Depression
Depression is a common mental health problem. It's not just a state of being unhappy or sad. It's a serious illness. It is a type of mood disorder. It affects the way a person feels and thinks. And it affects how they handle daily activities. These include working, sleeping, and eating. The cause seems to be linked to a change in chemicals that send signals in the brain.
These things increase a person’s risk for depression:
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A family history of depression, alcoholism, or suicide
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Chronic mental or physical illness
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Chronic pain
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Migraine headaches
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High emotional stress
Depression may be easier to see in others. You may have a hard time seeing it in yourself. It can show in many physical and emotional ways. These include:
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Loss of appetite.
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Overeating.
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Not being able to sleep.
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Sleeping too much.
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A lot of tiredness not linked to physical activity.
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Restlessness or irritability.
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Slowness of movement or speech.
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Feeling sad or withdrawn.
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Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.
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Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
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Thoughts of harming or killing yourself, or thoughts that life is not worth living.
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Low self-esteem.
The treatment for depression may include medicine or psychotherapy, or both. The goal of treatment is to reduce or get rid of your symptoms and restore the quality of your life.
Antidepressant medicines can ease symptoms. They can also make it easier for you to do daily tasks. Some people start feeling better within 1 to 2 weeks after using these medicines. But it can take 6 to 12 weeks to get their full effect.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can offer emotional support. It can also help you understand and manage things that may be causing the depression. It can occur between you and a counselor. Or it can happen in a group setting. Some people prefer virtual counseling, or telehealth, to in-person meetings.
In addition to medicine and psychotherapy, physical activity and exercise can ease depression. Talk with your health care provider about where to start.
Home care
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Ongoing care and support help people manage this illness. Find a health care provider and a counselor who meet your needs. Get help when you feel like you may be getting ill.
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Be kind to yourself. Make it a point to do things that you enjoy. This may be gardening, walking in nature, or going to a movie. Reward yourself for small successes.
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Take care of your body. Eat a balanced diet. Eat foods low in saturated fat. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Even mild to moderate exercise like brisk walking can help you feel better.
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Take medicine as prescribed. Don't stop your medicine or change the dose unless you talk with your health care provider.
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Once you start taking medicine, expect your symptoms to get better slowly. Depression will lift over time. It does not get better right away. Ask your health care provider how long it will take for your medicine to start working.
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Don't share your medicine. Don’t use someone else's medicine.
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Tell your health care providers about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It also includes vitamins and herbal supplements. Some supplements can interact with medicines. They can cause dangerous side effects. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines.
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Don't make major changes until you feel better. This includes things like quitting your job, moving, and starting or ending a relationship.
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Don't drink alcohol. It can make depression worse.
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Talk with your family and trusted friends about your feelings and thoughts. Ask them to help you notice behavior changes early. You can then get help. And your medicine can be changed, if needed.
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Talk with your health care provider if you are not getting better. They may change your medicine or have you try another treatment.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider as advised.
Crisis care
Call 988 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others. When you call or text 988, you will be connected to trained crisis counselors. An online chat choice is also available. Lifeline is free and available 24/7. 988 counselors will work with 911 to help you get the care you need.
Call 911 if you:
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Have trouble breathing.
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Are very confused.
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Feel very drowsy or have trouble waking up.
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Faint.
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Have new chest pain that becomes more severe, lasts longer, or spreads into your shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back.
When to get medical care
Contact your health care provider right away if:
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Your symptoms get worse.
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You have extreme depression, fear, anxiety, or anger toward yourself or others.
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You feel out of control.
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You feel that you may try to harm yourself or others.
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You hear voices other people don't hear.
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You see things other people don't see.
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You don't sleep or eat for 3 days in a row.
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Your friends or family express concern over your behavior and ask you to get help.