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New Year is the most desired and favorite holiday of children and adults. People buy gifts for loved ones and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. As early as mid-November, spruces, garlands and toys decorate shop windows. But not everyone is equally happy holiday. Many people have a depressed emotional state, known as New Year or post-New Year depression. The feeling of a miracle, as in childhood, is no longer there, and negative emotions come in its place – disappointment, bitterness of loss, or a feeling of loneliness.

What is depression and why can it develop before the New Year?

Today   depression   is one of the major human diseases. More than half of the inhabitants of large cities are subject to its various forms. It develops from a high level of noise, lack of sleep, a high rate of life and a large number of people. Life in a big city is a powerful stress factor in itself, since a person needs to maintain a certain level of life and consumption. As a result of high employment and insufficient sleep and rest, a person has negative emotions – irritability or apathy.

Depression is often confused with a short-term negative emotional state caused by external or internal factors. It can easily pass after the switching of thoughts and attention from a disturbing object to a new setting, exhibition or concert. With depression, depressed state lasts more than 2 weeks, and vacation or sports no longer help. Among her main symptoms, she noted constant fatigue, apathy, gloomy or anxious mood, lack of interest in her hobbies, irritability or tearfulness.

Before the New Year, not all residents of large cities feel elated and believe in miracles. Many are immersed in not the most pleasant thoughts and cares, so they are annoyed by unnecessary “tinsel” and entertaining television shows. Accumulated fatigue or family problems on the background of the general atmosphere of the holiday can cause New Year’s depression.

Negative emotions before the celebration of the New Year

For children, the New Year is the most favorite holiday. Presentations are held in schools and kindergartens, and gifts are distributed in state and commercial organizations – toys or chocolates. Adults participate in corporate events with concert programs.

The older a person becomes, the less he feels a miracle. For many adults, December 31 and January 1 are ordinary days that do not bring anything special. Therefore, they do not experience any positive   of emotions   from the general fun. If the person still has no family or partner, and friends and relatives are far away, then the feeling of bitterness can only intensify.

As a rule, by the end of the year, many workers sum up the results – they write reports, prepare presentations, collect documents related to their activities. It takes a lot of time and effort, so the holiday atmosphere passes by them. New Year’s holidays lead to large financial costs, so many are sad that they run out of money.

Some adults are briefly “charged” with the atmosphere of universal expectation of a miracle, but in the morning of January 1, everything remains the same. After the holidays, ordinary life returns, in which no miracles take place. In addition, in Russia, the New Year holidays are often associated with an increased use of alcoholic beverages, giving only a short-term and false state of euphoria. Alcohol is depressant, and can only aggravate the depressive state of a person.

Christmas depression quickly passes. But if it is delayed, then the person should contact a psychotherapist who tells you   how to get out of depression. In many cases, its cause is much deeper than waiting for a miracle that did not happen on the night of December 31 to January 1.

How to get out of depression after the New Year?

People who are annoyed by the general fun before the New Year holidays, psychologists recommend doing what they like. It is not necessary to watch movies or attend certain events simply because “everybody does it”. If they cause sadness and increase the feeling of loneliness, then you should think about how best to avoid it.

A person celebrating New Year alone can visit a theater or a museum, go on a trip. Many people believe that December 31 and January 1 are the usual days of the calendar, and just fall asleep. Others, on the contrary, have a large selection of invitations, but they do not want to see all their acquaintances or relatives.

It is not necessary to tune yourself in a minor way and decide how to get out of depression, not yet confronted with it. It is better to think about its prevention in advance! Many expect from the holiday something more than just changing one year to another, but expectations are not met.Therefore, you should accept the fact that expectations can not be justified and stop waiting for something extraordinary from the holiday.

For Russia and many other countries of the world, December is the darkest month of the year. Light day ends at 16.00, so the body feels the lack of sunlight. And it also contributes to the development of depression. Improper diet and plenty of alcohol also increase the desire to lie on the couch and do nothing.

People who are accustomed to spend holidays actively – to meet with friends, attend interesting events, engage in winter sports, are less worried about how to get out of depression after the New Year. Active recreation, not related to the use of alcoholic beverages and fatty foods, strengthens the immune system and gives a boost of energy before returning to work.

The main cause of depression before the New Year holidays may not even be a general holiday mood, but problems in the family, illness, conflict or trouble at work. The pleasure of the holiday is often overshadowed by excessive workload at work and large crowds of people in stores.

In order not to reinforce the unfavorable state of mind, it is necessary to reduce the exaggerated expectations from the holiday and to organize your leisure as the person wants and to do what really gives joy. You can not go shopping at the most active time, and make gifts more modest. After all, a holiday is not only a large number of people. It may be a quiet holiday for a narrow circle of close people or even one person.

