What is major depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that involves feeling sad, melancholy, unhappy, downcast, or down in the dumps. It is also known as major depression or resistant depression. This type of depression is characterized by the occurrence of one or more depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks.
What symptoms does it present?
Some of the main symptoms that can present major depression are: – Loss or gain of weight – Loss of interest in activities that were once rewarding – Feeling of guilt – Suicidal thoughts – Fatigue or loss of energy
Causes of major depression or why it occurs
Although the exact cause of major depression is unknown, many specialists say it is due to chemical changes in the brain. There are external factors that can influence when suffering from depression, such as: – Alcoholism or drug addiction – Sleep disorders – Certain illnesses such as hypothyroidism, cancer or chronic pain – Consumption of certain medications – Stressful life events such as breaking up with a partner, a near death or losing a job.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent major depression, it is important not to consume alcohol or drugs, as these can make it worse. It is also advisable to exercise and maintain good sleep habits.
What is the treatment?
Major depression can be treated by means of pharmacological treatment or psychotherapy. The pharmacological treatment consists of antidepressants that reestablish the right levels of chemicals in the brain. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is aimed at talking about the patient’s feelings and thoughts in order to learn how to cope with them.