Depression, also called a major depressive disorder, is actually a lot more than just feeling sad from time to time. It is a mental health condition and mood disorder, believed to be the result of biological and environmental factors.
A diagnosis of the major depressive disorder requires you to experience at least five depression symptoms every day for a period of at least two weeks. These symptoms most frequently include loss of interest in hobbies, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and fatigue, among others.
How long does depression last?
The length of depression depends on several factors, most of all being whether you receive proper treatment. It can last anywhere from two weeks to years at a time. What’s more, depression is not necessarily a consistent condition, but rather one made up of episodes with symptoms and then periods of remission.
Depressive episodes can vary in length, and can also vary in terms of how many episodes a person will go through. Some people may only have one depressive episode, even, although most people with depression will suffer from multiple episodes throughout their lifetime.
Without treatment, depression may only get worse with time.
What are the symptoms of depression?
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Angry outbursts
- Irritability
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Slowed thinking or movement
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Unexplained physical aches and pains
What causes depression?
The development of depression comes to a combination of a number of the following factors:
Biology: Physical changes in the brain whose significance is still unknown, as well as inherited traits from family members.
Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters in the brain play some sort of role in depression, but the exact role is still being researched.
Life Experiences: Traumatic or stressful events, as well as some health conditions, can make depression more likely.
How can depression be treated?
Ketamine for Depression Treatment
Most antidepressant medications or depression treatments can take weeks or even months to begin to provide relief. Ketamine can provide rapid relief from the symptoms, and is a promising new depression treatment. It interacts with the NMDA and AMPA receptors, releasing glutamate, cortisol, and oxytocin helping to restore connections in the brain and essentially rewire it.
Lifestyle Changes
Depression is socially isolating and makes it hard to get out of the house and do anything, but with a strong social support network, you can find some relief as well. Support can come in a lot of different forms: your friends, your family, therapists, doctors, support groups, etc.
You could also try to get out of your comfort zone for a little while and engage in hobbies you used to enjoy. Although you can’t force yourself into having a good time, you may surprise yourself when you see how much you can accomplish despite your condition.
Mental health and physical health are closely intertwined, and by taking care of your body, you may find your brain responds in kind.
Contact us today to find out if this innovative new treatment is right for you.
