Rita Deo

Clinical depression: Causes and ways to combat clinical depression If you are undergoing constant sense of despair and helplessness then it can lead to prolonged sense of depression called clinical depression. The usual signs of depression are difficulty in enjoying company of friends and loved ones followed by long bouts of sleeping or binge eating. Sometimes depression runs through generations and just needs a trigger to push people over the edge while it may also affect people with no family history of mental illness and depression. Usually clinical depression tends to get disregarded and overlooked within families as a temper tantrum or recuperation phase following family or personal tragedy. Though all of us as humans go through various phases of high and low mood swings in life as a natural reaction to situations, clinical depression is characterized by prolonged symptoms of disinterest and fatigue followed by thoughts of suicide for several days. There are varied stages of clinical depression that can progress from mild depression that refuses to get eliminated even after exercise and self help groups followed by sessions of talking therapy with a trained therapist. Depending on your condition and reaction to therapies the general physician will advice you for cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling followed by drug therapy if situation becomes worse. General causes of clinical depression According to scientists the usual causes of clinical depression are chemical changes in the brain or also due to genetic issues. Sometimes alcohol and drug abuse can also lead to clinical depression when the person is also suffering from thyroid problems and certain cancer types. Sometimes people that take medication like steroids and sleeping pills for other health problems can also suffer from maniacal depression. Depression can also be triggered by catastrophic events in the person’s life like : a. b. c. d. Death of a loved one Divorce or job loss Prolonged physical or emotional abuse Failure in exams Recommended treatments for moderate to severe clinical depression Antidepressants – These are tablets that help in combating signs of depression that have to be taken under medical supervision. Depending on the patient’s condition of mild or severe depression the doctor will advice appropriate medication that will make the person alert and uplift their mood. Combination of therapy and medication – If your depression is very quite severe the doctor may advice combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and anti depressant medication. This can help you cope with severe bouts of depression and suicidal tendencies if you do not have a support group. By discussing your feelings, phobias and doubts with therapist and friends you can slowly cope with your depression and lead a normal life. Treatment under close supervision of mental health team When a person is not able to cope with feelings of depression and sadness and develops suicidal tendencies then he/she will be kept under close watch of mental health team comprising of psychologists, specialist nurses and therapists. Alternative therapies like acupuncture and hypnosis is suggested for depression but it has potential for danger so it should be done under advice from medical doctor only. Electroconvulsive therapy has regularly been advised for people with severe clinical depression and psychotic symptoms.