WHAT TYPE OF DEPRESSION ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM?

There are different types of depression each with its own unique features and symptoms. It is important that you know the type of depression you are suffering from so as not to get confused with the treatment option you are going to be taking. And also, so that you can be sure that whatever treatment option you decide to undertake is the right and effective one for your depressive state. Here described are the most common types of depression you might be suffering from;

Bipolar Disorder: This type of depression involves both manic and depressive episodes. It is characterized by an alternation between emotional extremes of intense hyper activity (mania) and devastating lows (depression). The transition from one mood extreme to the other is gradual whit each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks.  In other words, you might experience symptoms of manic depression when depressed and experience symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsive behaviour, rapid speech and little or no sleep during mania.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type of depression is experienced only in the winter when there is limited sunlight. It is more common in women and younger people. Typical symptoms experienced include; extreme lethargy, low spirits, increased appetite, sleepiness during winter and a craving for carbohydrates. This type of depression can be well managed using light therapy.

Dysthymia:  this is a mild, persistent depression more common in women. If you are suffering from dysthymia, you will be typically morose, introverted, over conscientious, and incapable of fun. In addition, you might also show the low energy level, low self esteem, suicidal ideation and disturbances of eating, sleeping, and thinking that are associated with major depression, though the severity might not be as that experienced with major depression. Dysthymia, like other forms of depression can be well treated.

Cyclothymia:  This type of depression is also chronic and persistent like dysthymia. For years, you might never go longer than a few months without a phase of moderately manic or depressive behaviour. Because the pattern is mild and persistent as in dysthymia, it becomes a way of life. In manic periods, you might find yourself working long hours without fatigue before lapsing back into a normal or depressed state.

Major Depression: This is a recurring type of disorder with no intervening manic episodes. Persons with major depressive disorder usually regard themselves in a negative way and blame themselves for things that have gone wrong. They also have symptoms such as low sex drive, eating disorders, increase in insomnia and self isolation. Major depression is more common in women and also people who are separated or divorced.

Postpartum Depression: This type of depression is experienced by women after birth. Sometimes it occurs in women after conception up to several months or a year. It is characterised with feelings of sadness, sleep problems, anxiety and even irritability.

If indeed you are suffering from depression, chances are that you are probably suffering from any of the type of depression described here. Whatever the type of depression you might be suffering from, you can find help here.

TEENAGE DEPRESSION TIPS - FOODS THAT CAN HELP TREAT TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Teenage depression treatment should not only be limited to the use of antidepressants and visits to a healthcare professional only. In fact, teenage depression treatment is a complex chain of process that should also include adjustments in diet. The following are some great foods that can be included in your diet to help treat teenage depression.

Flax seeds or flax oil:  Flax seeds raise serotonin levels due to the fact that they contain tryptophan and high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are also excellent for fat loss. Taking 1 to 4 tablespoons of flax seeds or 1 to 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil a day will dramatically improve your mood.

Free Range Turkey: Turkey is a great protein food that increases serotonin levels. Turkey is also rich in essential fats and these are supplied in an appropriate ratio. Turkey like other protein foods contains tryptophan- an amino acid that is the building block for the neurotransmitter serotonin. Therefore having a diet containing turkey as your evening meal is a great way to get your serotonin levels up!

Fish and Seafood:  Fatty fish like salmon, sardines and herring are all rich in oils containing omega 3. These foods have been shown in clinical trials to smooth the mood swings of bipolar disorder and to ease regular depression. This is because omega 3 foods like salmon, sardines or mackerel increase serotonin levels.

Bananas: Bananas have high carbohydrate and high tryptophan which helps in increasing serotonin levels of the body.

High Quality Eggs: Eggs help in increasing serotonin levels because they are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids which helps to improve mood and also raises serotonin levels. Eggs are also a great source of natural cholesterol. A cholesterol rich food raises testosterone levels which improves mood and also raises serotonin levels.

Free Range Beef:  Pork, veal, duck, chicken, lamb are all good foods that increase serotonin levels. However, beef is a good source of tryptophan which is important for raising serotonin levels in the brain.

TEENAGE DEPRESSION AND THE THREAT OF SUICIDE!

The prolong effect of teenage depression could result into suicide. Suicide is the act of someone intentionally causing his or her own death. It is often committed out of despair, and mostly the effect of a prolonged and untreated depression. Contrary to popular believes teenagers are as prone to suicide as much as adults if they get excessively depressed. Many of those who take their life do not want to die as much as they want to end whatever despair they are going through. This is evident in the wording so commonly found in suicide notes. Such phrases as ‘I could not take it any longer’ or ‘why go on living?’ show a deep desire to escape life’s harsh realities. Although there are various events in life that can trigger suicide, depression is no doubt a major cause. Hence the need to take signs of depression and suicide seriously!

When teenagers get depressed and also get hurt in the process, they may view their death as a means of getting back at those who hurt them. Others may take their life when they get into trouble at school, suffer the end of a romance, get a bad report card, experience stress or become weighed down by worries about the future. All the reason stated can result into depression and subsequently suicide. Therefore, it is vital to recognize such a trend because depression can be treated and feelings of helplessness can be reversed. When the underlying factors are dealt with, suicide can be averted.

Is your teenage child or someone you know depressed? Why wait till they start talking suicide? And if they get depressed and start talking suicide, please don’t ignore this but rather act by providing the necessary professional intervention. If you do this, it will go a long way in saving the life of your dear one.