Why do we get depressed for no reason

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SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Also visit the online treatment locator.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

The service is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

English and Spanish are available if you select the option to speak with a national representative. Currently, the 435748 (HELP4U) text messaging service is only available in English.

In 2020, the Helpline received 833,598 calls. This is a 27 percent increase from 2019, when the Helpline received a total of 656,953 calls for the year.

The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.

The service is confidential. We will not ask you for any personal information. We may ask for your zip code or other pertinent geographic information in order to track calls being routed to other offices or to accurately identify the local resources appropriate to your needs.

No, we do not provide counseling. Trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support.

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Last Updated: 08/30/2022

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90,000 symptoms, causes, types. Treatment in Kyiv

Depression is not just a constant decline in mood, pessimism and a desire for solitude. This is a mental disorder that leads to serious consequences. The patient loses the ability to enjoy life, he is not given the solution of difficult problems, he is prone to negative outcomes from any situation. But this condition can be corrected, depression is curable.

Types of depression

Depression is not always perceived as a disease not only by the patient's relatives, but also by himself. A bad mood lasts for weeks, everything is seen in gloomy colors, you don’t want to move, but you want to hide in a corner and just lie. The patient is accused of deterioration of character, selfishness and laziness. And he needs help. Help of a specialist.

Such help can be needed at any age. Five out of a hundred teenagers and children are familiar with this condition. With age, the number of cases also increases among young people - from 15 to 40%. Among adults, depressive disorders occur in one in ten, and women are twice as likely to experience this disorder. At an older age, about 30% of people have ever been depressed.

Depression as an illness can take many forms.

Depressive episode

This is the most common form of the disorder. Its duration is from two weeks to a year. If such a disorder is recorded only once, it is called unipolar. About 33% of patients experience this condition only once in their lives. As a rule, a depressive disorder is accompanied by a decrease in working capacity. Lack of treatment can lead to relapse.

Periodic depressive disorder

Characterized by recurring episodes. It is also called recurrent, as well as classical or clinical depression. It usually first occurs in childhood or adolescence. Duration from several months to several years. Phases of the disease alternate with remission. Seriously affects working capacity and requires an appeal to a child psychologist in the early stages of the development of the disease.

Dysthymia

Duration from two years to decades. Although the symptoms are less severe than in recurrent disorder, they last longer. Dysthymia is also called chronic depression. The transition of this type to a severe form is called a double depression.

Bipolar depression type I

It is characterized by a change in the phases of the disease, remission and manic phases. This disorder is also called manic-depressive psychosis. When the patient goes through the last phase, he is characterized by hyperactivity, combined with a good mood, but at the same time with anxiety and insomnia. The patient loses the ability to think critically. As a result - financial problems, the risk of casual sex. After this phase, the patient becomes depressed. This is bipolar disorder.

Bipolar II depression

Similar to depressive episodes. Changes of phases are also observed, but without an excessive increase in mood. During remission, there is an illusion of recovery.

Depressive psychotic episode

With this disorder, hallucinations, delusions are observed. Such patients in most cases require hospitalization.

Atypical depression

A mild type of depression, accompanied by drowsiness and excessive eating, mood swings, hypersensitivity, a tendency to panic attacks.

Seasonal depressive disorders

Occur most often in autumn or winter. They pass when the season changes.

Causes of depression

There is no single point of view among doctors on the causes of depression. Allocate the influence of heredity, as well as the environment. Nearly half of people with depression have close relatives with the same condition. There is a high probability of illness of one of the identical twins if the second is sick.

Depression can also be caused by external factors. It can be stress caused by the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce. Those who have previously suffered from depression are also at risk. People with a passive life position, with increased anxiety, with mental disorders are also more likely to get sick.

A high risk of depression in women is associated with stress and increased emotionality. And also, with some features of female physiology, for example, a tendency to thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and menopause. Also, pregnancy and the postpartum period due to increased stress on the body can lead to postpartum depression.

Depression can also be caused by a number of diseases, such as:

Thyroid diseases
Diseases of the adrenal glands
Brain tumors
Stroke
AIDS
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease, etc.

The development of the disease can be caused by uncontrolled intake of certain drugs, alcoholism and drug addiction.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Signs of depression are divided into 4 groups:

1. Emotional.
Depressed mood, impaired activity, decreased interest in life, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or lethargy, fatigue, loss of energy, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, low self-esteem, impaired concentration, difficulty making decisions, hopelessness .

2. Physiological.
Cognitive, psychomotor and other types of dysfunctions, increased fatigue, decreased sex drive, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, sleep disturbances, decreased or increased appetite, body pain, constipation.

