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Depression is a low mood and listlessness. It’s an emotion, really, but it can be much more serious. That low mood can persist and become a major depressive disorder or clinical depression, often just called depression. Clinical depression is characterized by a pervasive and all-encompassing low mood, low self-esteem and loss of interest that, in some cases, can lead to suicide.
The signs of depression are many and sometimes nebulous, but generally include:
- Persistent sadness and feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and guilt.
- Insomnia or oversleeping.
- Decreased energy, frequent tiredness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities or hobbies.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Suicidal tendencies.
As the signs of depression are many, so are the treatments. Many things can contribute to depression, even something as seemingly innocuous as a speech impediment that socially isolates a person. In that case, those with careers in speech pathology can help. Treatments include:
- Antidepressants. According to a study, about a third of sufferers experienced a complete remission with antidepressants and 10 to 15 percent experienced around 50 percent improvement.
- Psychotherapy. Speaking with a therapist can help patients work through problems. Psychotherapy with medication is the most effective depression treatment.
- Vagus nerve stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy. In more extreme cases, stimulation of the vagus nerve in the brain or electrically induced therapeutic seizures are effective treatments.
As said before, depression can be serious. It is on the rise among various age groups and backgrounds and identifying it is the first step in treating it.
