What is depression?
Depression is not sadness. Depression is a disease and like any disease it needs treatment.
In 2014, psychology study centers came together and came to the conclusion that almost 20% of the population will suffer from the disorder, showing symptoms that can harm different areas of life, such as the professional field, the romantic sphere, socialization and even the health of the individual.
The situation is even more recurrent for those who have already suffered an episode, with about a 50% chance of going through the process again. Who had two episodes, has 70% and above three, the number rises to 90%. In this article you will know about what is depression and the best depression therapy in London.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Recognition of the disease is the most complicated part before reaching the diagnosis and prescribing treatment. Data show that almost half of individuals who have the disorder are not diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms range from excessive irritability, prolonged anxiety, and acute distress; intense discouragement and the need for great effort to carry out activities that used to be commonplace and easy; inability to feel joy in activities considered pleasurable, disinterest in the world, apathy; feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, insecurity, unnecessary guilt, low self-esteem, thoughts of failure and death; difficulty concentrating and reasoning; decrease or absence of libido; loss or sudden increase in appetite; insomnia, increased sleep, indisposition, difficult awakening; physical pain without medical justification, such as anxiety, migraines, muscle tension, chest pressure, heavy body sensation, stomach aches and others.
Every person with depression doesn’t show the same symotoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms also vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or “emptiness”
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism;
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or powerlessness
- irritability, restlessness;
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities or hobbies, including lack of sexual appetite
- Fatigue and lack of energy;
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions;
- Insomnia, oversleeping;
- Excess or lack of appetite;
- Persistent headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not improve even with treatment
- Constant fatigue;
- Negative thoughts;
- Gastrointestinal changes;
- Muscle tension.
More than 300 million people suffer from depression worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Therapy is one of the forms of treatment for the suffering person, which may or may not be combined with the use of medication . See, in this article, the benefits of therapy for people with depressive disorder and how psychological care is adapting to the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
What is depression therapy?
Depression changes a person’s mood and way of being. It causes a series of symptoms, such as constant sadness and a feeling of emptiness , which directly affect day-to-day activities. It is not simply a momentary weakness, it is necessary to seek professional help to overcome it. Therapy for the person suffering from depression is fundamental in the treatment, as it allows:
- Identify triggers – life events that contribute to depression. Treatment helps to find ways to change, accept or adapt to these situations;
- Set goals – realistically for the near or more distant future;
- Reframing beliefs – recognizing distorted thought processes or harmful behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, characteristic of depression;
- Develop skills – to deal with symptoms and problems, as well as identify or prevent future episodes of depression;
- Regain self-control – and the pleasure of living.
Types of therapy for the person in depression
Learn about the two most common types of therapy for depression and the main benefits of each:
Interpersonal therapy – helps the person to improve relationships with others, expressing emotions better and solving problems in a healthier way. Interpersonal therapy works with adapting to events that have the potential to trigger or exacerbate depression, developing social skills, organizing relationships for more support, and coping with depressive symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy – helps people to have more self-control, identify and deal with negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to depression. The goal is for the person to be able to perceive and change these beliefs and behaviors, in addition to interacting with other people in a more positive way.
The adaptation of psychological care during the coronavirus pandemic
During the global crisis caused by the coronavirus, therapy meetings underwent a change: to avoid close contact between patient and professional and not to stop treatment, many people continued their therapy through online platforms, with video calls.
This alternative is essential for two reasons:
- Keep social contact safe and suggested as a way to prevent the spread of the pandemic, so that the patient and therapist remain healthy, without risk of contagion;
- It allows the continuity of treatment , without physical interruptions, in a particularly difficult time for mental health: a pandemic, which also triggered an economic crisis and which concerns many individuals around the world.
This alternative also opened up the possibility for people who did not follow up to start their care. Thus, depressed and anxious individuals, whose disorders worsened or were triggered during the pandemic, can also receive appropriate treatment.
If you’ve had one episode of depression in your lifetime, you’re likely to have another one at some point. However, therapy can decrease the chance of this happening or reduce the intensity of it. Talking about anxieties, fears or bad experiences, without any kind of judgment, avoids suffering and allows self-knowledge. If you have depression, or suspect it, talk to your doctor so that he can indicate the best treatment for the problem.
Several psychology professionals are performing virtual calls. If you feel the need, even if it is to alleviate a passing anguish, seek help through initiatives such as Escuta 60+, Psicologia Viva and Telavita. Don’t suffer alone, ask for help!
