Depression Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. Depression causes There are several possible causes of depression. They can range from biological to circumstantial. Common causes include: * Family history. You’re at a higher risk for developing depression if you have a family history of depression or another mood disorder. * Early childhood trauma. Some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations. * Brain structure. There’s a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active. However, scientists don’t know if this happens before or after the onset of depressive symptoms. * Medical conditions. Certain conditions may put you at higher risk, such as chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). * Drug use. A history of drug or alcohol misuse can affect your risk. About 21 percent of people who have a substance use problem also experience depression. In addition to these causes, other risk factors for depression include: * low self-esteem or being self-critical * personal history of mental illness * certain medications * stressful events, such as loss of a loved one, economic problems, or a divorce However, in many cases, healthcare providers are unable to determine what’s causing depression. Types of depression Depression can be broken into categories depending on the severity of symptoms. Some people experience mild and temporary episodes, while others experience severe and ongoing depressive episodes. There are two main types: major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the more severe form of depression. It’s characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that don’t go away on their own. In order to be diagnosed with clinical depression, you must experience 5 or more of the following symptoms over a 2-week period: * feeling depressed most of the day * loss of interest in most regular activities * significant weight loss or gain * sleeping a lot or not being able to sleep * slowed thinking or movement * fatigue or low energy most days * feelings of worthlessness or guilt * loss of concentration or indecisiveness * recurring thoughts of death or suicide Persistent depressive disorder Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) used to be called dysthymia. It’s a milder, but chronic, form of depression. In order for the diagnosis to be made, symptoms must last for at least 2 years. PDD can affect your life more than major depression because it lasts for a longer period. It’s common for people with PDD to: * lose interest in normal daily activities * feel hopeless * lack productivity * have low self-esteem Depression can be treated successfully, but it’s important to stick to your treatment plan. Treatment for depression Living with depression can be difficult, but treatment can help improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about possible options. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a doctor. You may successfully manage symptoms with one form of treatment, or you may find that a combination of treatments works best. It’s common to combine medical treatments and lifestyle therapies, including the following: Medications Your healthcare provider may prescribe: * antidepressants * antianxiety * antipsychotic medications Each type of medication that’s used to treat depression has benefits and potential risks. Psychotherapy Speaking with a therapist can help you learn skills to cope with negative feelings. You may also benefit from family or group therapy sessions. Online therapy options Read our review of the best online therapy options to find the right fit for you. Healthline Light therapy Exposure to doses of white light can help regulate your mood and improve symptoms of depression. Light therapy is commonly used in seasonal affective disorder, which is now called major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern. Alternative therapies Ask your healthcare provider about acupuncture or meditation. Some herbal supplements are also used to treat depression, like St. John’s wort (třezalka) , SAMe, and fish oil. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement or combining a supplement with prescription medication because some supplements can react with certain medications. Some supplements may also worsen depression or reduce the effectiveness of medication. Exercise Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 5 days a week. Exercise can increase your body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood. Avoid alcohol and drugs Drinking or misusing drugs may make you feel better for a little bit. But in the long run, these substances can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse. Learn how to say no Feeling overwhelmed can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms. Setting boundaries in your professional and personal life can help you feel better. Take care of yourself You can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of yourself. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities. Sometimes depression doesn’t respond to medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options if your symptoms don’t improve. These include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression and improve your mood. Preventing depression Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable. It’s hard to recognize what causes it, which means preventing it is more difficult. But once you’ve experienced a depressive episode, you may be better prepared to prevent a future episode by learning which lifestyle changes and treatments are helpful. Techniques that may help include: * regular exercise * getting plenty of sleep * maintaining treatments * reducing stress * building strong relationships with others Other techniques and ideas may also help you prevent depression. 15 Ways to Avoid Depression 1. Exercise regularly 2. Cut back on social media time 3. Build strong relationships 4. Minimize your daily choices 5. Reduce stress 6. Maintain your treatment plan 7. Get plenty of sleep 8. Stay away from toxic people 9. Eat well 10. Maintain a healthy weight 11. Manage chronic conditions 12. Read prescription medication side effects carefully (birth control pills) 13. Reduce alcohol and drug use 14. Get off nicotine 15. Plan for unavoidable known triggers (anniversary of a death or divorce) ZDROJ: www.healthline.com VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-IR48Mb3W0 VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOx0Q273AsQ VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDcvvHeKyuw