In the modern times, both in India as well as the west, depression is the one mental illness that has come in for maximum discussion and debate in the public sphere. A lot of awareness has been created, especially after many celebrities came out and openly admitted that they have suffered from this problem at some point or the other in their lives. What this has done is to remove the stigma about this issue to a great extent and encourage people suffering from this to seek professional help.

Depression can change the way a person behaves, and this can then have a negative impact on that individual’s emotional and physical symptoms. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Mild depression will have some impact on a person’s life and will leave him/her feeling low. Severe depression will make it very difficult for that person to get through the day and may even lead to feeling suicidal.
Victims might stop doing the activities that they once enjoyed, or they might withdraw from friends and family. This can in turn increase feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Physical

• Trouble with sleeping; not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
• Restlessness
• Digestive problems
• Sexual problems
• Fatigue
• Aches, pains, headaches or cramps

Cognitive

• Trouble concentrating
• Negative thoughts about self, others and the world in general
• Loss of interest in things once pleasurable
• A sense of unreality
• Emotional
• Irritability
• Feeling a sense of emptiness
• Persistent sadness
• Pessimism and hopelessness
• Feeling anxious or on edge

Behaviour

• Avoiding social events/activities they used to enjoy
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Overeating or having no appetite
• Finding it difficult to speak or think clearly

Major depressive disorder

If five or more of the following symptoms have been present during the same two-week period and represent a change from previous functioning, then it can be considered a severe case of depression. Having at least one of the symptoms may point to having a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either one’s own admission (feeling sad, empty, or hopeless) or as observed by others (appears tearful or irritable)
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activity most of the day nearly every day (reported by self or others)
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain. Or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others; not merely subjective feelings of restlessness)
Fatigue or loss of energy early every day
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day
Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning
The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition

CAN TREATMENT HELP?

The effectiveness of psychotherapies on reducing anxiety, stress and phobia and bringing down depression are well established. Cognitive behaviour therapy and clinical hypnotherapy have been found to be particularly effective. Psychologists will help you understand your thought process and the reasons for it. Mere understanding can bring down anxiety levels and guilt.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT

The treatment will depend upon several factors including the level of depression you are experiencing. For moderate depression and more severe depression it may be recommended that you need cognitive behaviour therapy and medication is associated with good treatment outcomes and crucially a reduction in the chances of experiencing further episodes of depression in the future.

If you have had depression for some time, or it is more severely affecting you, then it might be advised that you receive a combination treatment of psychological therapy and medication. When used together, the outcomes of a combined treatment can be much more effective at reducing symptoms.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS TREATMENT WITH US?

Our team of psychotherapists are highly trained and qualified mental health professionals with competence as either cognitive behaviour therapists, clinical hypnotherapists, clinical and counselling psychologists across Kerala mainly in Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut and Thrissur. Our mental health professionals have the necessary skills, competence and experience to help you.