Targeted Mental Issues
Depression
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Beyond the blues
It is estimated that 10% of men and 20% of women will suffer from it in their lifetime.
Depression is an illness as common as it is misunderstood. It can occur at any age and it is estimated that 10% of men and 20% of women will suffer from it in their lifetime. Depression must be taken seriously and treated without delay.
It usually appears in a sneaky way and often, it is those around us who notice the first signs. Its severity can vary. Some experience it constantly, others seasonally, while others develop it following a major upheaval. Social and professional life is disrupted.
Types of depression
There are different types of depression.
The minor depression shows less than five of the symptoms listed above. When it is persistent, it is called dysthymia*. This condition, which is not as violent as depression
The major depression, on the other hand, is diagnosed when at least five of the symptoms described are apparent. In severe depression, the sufferer may go so far as to lose a sense of reality and experience a psychotic episode.
Suicidal ideation can occur during depression and should be given due attention.
The symptoms
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain or loss
- Sleep disorders: insomnia or hypersomnia
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Changes in feelings towards loved ones
- Sense of incompetence, guilt
- Loss of self-esteem
- Lack of concentration
- Forgetfulness, slowness of mind
- Difficulty in making a decision
- Agitation or apathy
- Decreased sexual drive
- Involved in crying or crying frequently
- Anxiety
The cause
Depression can be caused by a multitude of factors.
Here are the main ones:
- Heredity;
- Biological shocks (childbirth, viral infection, heart attack, stroke, etc.)
- Difficulty in resolving problematic situations
- Psychological vulnerability
- A major disruptive event (divorce, bereavement, professional failure, etc.)
- A stressful living environment
- A hectic pace of life
The treatments
Drug therapy is used to stabilize the person’s condition. Antidepressants* reduce or eliminate symptoms. In addition, they help prevent relapses. With adequate medication, the depressed person can then concentrate, through psychotherapy, on finding the causes of his or her condition and taking the necessary steps to resolve the problematic situations.
An individual approach or participation in a therapy or self-help group can help to restore a healthier emotional state.
How to accompany your loved one
You don’t know what to say, what to do? You don’t know how to go about it?
Get in touch with one of our councellors.
