Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs
Misusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can have both immediate and long-term health effects.
The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.
How To Spot Signs Of Depression In Dogs
The symptoms of depression will vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the problem. There are some key things to look out for, however, including changes in body language during their interactions with people and other pets, decreased appetite, and lethargic behavior.
Dr. Leslie Sinn runs Behavior Solutions and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and certified professional dog trainer.
The main thing would be a change in normal demeanor, she says. What I hear from most of my clients is that their dog is not that willing to engage in activities that previously they seemed to really enjoy.
She gives the example of a dog who normally loves to play fetch, but now they may play for one or two rounds then arent really that interested.
Dr. Sinn also lists other signs, including clingy, needy behavior, and, perhaps, a need to be closer to the owner in general. Some dogs, however, can go the other way and become excessively withdrawn.
Lifestyle Changes For Depression
Lifestyle changes, such as making art, journaling, exercising more, and practicing yoga or mindfulness, can also alleviate depression and the stress that can heighten it. Alternative treatments like massage, acupuncture, and light therapy may also help.
Diet changes, too, can uplift your mood by reducing inflammation and helping to ensure your brain gets the nutrients it needs to function at its best.
One randomized controlled study, published October 9, 2019, in the journal PLoS One, found that self-reported symptoms of depression dropped significantly in just three weeks in young adults who changed from a highly processed, high-carbohydrate diet to a focused on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, unsweetened dairy, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and the spices turmeric and cinnamon. In contrast, the depression scores didnt budge in a control group of people who didnt change their diet.
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Signs And Symptoms: How To Identify Depression
If sadness alone isnt a good gauge of depression, what is? According to the American Psychiatric Associations current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , which is the diagnostic guide used by most mental health professionals, if youve experienced at least five of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be , also known as clinical depression.
Do you:
- Constantly feel tearful, empty, or worthless?
- Have little interest or pleasure in your work, hobbies, friends, family, and other things you once enjoyed?
- Notice dramatic changes up or down in your appetite or your weight not related to dieting?
- Often feel listless or fatigued for no obvious reason?
- Have trouble concentrating or making decisions?
- Find yourself wringing your hands, pacing, or showing other signs of anxious restlessness or the opposite, moving or speaking more slowly than usual?
- Struggle with or sleep too much?
- Have recurrent thoughts of suicide or death?
To be diagnosed with MDD, one of your symptoms must be a persistent low mood or a loss of interest or pleasure, the DSM-5 states. Your symptoms must also not be due to substance abuse or a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, a brain tumor, or a nutritional deficiency.
Of course, its normal to have any or all of these symptoms temporarily from time to time. The difference with depression is that the symptoms persist and make it difficult to function normally.
Find A Mental Health Counselor For The Two Of You
Depression affects both of youand your whole family. The Lowes suggest finding a therapist or counselor who has worked with depression in couples. You may have issues to deal with individually as the depressed person, and the two of you may have issues to deal with that stem from coping with depression, Lowe says. We found it very helpful to have a counselor we could see together at times and separately at other times.
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Judgment Of Self Or Others
I had a patient put it succinctly once: Sometimes I feel like I hate everyone, but I hate myself the most.
Since depression is often the result of turning ones anger against oneself, an important sign of depression is when your partner is overly hard on themselves for mistakes, frequently says negative things about themselves, or has difficulty realizing and reallyfeeling the positive aspects of who they are. This can result in your depressed partner being very judgmental of themselves. Since we often treat those around us as we treat ourselves, they also may become judgmental of those who are closest to them, even you. They can hold you to unrealistically high standards, or be very dismissive. Again, instead of criticizing back, the most useful tack is try to be sympathetic, for example by saying something about how painful it must be to feel like everything sucks.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Symptoms of depression in children tend to be a bit different than those for adults. Where low mood and loss of pleasure are often the two primary symptoms in adults with depression, kids are more likely to experience primary symptoms such as irritability and physical complaints.
Other symptoms of childhood depression include difficulty focusing and making decisions, extreme shyness, clinging to a parent, feeling hopeless, unexplained physical complaints, sleeping problems, appetite changes, and thoughts or actions of self-harm.
