Spousal Support: Why Is It Crucial For New Moms?
If you observe signs and symptoms of sadness, anxiety and postpartum depression in your partner, get the new mother to visit a doctor immediately to get treated.
All of us go through spells of sadness in our lives. Sorrow, like happiness, is a normal state of mind. However, prolonged phase of sadness may not be normal. It could signal a mood disorder known as depression. According to the World Health Organization, this mental health challenge is the major cause of disability worldwide.In the clinical psychology fraternity, depression is defined as a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness and loss of interest in otherwise favourite things persist for more than 2 weeks at a stretch. It is likely to affect daily functionalities and may last for weeks or months. Different from frequent mood fluctuations, depression is a medical condition which is also characterised by anger, sense of loss, low self-worth and hopelessness. Certain health ailments, such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity can worsen the symptoms of this mood disorder.
People experiencing depression describe it as feeling a significant loss, and feeling lifeless and apathetic. However, there is a way to get better, by finding the root cause of the depression and identifying various symptoms and types which can help to find a solution that enables people to feel better.
Depression can be classified into various categories depending on the severity and longevity of symptoms. Here are the most common types of this mental health disorder:
Major or clinical depressive disorder
This is the most severe form of depression where a person experiences certain symptoms for more than 2 weeks. They include:
Depression can affect a person emotionally as well as physically. Common symptoms of depression include unhappiness, loss of interest in activities which were earlier pleasurable, loss of appetite, lack of energy and motivation, difficulty in concentrating, inability to make decisions and sleep issues (mainly insomnia). Chronic, untreated depression can manifest through suicidal thoughts. Apart from these, there are other red flags of depression. Watch out for these:
Causes
Depression is caused due to various factors. It may be triggered due to external factors (exogenous) or it may be triggered due to internally induced or already existing disease).Someone with depression in the family history is more likely to develop the same illness.
As depression is a multifactorial illness, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact causes behind depression. However, certain factors listed below may work as triggers:
Practical approaches to prevent depression are developing and implementing a school-based program that motivates children and adolescents to think positively. Programs promoting exercises for the elderly have also proven effective in the prevention of depression.
To confirm depression, a person must be suffering from at least five symptoms of depression every day for the entire day for two weeks. Depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, and increased fatiguability are regarded as typical symptoms of depression.
A physician may consider when the symptoms began to show up and how long they last, and how much they interfere with a patient’s day-to-day activities. Physical exams, interviews and, lab tests are usually used for confirming the diagnosis.
Pharmacotherapy
Doctors prescribe antidepressants for this mental health condition. Each type of these medicines works differently. However, their aim is to regulate brain chemicals to make the patient feel upbeat. Patients should not resort to self-medication when it comes to taking anti-depressants. Also, they should consult a doctor before they stop taking them once the symptoms subside.
An option for treatment-resistant depression is adding a different type of drug, such as antipsychotic or anticonvulsant medication, that helps in the management of symptoms in a better way. Medications prescribed for depression are recommended to be taken regularly as prescribed.
Psychotherapy
Talking to a trained counsellor goes a long way in easing the symptoms of depression. Counsellors may resort to several techniques to help with the condition. One of the most commonly used therapies is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It focuses on a person’s thought process, belief and attitude, and equips them with coping skills for negative emotions.
Brain stimulating therapy
This involves activation or inhibition of the brain impulses with the help of magnetic or electric waves. The most known forms of brain stimulation therapy are electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.
Alongside medications and psychological counselling, patients need to make some lifestyle modifications to manage depression well.
Eat mindfully
A growing body of research associates processed and sugar-loaded foods with mental health conditions like depression. Various studies have also found that loading up on green vegetables, fruits and foods rich in monounsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids improve cognitive capacity. The best sources of these fatty acids are nuts and olive oil.
Exercise regularly
Regular workouts release the happy hormones, endorphins and stimulate the secretion of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which is associated with mood. Also, yoga is known to alleviate stress, a contributing factor behind depression. Walking every day will also help deal with depression.
Sleep well
Several studies have associated poor sleep quality with depression. Sleep regulates many brain chemicals that are linked to your mood. So, getting sound sleep is essential to manage depressive disorders. Sticking to a bedtime every night and creating bedtime rituals enhance snooze time.
Prognosis
Lifestyle changes,such as avoiding alcohol, cutting down on smoking, and increasing exercise and being active, benefit several people suffering from depression.
Proper therapy, diet and early treatments make it easier to live with depression. Lack of treatment and care may result in progression of the illness causing loss of job, suicidal thoughts and ultimately an early death.
Complications
Depression is a serious disorder that can take a toll on individuals and their families. However, this mood disorder may be accompanied by these other complications too:
If you observe signs and symptoms of sadness, anxiety and postpartum depression in your partner, get the new mother to visit a doctor immediately to get treated.
It is high time that new mothers start to focus on their postpartum mental health as much as they focus on physical health.
A new study has concluded that high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women.