3. Behavioral.
Anxiety, tension, nervousness, irritability, anger, mood swings, bouts of sadness, tearfulness, exacerbation of interpersonal conflicts, passivity, a tendency to solitude, abandonment of former hobbies, craving for alcohol and psychotropic substances.

4. Thinking.
Inability to concentrate, make a decision, slow thinking, pessimism.

Symptoms of depression are divided into major and minor.

The main ones are:

deterioration in mood without external causes for at least two weeks;
increased fatigue for at least a month;
persistent loss of interest in favorite activities.

Additional symptoms of depression include:

pessimism;
suicidal thoughts;
feeling of depression, attacks of fear or guilt;
drop in self-esteem;
any disturbance of sleep and appetite.

The presence of two main and three additional symptoms of depression in a patient allows making an appropriate diagnosis.

Depression in children has its own characteristics. Young children tend to feign illness in order to skip school or kindergarten, they are dependent on their parents and tormented by the fear of their death. Older children are constantly in a bad mood, their academic performance decreases, they perceive everything “with hostility” and complain of misunderstanding. The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the fact that sometimes it is not easy to separate the signs of depression and growth difficulties. In such cases, professional advice should not be abandoned.

Sequelae of depression

If treatment is refused, the consequences of depression can be severe. With each episode of untreated depression, the risk of a recurrence of the disease increases. In addition, each subsequent episode will be more difficult, with greater loss of performance and negative impact on physical health. Episodes will occur with increasing frequency, and cases of prolonged depression are possible. If treatment for depression has been incorrect or incomplete, it can lead to the development of a form of the disease that is difficult to treat.

Diagnosis of depression

When diagnosing depression, it is important to rule out diseases that present with similar symptoms, such as viral infections. To do this, the patient must undergo a routine physical examination and pass tests.

After ruling out other problems, a psychological evaluation is carried out. The patient is being interviewed. Diagnosis of depression is carried out using special tests that reveal the level of anxiety, suicidal tendencies, anhedonia and other symptoms.

Treatment of depression

Treatment of depression begins with psychological help. The patient is set up for an optimistic outlook on life, helps to get out of a state of constant fixation on negative aspects. The doctor also works with family members. They must establish a benevolent climate, support the patient in everything.

Tactics of treatment depends on the condition of the patient. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis or in a hospital. Treatment includes psychotherapy, drug therapy and social therapy. Antidepressants are used to treat depression. Only a doctor can choose the right drug. After all, the group under the general name of antidepressants includes drugs of different effects - stimulating, removing anxiety, sedatives. The dosage is selected by the doctor individually. The action of drug therapy begins two weeks after administration, and they cannot be canceled on their own. The duration of treatment is determined only by the doctor.

Also, auxiliary methods are used in the treatment - art therapy, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, light therapy, magnetotherapy, meditation. For each patient, an individual course of treatment is selected.

Prevention of depression

The support of family and friends plays an important role in the treatment of depression. They should avoid criticism of the patient, offer him joint activities. If the patient trusts them, then it is worth talking about his condition, emphasizing that his condition is temporary, and the treatment will definitely give a positive effect.

Since some types of depression recur, it is important to know how to prevent them. Prevention of depression is simple actions that give great results. Doctors advise:

sleep at least 8 hours, be sure to go to bed before midnight;
diet with enough omega-3 fatty acids;
sufficient physical activity;
communication with friends, with people who are positive;
it is highly desirable to receive psychotherapeutic assistance;
maximum use of daylight hours, if necessary, light therapy.

The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can harm your health.

Sources

World Health Organization
Ministry of Health of Ukraine
Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine

The author of the article:

Kulik Maria Sergeevna

Psychologist of the second category

Which doctor treats depression?

Where to go for help? Which doctor will help? It is better to start with a visit to a therapist. The general practitioner examines the patient, gives a referral for tests. The second specialist who will help is a psychotherapist.

Treatment of depression in Kyiv can be done at the MEDICOM clinic under the supervision of experienced specialists in comfortable clinics in Obolon and Pechersk. Do not stay with depression on your own. Contact the experts and return to a happy and healthy life as soon as possible!

all specialists

Certificates

Reviews

23. 06.2022 10:15

Maria

Why do you have antidepressants prescribed in your clinic by a psychologist, not a psychiatrist. Psychologists do not have the right to recognize whether they are medicines.

12.01.2022 01:16

Miroslava

My husband started having problems with his mood - everything is bad all the time, he is not interested in anything, he sees everything in a negative light. And I signed him up with a psychotherapist. At the consultation, pathopsychological and neuropsychological diagnostics were performed, after which it became clear that my husband had depression. Prescribed treatment with antidepressants, sessions of psychotherapy, magnetotherapy. Each case has its own treatment regimen. It's been a month and a half since the treatment started. Gradually, the negative and bad mood disappears, we will continue.

11/18/2021 20:22

Kubrak Masha

I liked the article, thank you! Very informative without complex medical terms, understandable for the perception of an ordinary person.

09/05/2021 09:06

To Svitlana

Depression is the greatest state of the soul, if nothing makes you happy. I experienced this stage a couple of times and I was helped several times to get a new one in the MEDIKOM clinic - my love psychologist Kulik Mariya Sergievna. Vaughn took antidepressants and gave psychological help. Shiro dyakuyu!

07/30/2021 19:27

Vladimir

Depression began after the death of his father, and was aggravated by a divorce from his wife. Became irritable, insomnia, always all in gloomy shades. Through the selection of drugs and work with a psychotherapist, colors began to appear in life.

05/07/2021 10:57

Love

I have postpartum depression after the birth of my long-awaited daughter. She couldn't figure it out on her own. A good psychologist works at the MEDICOM clinic. Without pills, I was able to help cope with depression - only herbal remedies and consultations. I begin to feel the happiness and joy of motherhood. Thanks a lot!

11.02.2021 17:17

Tetyana Oleksandrivna

The child began to notice a change in behavior and character development. No one knows anything, no wine is needed for anyone, everything is the opposite. I turned back to the psychologist for help, so that nothing bad happened. The doctor spent the interview with the son, prescribing calming preparations. Xing is slowly returning to normal.

04.11.2020 19:11

Nadya Reznichenko

For a long time I could not know the work behind the fah, problems with the person, my mother was sick. All in one compartment. Maria Sergievna Kulik helped me, I asked how you can change it, don’t pay attention to it, but look at it. I prescribed calmness, I relaxed, stopped sіpatisya and nervousness. You won't believe it after a couple of days, I knew the job! With a person, slowly getting better, trying to smooth out the kuti, even if it’s for the sake of strength. I took my mother to the Medicom to a good fakhivtsya, it was recognized as a likuvannya. Start thinking about yourself, hunt for help and help you!

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causes and ways to overcome it

Sadhguru talks about the causes of depression, what happens to a person who is in a depressed state, how to get rid of depression and use it for your own development.

ArticleMay 7, 2022

Contents

Why depression occurs
What happens when you are depressed
Depression as an occasion for self-development
Source of depression
Depression needs attention
How to overcome depression?

Why depression occurs

Sadhguru: One should understand what depression is. What happens inside of you when you feel down? In fact, you had some expectations, but they were not met. You thought that someone or something would obey your will, that your future or the world around you would meet your expectations, but this did not happen. In other words, you just don't agree with the current state of things, that's all. Maybe you disagree with the person, disagree with the situation, or disagree with life itself. As a result, the depression will only intensify.

Why do you disagree with a situation? Only because it didn't work out according to your scenario. Why does the world have to match your desires? Please understand that the world will not live your way. You either have no faith in the Creator, or acceptance, or both, and you also have a hypersensitive ego. That's why you get depressed.

What happens when you are depressed?

Depression makes you cynical and leads to deep self-destruction. When depressed, people just hurt themselves more. Destruction does not necessarily mean physical murder. A person who takes a sword and kills someone does not have such a sensitive ego, his ego does not need to be nourished as much as the ego of a depressed person. A person who has fallen into a rage can easily calm down. Have you seen this on the streets? If during the fight there is at least a slightly reasonable person who can calm the fighters, then they, those who just wanted to kill each other, will stop the fight, make up and disperse. But this cannot happen to a depressed person. He will carry this drama throughout his life. Consciously or not, such people continue to "sharpen their knife" and "cut" their own heart. Why does a person keep hurting himself? Mainly to get sympathy. For a deeply depressed person, ordinary sympathy is not enough; someone has to suffer with him. What is there in you that can hurt? If you hit yourself with a stick, your body will get hurt, but this is different. Then what else can hurt you? The mind and inner nature cannot be wounded. Only the ego can be hurt. If you say to yourself: “I want to develop,” it means to trample on your ego and get away from it.

Depression as a reason for self-development

Any emotion in your life can be turned into a creative force. If your sadness reminds you of your inferiority, that's good: use sadness for your own growth.

Do you want to turn sadness into anger or into love and compassion? When you are sad it is very easy to become compassionate. This is already a dissolving type of energy, you can use it for further dissolution, which will lead you to the highest well-being. But when you become discouraged and become irritated and angry as a result, thinking that the whole world is wrong, you are fools.

Today, the sad reality for most people is that they only take action when life hits them. For most, maturity does not come without grief and pain. Otherwise, they will never understand what is happening to them and to other people.