If your child or someone else you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK . If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
If you suspect that your child might be depressed, keep an eye out for the following signs.
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Changes In Appetite And Weight
Weight and appetite can fluctuate for people with depression. This experience may be different for each person. Some people will have an increased appetite and gain weight, while others wont be hungry and will lose weight.
One indication of whether dietary changes are related to depression is if theyre intentional or not. If theyre not, it may mean that theyre caused by depression.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
People who die by suicide usually show symptoms first. Often people will talk about it or make a first attempt before succeeding in ending their life. If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
- Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
- Listen, but dont judge, argue, threaten, or yell.
If you think someone is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors
Strong signs of suicidality include talking about wanting to die, making plans, or attempting to take ones own life. Warning signs of suicidal intention include:
- Acquiring the means to commit suicide
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
- Extreme agitation or anxiety
- Getting one’s affairs in order
- Increased use of substances such as drugs and alcohol
- Intense changes in mood/mood swings
- Saying goodbye to friends and family as though for the last time
- Feeling trapped or hopeless in ones situation
- Talking a lot about death, dying, and violence
- Talking about suicide or wishing that one hadn’t been born
- Withdrawal from friends or family
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Describe Your Own Experience
It is important that your partner hear from you what it is like to be around them when they are depressed. Especially if they are in denial or refusing to get treatment, it may be important for them to understand how their depression affects you emotionally, so that they can see the seriousness of the problem. The object is not to make them feel guilty or blame them, but to help them come to grips with the realities around their depression. Spouses often hide how they feel from partners for fear of hurting them, when in fact keeping their experience secret can prolong the pain. It is also important not to expect your partner to take responsibility for your feelings. You are just sharing your reality so that he can take it into consideration.
How Is Depression Syndrome Treated
Depression can be serious, but its also treatable. Treatment for depression includes:
- Self-help: Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and spending time with people you care about can improve depression symptoms.
- Counseling: Counseling or psychotherapy is talking with a mental health professional. Your counselor helps you address your problems and develop coping skills. Sometimes brief therapy is all you need. Other people continue therapy longer.
- Alternative medicine: People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms can improve their well-being with complementary therapy. Therapy may include massage, acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback.
- Medication: Prescription medicine called antidepressants can help change brain chemistry that causes depression. Antidepressants can take a few weeks to have an effect. Some antidepressants have side effects, which often improve with time. If they dont, talk to your provider. A different medications may work better for you.
- Brain stimulation therapy: Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy , transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation .
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How Is Depression Treated
Depression treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or both. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, brain stimulation therapy may be another treatment option. In milder cases of depression, treatment might begin with psychotherapy alone, and medication added if the individual continues to experience symptoms. For moderate or severe depression, many mental health professionals recommend a combination of medication and therapy at the start of treatment.
Choosing the right treatment plan should be based on a persons individual needs and medical situation under a providers care. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you. You can learn more about the different types of treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapies on the NIMH’s depression webpage. For information on finding a mental health professional and questions to ask when considering therapy, visit NIMHs psychotherapies webpage.
How To Tell Your Parents You Have Depression: When They Are Likely To Believe You
Guys, I have a problem, and I need your help. I was wondering if youve noticed or not, but I recently started shutting down and staying in my room more often. I also started turning down invites to events and social gatherings. I thought that it would be a temporary feeling, but it has worsened. Now I know that I am depressed, and its not going to get better without help. I feel so unhappy and low all of the time. Sometimes, I wish I were dead. I need treatment, please.Mom and Dad, this is really difficult for me to talk about, but I am suffering from depression. I am telling you because I hope that you wont be angry with me and because I cant suffer alone anymore. I didnt think it was serious, but its just getting worse every day I feel so ashamed to be feeling like this. On the Internet, they say that you should tell someone before its too late, so I am telling you now. Please, I need to get some help.
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Anxious For Nothing By Max Lucado
The third Christian book on depression I recommend is Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado. This was the most recent book I read out of these three titles, delving into this story in the beginning of 2020. I had heard many positive reviews about this Christian book on depression, so I knew I had to give it a try. For many years, I have struggled with anxiety and depression. Maybe you can relate to these feelings too. If you do struggle with either of these ailments, I highly recommend Anxious for Nothing.