A new study has found that being depressed can lead to eye problems such as severe dry eyes. Know the difference between being sad or depressed to reduce that risk.
The global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25 per cent in the first year of the pandemic, reveals a WHO scientific brief.
Importantly, the study also found that social support protected expecting mothers against anxiety symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers recommend people working from home to take breaks when sitting for long periods of time stay physically and mentally fit.
Did you know that depression can lead to heart diseases and vice versa? It's true and you should address the problem before it takes a toll on you.
Suicide rates are highest among the elderly (70 years or above) for both genders in almost all regions of the world.
With the disruptions in essential health services including sexual and reproductive health services due to the Covid-19 pandemic, adolescents today are more at risk of compromised health outcomes than ever before.
The number people suffering from depression is expected to rise amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. South Korea is investing nearly $26.2 million over the next three years to research digital treatment for depression.
Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has committed suicide by hanging himself. We help you find the warning signs of suicidal thoughts in people around you.
Did you know waking up a little earlier than usual can cut the risk of depression? A new study shows that waking up only an hour earlier can cut depression risk by 40 per cent.
Suffered depression: Virat Kohli opens up on mental health issues in cricket world
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems affecting millions of people. Including rosemary tea in your diet can help people suffering from these problems.
Frequently staying up late night or not getting enough sleep could take a toll on your mental health. Researchers say this habit can increase your risk of depression.
It is estimated that more than 50 per cent of individuals with major depressive disorder experience a relapse of symptoms at some point in their life. Read to know why does depression reoccur.
Women are also feeling more empathetic than men during Covid-19 isolation. However, greater empathy was associated with greater anxiety, depression and trauma.
It is high time that new mothers start to focus on their postpartum mental health as much as they focus on physical health.
A new study has concluded that high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women.
A new study has found that being depressed can lead to eye problems such as severe dry eyes. Know the difference between being sad or depressed to reduce that risk.
The global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25 per cent in the first year of the pandemic, reveals a WHO scientific brief.
Importantly, the study also found that social support protected expecting mothers against anxiety symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers recommend people working from home to take breaks when sitting for long periods of time stay physically and mentally fit.
Did you know that depression can lead to heart diseases and vice versa? It's true and you should address the problem before it takes a toll on you.
Suicide rates are highest among the elderly (70 years or above) for both genders in almost all regions of the world.
With the disruptions in essential health services including sexual and reproductive health services due to the Covid-19 pandemic, adolescents today are more at risk of compromised health outcomes than ever before.
The number people suffering from depression is expected to rise amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. South Korea is investing nearly $26.2 million over the next three years to research digital treatment for depression.
Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has committed suicide by hanging himself. We help you find the warning signs of suicidal thoughts in people around you.
Did you know waking up a little earlier than usual can cut the risk of depression? A new study shows that waking up only an hour earlier can cut depression risk by 40 per cent.
Suffered depression: Virat Kohli opens up on mental health issues in cricket world
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems affecting millions of people. Including rosemary tea in your diet can help people suffering from these problems.
Frequently staying up late night or not getting enough sleep could take a toll on your mental health. Researchers say this habit can increase your risk of depression.
It is estimated that more than 50 per cent of individuals with major depressive disorder experience a relapse of symptoms at some point in their life. Read to know why does depression reoccur.
Women are also feeling more empathetic than men during Covid-19 isolation. However, greater empathy was associated with greater anxiety, depression and trauma.
Selena Gomez reveals that she has been seeing therapists for over six years now. She says therapy, the right medication and support from people who believed in her changed her life completely.
Did you know that anger can cause coronary heart diseases, diabetes and recurrent headaches, among other health conditions?
Lack of sleep not only makes you irritable, but has other side effects.
10 signs of depression you should watch out for
Look out for the signs of hypogonadism or low testosterone levels.
Did you know daydreaming could also be a sign of depression?
From obesity to heart disease, excessive sleep can have many side effects.
Studies have found that essential oils can help in alleviating mild depression. Here's what you need to know.
If you lack in self-confidence and have a low self-esteem, it is time to learn to start loving yourself.
Think twice before puffing that marijuana joint. Studies have found that, despite marijuana's medicinal properties, it can have side-effects too.
Internet addiction can become a serious health problem it if goes ignored for too long and also affect one's quality of life. These are the symptoms you should be aware of.
Here's how to protect your emotional and mental well-being and stop social media and the internet from controlling your life.
Before you start taking antidepressants, you should be aware of their side-effects such as sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, drowsiness, among others.
You will be surprised to know how lemon balm can be used for reducing the symptoms Alzheimer's, depression and anxiety, among others.
Make sure to get your eight hours of sleep everyday because insomnia can put you at the risk of these six health and lifestyle problems.
These health problems are the reason you are performing poorly in bed.
Don't ignore signs like fatigue, skin diseases and digestive problems as they can lead to bigger health problems later.
Here is what a new mother wants to tell you after her delivery, but she won't.
Have you been procrastinating a lot and avoiding what needs to be done? Follow these easy tips to tackle all that pending work.