In Yoga, depression is treated at the level of the body, mind and energies. If the necessary balance and vitality is achieved in the physical, mental and energy bodies, then bliss is quite natural. Depression will never appear if a person experiences bliss.

Question: Sadhguru, you say that being blissful is natural, but isn't depression also a natural emotional state for a person?

Sadhguru: Once depression is recognized as a natural state, it cannot be eliminated. When you were a child, it was natural for you to be happy, not depressed. Do not claim that depression is natural. Depression means that you are unable to cope with the tumult of life within you. It even affects your body. If you are depressed, even the physical body fades away. Life is not boiling within you, it has weakened and lost its strength because you are not handling it correctly. You are imposing too much external nonsense on what is inside. You have done nothing to keep your vital energies high.

Source of depression

Depression is a form of suffering. If you have become suffering and not ecstasy, it is only because so much of your life energy is expended compulsively and not consciously. It is a reaction to external situations.

If you act compulsively, then it is very natural to become depressed, because external situations will never be 100% under your control.

There are so many things going on in the world that if you react compulsively it will be very natural to feel confused and distressed. The more you succumb to the influence of external factors, the more suffering awaits you.

Depression in people can be caused by many factors. If you take away from people what they consider valuable, they will become depressed. The tragedy of most people, especially those in wealthy circles, is that although everything is available to them, they get nothing from it. Depression means that hopelessness has taken root somewhere. If you visit the poorest village in India where people live in poverty, you will see happy faces because they have hope that tomorrow will be better. For the wealthy segments of society, this hope has disappeared. Depression set in there because all external problems had been solved.

A poor person may think, "If I get a new pair of shoes tomorrow, everything will be fine." If he gets a new pair, he will walk like a king, with great joy on his face, because he has hope, even though external problems have not gone away. For rich people, external problems have been solved, but internal ones have not gone away. That's where they get hopelessness and depression. They have food, they have a house, they have clothes - they have everything, but still something is wrong. They just can't figure out what it is.

As we solve external problems, we must also solve our internal problems. Then the world will be a wonderful place. This is what we call the spiritual process - not just fixing the objective side of your life, but caring for the subjective side of who you are.

Depression needs attention

If you don't feel very strong emotions and don't think too much about anything, then depression doesn't threaten you. Depression begins when you generate thoughts and emotions that work not for you, but against you. That is, you are strong enough to cause depression in yourself. I'm not saying this because I lack empathy, and I'm not saying that depression can't be the result of an illness, but because that's the nature of what happens to people.

Most cases of depression are self-made, with the exception of a few pathological cases where people cannot help themselves.

But almost everyone is capable of driving themselves crazy, because there is a very thin line between common sense and insanity. And people go over it all the time. You step over it when you're angry. You go beyond the boundaries of sanity and fall into insanity for a while, and then come back.

There are enough reasons in your life to get sick. Since childhood, you received maximum attention only when you were sick. When you were jumping for joy, the grown-ups yelled at you. When you yelled for joy, the grown-ups yelled at you. But as soon as you feel bad, they immediately began to indulge you. As a child, illness was desirable because then you got the attention of your mother, father and everyone around you. You didn't have to go to school that day. Thus you have mastered the art of bodily ailments. But when you got married, you mastered the art of mental illness! If you lack attention, you can hide in a corner and pretend to be depressed. Then people will pay attention to you. But if you keep getting depressed, one day you won't be able to come back. On this day, your condition will go into a clinical form.

How to overcome depression?

Physical activity plays a very important role in maintaining the chemical balance in the body. Over the past few generations, our physical activity has declined significantly. Therefore, maintaining the chemical balance in the body becomes a difficult task. Depression is just a consequence of this. Some hide in a corner and are sad. Others with bipolar disorder may become aggressive. The standard solution for both is to calm them down with chemo, pills, or injections. This approach destroys the potential of the individual.

One of the easiest and best ways to maintain mental balance is a high level of physical activity in the natural environment, ideally from an early age.

Another important aspect is the conscious contact with the 5 elements of nature - earth, water, air, fire (or sunlight) and space. Another factor is the food you eat - overly processed foods should be avoided. In addition, the current generation suffers from a lack of emotional security. People can't truly commit their emotions to anyone because no one stays around for long.

Thus, the increase in depression is associated mainly with changes in lifestyle. Too much food, too little physical activity, disconnection from nature, lack of contact with the 5 elements, lack of emotional security - these are the main reasons why depression has become so common in the modern world.

If we take care of these aspects, we can significantly reduce the frequency and extent of depression and other mental disorders.

Note: Inner Engineering Online, a 7-session online program developed by Sadhguru, has changed the lives of millions of people by helping them take control of their mind, body and emotions. More details: http://isha.co/IEO-rus.