As soon as I read the first few chapters of this Christian book on depression, I was able to breathe more easily and reflect better on my circumstances without anxiety and depression suffocating me. Lucado utilizes personal stories, Bible passages, and Christian advice to help those struggling with anxiety and depression. This Christian book on depression is unique in the sense that it focuses on the passage of Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Lucado emphasizes the importance of giving all of our anxieties, sorrows, and pains over to the Lord.
What’s The Difference Between Feeling Down And Being Depressed
Dr. Balderson explains that depression is a medical condition that not only changes the way you feel emotionally but also how you feel physically, how you think, and what you do. Depression can directly affect your body, taking away your energy, slowing you down and reducing your motivation to do activities. Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Attention and concentration problems
Depression impacts how we feel and can go on to interfere with our life, making it hard to work, enjoy activities, and maintain relationships with friends and family.
Depression can change how we think about our health. Any pain may feel more painful. Managing other illnesses, such as arthritis or diabetes, may feel difficult and leave you feeling discouraged and hopeless. This can lead to doing less self-care, making an illness worse. Its a cycle where each part feeds the other the physical influences the mental, and the mental influences the physical.
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Dont Expect A Single Conversation To Be The End Of It
How to tell someone you’re depressed and need help. Not only will the activity improve your mood, but doing something together that you enjoy provides a good distraction in case one or both of you need. The important thing is that sufferers seek help and support as soon as possible, which may help to prevent the depression from worsening. Talking to friends and family about your depression can be a very positive experience.
Get relief from depression in under 8 weeks. It isn’t saying it, but it gives the person the news about your problem. Could we talk about it? tell your friend if youre talking to them in confidence, then go ahead and be as direct and specific as you.
I made great friends during that time. You don’t have to force yourself to discuss your depression if you just don’t feel up to it or if you’re feeling particularly vulnerable. Telling someone you’re depressed with saying it is easy enough, people naturally have intuition, you can show them through signs, being quiet, including yourself less etc, however sometimes when you just say it, it can help, tell someone you’re close with, someone you trust, good luck!
The decision is yours to make. Encourage the depressed person to talk about their feelings, and be willing to listen without judgment. When youre ready, just go for it.
Depressed people tend to withdraw from others and isolate themselves. For me though, it was extremely necessary. You can email them using this form.
When Should I Seek Help
If your symptoms of depression are causing problems with relationships, work, or your family — and there isn’t a clear solution — you should see a professional.
Talking with a mental health counselor or doctor can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if your symptoms stay for any length of time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, get help right away.
It’s important to understand that feeling depressed doesn’t mean you have depression. That condition involves not only changes in mood, but also changes in sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and motivation.
If you have physical symptoms like these and find yourself feeling depressed much of the time for days or weeks, see your doctor.
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Depression Treatment: Lifestyle Changes Talk Therapy Antidepressants
If you suspect that depression is interfering with your life, talking about what youre experiencing and discussing treatment options with a medical professional is essential. As actress Taraji P. Henson, who describes her depression as suffocating darkness, recently explained in an interview with Self magazine, When youre quiet, things arent fixed. It gets worse.
The good news is that theres abundant evidence that people with depression who seek treatment will find significant relief from lifestyle changes, talk therapy , medication, or a combination of all efforts, according to the Association of America.
Signs And Symptoms Of Depression
Although there are many types of depression, there are certain symptoms that are common across depressive disorders. These symptoms provide the foundation for depression self-evaluations and diagnostic processes used by mental health professionals.
For example, the PHQ-9 often asks questions such as How often have you been bothered by feeling tired or having little energy? and How often have you caught yourself speaking or moving slower than usual? to assess fatigue, which is a hallmark symptom of depression. The more severe the depression, the more frequently these symptoms tend to occur.
You may have depression if you have experienced at least some of the following symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks:
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
If you experience suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 273-8255 to speak with a trained counselor and find help near you.
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