Depression: The Ugly Beast Within

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that one used to enjoy. If you have never experienced depression, it can be hard to understand what it feels like, but it's important to know that it's not the same as feeling sad or down for a short period of time. Depression is a chronic condition that can last for weeks, months, or even years and it affects different people in different ways.

Recently my So Frickin’ Healthy podcast co-host, Danna Levy Hoffmann, and I tackled this topic in an episode.

Symptoms of depression can vary widely, but some common ones include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and guilt, loss of interest in things that one used to enjoy, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. People with depression may also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, back pain, and stomach problems.

Depression is typically treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, can help to reduce symptoms of depression. These medications work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood.

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can also be effective in treating depression. These types of therapy focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. They also aim to improve communication and relationships, which can help to reduce the symptoms of depression.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs, can also help to improve symptoms of depression. It's important to note that while these changes can be beneficial, they should never be used as a replacement for professional treatment.

Another treatment option for depression is called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is a form of treatment that uses electrical impulses to cause seizures in the brain and it is considered as a last resort for people who are not responding to other treatments.

It's important to note that depression is a serious condition and if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it's important to seek professional help.