symptoms of mania include:
Difficulty sleeping Extreme energy Increased self-esteem Difficulty concentrating Racing thoughts
On the opposite end of the spectrum, depression can change your emotional highs to hopeless lows. If you have bipolar disorder with depression, symptoms you may experience include:
Fatigue Sadness Decreased energy Overeating or loss of appetite Suicidal thoughts
Our team at Boston MindCare take a detailed history to decipher your symptoms and give you a definitive diagnosis. With that, we can also form a customized treatment plan for you.
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Consequences Of Forgoing Bipolar Disorder Treatment
The National Alliance of Mental Health has reported that there are serious risks in deciding not to treat diagnosed bipolar disorder. Some of the consequences that can occur with untreated bipolar disorder include:
- Having more severe episodes of mania and/or depression
- Displaying risky behaviors, taking dangerous chances
- Extreme changes in energy, activity level, sleep
- Partaking in excessive drinking, drug abuse
- Greater risk of suicidal ideation
- Experience long lasting periods of unstable moods
- Suffer from higher death rates from cancer, heart disease or stroke
- Symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating
- Increased involvement in illegal substances
- Periods of irrational behaviors
About one-half of all people who have bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness do not receive treatment. While bipolar disorder is a chronic lifelong condition, treatment is effective and frees those from harsh unrelenting episodes of mania and/or depression. Untreated bipolar disorder will display symptoms and behaviors that worsen, becoming more pronounced over time.
A Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrist in Atlanta is a Phone Call Away
Proper diagnosis and treatment is just a phone call away. If you suffer from recurring mood swings and episodes of mania or depression and find it increasingly difficult to manage your life, friends, family or work, call for a confidential appointment and expert diagnosis. Make the call that can change your life for the better.
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Depression Is Different From Sadness Or Grief/bereavement
The death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship are difficult experiences for a person to endure. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such situations. Those experiencing loss often might describe themselves as being depressed.
But being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving process is natural and unique to each individual and shares some of the same features of depression. Both grief and depression may involve intense sadness and withdrawal from usual activities. They are also different in important ways:
- In grief, painful feelings come in waves, often intermixed with positive memories of the deceased. In major depression, mood and/or interest are decreased for most of two weeks.
- In grief, self-esteem is usually maintained. In major depression, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are common.
- In grief, thoughts of death may surface when thinking of or fantasizing about joining the deceased loved one. In major depression, thoughts are focused on ending ones life due to feeling worthless or undeserving of living or being unable to cope with the pain of depression.
Grief and depression can co-exist For some people, the death of a loved one, losing a job or being a victim of a physical assault or a major disaster can lead to depression. When grief and depression co-occur, the grief is more severe and lasts longer than grief without depression.
Demand To Feel Well Again
If you went through a severe depression, you may be relieved to just feel OK again. You might not be happy, but you’re grateful that you can get out of bed and go to work.
But that isn’t enough. It isn’t enough to just feel less miserable. You deserve to feel well again, to feel as good as you once did. If your current treatment isn’t allowing that, then you need to make certain everything is being done to improve symptoms as fully as possible. There are many different ways of treating depression — therapy, medicines, and lifestyle changes — that can help.
So don’t settle for feeling just OK. You and your health care provider need to work together. With some effort and good treatment, you can feel truly well again.
Show Sources
American Psychological Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, Text Revision, Washington American Psychiatric Association, 2000.Ã
American Psychiatric Association, Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depression, 2000.Ã
Compton M. Ã ACP Medicine, Psychiatry II, 2003.Ã
Fochtmann, L. Focus, Winter 2005.Ã
National Mental Health Association: “Depression: What You Need to Know.”Ã
National Institute of Mental Health: “The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America.”Ã
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Are Depressive Episodes Temporary
Understanding depression Everyone goes through periods of deep sadness and grief. These feelings usually fade away within a few days or weeks, depending on the circumstances. However, intense sadness that lasts more than 2 weeks and affects your ability to function may be a sign of depression.
What triggers depressive episode?
Depression episodes can be triggered by factors such as stressful events, loss, illness, lifestyle habits, and substance use.
Can a depressive episode last a few hours?
Disorders characterized by periods with depressive episodes lasting hours to days have been described since 1852 and have been labelled periodic melancholia, intermittent depressive disorder or very brief depression.
What defines a depressive episode?
The American Psychiatric Association defines a depressive episode as a period in ones life of at least two weeks, during which they exhibit the requisite symptoms of major depressive disorder . The symptoms of MDD are diverse, and include the following: Low mood. Sadness .
Understanding Whats Happening To You
If youre in the middle of a depression episode, it may seem nearly impossible to know whats happening. However, there are a few ways you can track such attacks so you can take action to get the help you need.
- Start to chart your mood or use a journal to record your thoughts and feelings. Write down reactions to things that occur daily.
- Use that information to recognize triggers that could influence episodes, such as fighting with a spouse or employer.
- Talk to friends and family while youre feeling good. Ask them to let you know when you seem down. Have a circle of people you trust to help with this.
- Meet routinely with your doctor. Be sure you are receiving the proper medication and care.
- Meet with a therapist who can offer guidance about whats happeninghaving someone to speak to right away can be very empowering.
You may not be able to stop your episode from occurring, but youre recognizing whats happening and getting the help you need to manage it. Thats critical.
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What Is The Difference Between Major And Minor Depression
Dysthymic disorder/dysthymia Also known as a moderate form of depression, the symptoms last a long time at least two years but are not as severe as the symptoms of major depression. Minor depression This form of depression is similar to the others except the symptoms are not as severe and dont last as long.
What Is A Depressive Episode
A depressive episode occurs when someone experiences five or more depressive symptoms that last for a period of two weeks or longer. Depression symptoms that can be considered part of a depressive episode include:
- Depressed mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicide ideation or attempt
A depressive episode can be brought on by a variety of different reasons, including major life events or medical illnesses. A person will not meet the criteria for a depressive episode if symptoms are caused by substance abuse or a reaction to a prescribed medication.
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How Is Dysthymia Treated
Treatment may include one or a combination of the following:
- Medicine. Many different medicines are available to treat depression. It often takes 4 to 6 weeks for anti-depressants to have a full effect. Its important to keep taking the medicine, even if it doesnt seem to be working at first. Its also important to talk to your healthcare provider before stopping. Some people have to switch medicines or add medicines to get results.
- Therapy. This is most often cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. It focuses on changing distorted views of yourself and your environment. It also works to improve relationship skills, and identify and manage stressors.
Because this condition usually last for longer than 5 years, long-term treatment may be needed.
If you have depression, there are things you can do to help yourself. Depression can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings may make you feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and may not reflect reality. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. Meanwhile, consider the following:
How Is Dysthymia Diagnosed
Depression often happens with other conditions, such as heart disease, or cancer. It may also happen with substance abuse or anxiety disorders. Often, people with dysthymia grow accustomed to the mild depressive symptoms and do not seek help. But, early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery.
A diagnosis may be made after a careful psychiatric exam and medical history done by a mental health professional.
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How Long Will My Depression Last
From now on, instead of asking questions like How long does clinical depression last?, as if it doesnt matter what you do, start thinking about how fast you can stop being depressed with your particular approach to depression.
Indeed, the takeaway is that you can get rid of depression extremely fast, even if other people dont, because it depends entirely on what you do.
And since youre taking a course that teaches you step by step how to get rid of depression faster and easier, you can rest assured that you will get rid of depression much faster than most people.
Reach Out To People You Care About
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation makes depressive episodes even worse. In fact, there is evidence that loneliness and social isolation can greatly worsen an individuals mental health. But by making plans with people you care about, you can get some much-needed social interaction, which can help you get out of your depressive episode. You dont have to do anything big or special eitherjust inviting someone over to sit and talk or watch TV for a few hours can make a world of difference.
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How To Tell If You Have Depression
Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.
The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.
Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.
How Long Does Depression Last Does It Go Away
Depression is a complex and debilitating disorder that plagues many people. The overwhelming feeling of depression can affect every aspect of a persons life, from their relationships to the professional sphere. It is a considerable weight that can leave a person feeling sad, hopeless, and can even compromise their own self-image. It is critical to address depression, but depressive episodes can still surface, even while receiving care. Asking, Does it ever go away? is a fair question with two distinct interpretations. However, the answer is yes, it can go away whether a person is looking to address the particular depressive episode they feel stuck in, or thinking about addressing their depression as a whole.
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Ketamine For Depression Treatment
Most antidepressant medications or depression treatments can take weeks or even months to begin to provide relief. Ketamine can provide rapid relief from the symptoms, and is a promising new depression treatment. It interacts with the NMDA and AMPA receptors, releasing glutamate, cortisol, and oxytocin helping to restore connections in the brain and essentially rewire it.
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Understand And Accept Depression
Learning more about depression can help people deal with the condition. Depression is a widespread and genuine mental health disorder. It is not a sign of weakness or a personal shortcoming.
Accepting that a depressive episode may occur from time to time might help people deal with it when it does. Remember, it is possible to manage symptoms with treatments, such as lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy.
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Depressive Episodes Vs Sadness
Like grief, depressive episodes are often linked to sadness. An emotional pain marked by feelings of longing or lacking, sadness can sometimes be hard to distinguish from the characteristics of a depressive episode.
But despite their similarities, depressive episodes are distinct from moments of sadness. For starters, sadness, like mourning, is not considered a mental health disorder, but a part of life.
Secondly, sadness usually lasts for much longer periods of time, compared to the minimum two-week requirements for a depressive episode diagnosis.
Sadness also lasts for a much shorter part of each day, as opposed to a depressive episode, which can last most and even the entirety of ones day.
Finally, while a depressive episode is considered a mental health issue due to the intensity of its symptoms and their detrimental effect on an individuals quality of life or daily functioning, sadness is a less severe experience, and normally passes without leaving a significant impact on ones well-being.
Included Publications Regarding Bipolar Disorder
As several as two-thirds of individuals dealing with depression literally attempt to grin as well as bear it they dont seek or obtain the aid they require to deal and also those who do typically allow months go by before bringing it up with their physician. Depression can stick around for many years if left unattended and also can lead to physical symptoms and even thoughts of suicide. Table 1 reports the demographic and analysis attributes of the study effects of depression on short term memory example 54% of individuals fulfilled requirements for frequent major depression, 30% for persistent major depression, and also 16% for dysthymia. The ordinary age of the sample was 48 years, and also 75% were women. A better percentage of those with dysthymia were wed or cohabiting contrasted to those with persistent major depression or frequent depression . Over fifty percent of those with recurrent depression remained in paid employment , contrasted to simply 35% of those with persistent major depression and 39% of those with dysthymia.
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Changes In Sleep Patterns Or Lack Of Sleep
A change in your sleep pattern is a hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder but it can also be a trigger.
Shift workers, people who work long hours, and students who are short on sleep are all at risk for having a recurrence of a mood episode related to a lack of sleep. In addition, travel beyond ones time zone can be another trigger for a mood episode, says Bennett.
Interpersonal and social rhythms therapy is one of the most effective preventions, Bennett says. This treatment approach, available in group as well as individual sessions, helps you develop an orderly life schedule of sleep, diet, and exercise habits, to make you more effective at managing bipolar disorder.
Other forms of therapy, including and cognitive-behavioral therapy , can also be helpful in managing the illness.