In the modern world, it is considered that   depression   – extremely negative emotional state, from which, if it arose, you need to immediately get rid of. Doctors, in this case, prescribe antidepressants, psychotherapy, which help to cope with the depressive state. However, there is a downside to depression, which is worth considering. Many American scientists have thought that obsession with the problem, feelings and apathy can be useful for human well-being and human development. How can depressive thoughts be used to your advantage? Why is this method ineffective for endogenous depression? Answers can be found in this article.

Human psychology is depressed

Depression as a kind of psychological state arises as a reaction to emotional shock, psychological trauma, a crisis period in life. A person, being in it, experiences the following symptoms:

• Feels pain, unwillingness to move and communicate;
• Loses sleep, rest or vice versa, sleeps more than usual;
• Has problems with appetite – refuses to eat or overeat;
• Becoming aggressive or depressed;
• Ceases to see the meaning in life;
• Losing vital energy.

According to scientists, a person has   depressed   mental processes are activated better than those who are in an even mood, because concern about the existing problem and obsessive thoughts give rise to reflections on how to improve your life and resolve existing difficulties, brain activity and analytical thinking are activated. A person asks the questions: “Why did this happen to me?”, “How do I stop being unhappy?”, “Why is life so unfair?” And the like. If you think and find answers to them, then there is a chance to improve your health and living conditions. What else can you learn from being depressed?

Relationships outside the role of victim

As a rule, the depressed state is often due to the fact that the person takes the position of the victim. He complains about life, relationships and people around him, avoids taking responsibility for himself. Such a role does not lead to success and development. Having come down to the bottom of depression, everyone has the opportunity to accept himself as such – weak, helpless, dependent, with the goal of abandoning this role and making the decision to become independent and responsible.

Depression promotes personal growth

It so happens that a person finds it difficult to make a choice — every time he encounters such a need, he doubts that he is going to do the right thing. The feeling that prevails over him is the fear of making a mistake, losing something important to yourself –   relationship, experience, work.Such a life stance – chronic insecurity – not only does not help grow as a person, but also leads to depression.

Experts, watching people in the doldrums, notice that their endless analysis about “What should I do to not make a mistake?” Once leads to the choice of one or another position. It is good if at this stage he has the help of a psychotherapist – thanks to working on himself, one can reduce the level of anxiety regarding the risk of making a mistake, learn how to be flexible, accept one’s own experience and don’t blame yourself for doing wrong. So, going through all the depressive stages within oneself – pain, doubts, despair – one can get closer to the true “I”, know oneself from different sides, learn to make choices.

Attention to your emotions

In the depressed state, many feelings “rise”. Sometimes their restraint provokes the onset of depression. So, if you allow yourself not to “crush” the emotions inside, listen to them, you can discover new features and qualities in yourself, get answers to questions about the meaning of life, your own desires and needs. Most often, people are accustomed to the fact that depression should be eliminated as soon as possible. However, scientists believe that its occurrence, just, teaches not to ignore what is happening inside, but to notice it.

So, a person begins to understand what his pain in the soul is talking about, what he wants to get, when he starts to hear his anger, how he would like to change his life, noticing despair and fear.

When the pain goes out

The habit of “pushing” emotions is familiar to many since childhood. “Men do not cry” and “Girls do not behave this way” – phrases, if they are often repeated by parents, form inside the habit of behavior, thanks to which a person begins to hide and hide what he actually feels, experiences.However, from the fact that they were ignored, thoughts and emotions have not gone away – they remained inside. Such suppression over time leads to depression and the fact that a person ceases to understand what he wants.

Depression contributes to the fact that pain and other negative feelings come out, not without reason, being in a mentally unstable state, a person often cries, stings himself, suffers, he has thoughts that life is completely in vain. So, having allowed myself to feel pain, “pouring” it out with tears, living through depression, it is possible to get rid of all the repressed feelings that have accumulated inside. This leads to a feeling of inner freedom, provided there is support nearby and the ability to stop in time for their sufferings. Only by feeling inside the emptiness in the soul, you can fill it with new emotions, feelings and impressions.

Habit of asking for help

It is believed that people are depressed, with a weak type of mental activity – they are vulnerable, insecure, impressionable. This is not always fair. Those who are stoic, strong personalities are often inclined to fall into depressive thoughts, because they do not take the opportunity to ask for help.

Depression – a period when you can learn to do it. Being weak, addicted when the soul hurts and is disturbed by obsessive thoughts is not helplessness, but a position that speaks about caring for yourself. In addition, a person, when he risks to turn to other people for support, gets the opportunity to feel needed, loved, to let others take care of themselves.

Endogenous depression

Depression is divided into two types – neurotic and endogenous. The tips given here are relevant to the state of the first, when a person experiences painful feelings as a result of shock, trauma, crisis. The second type, depression caused by heredity and the nervous system, is not amenable to treatment only with the help of psychotherapy, living through emotions and the support of loved ones. In order to alleviate her condition, it is necessary to take antidepressants, which are prescribed by a doctor.

Birth control is a prerequisite that is observed in modern civilized society. Ideally, any child should be born desirable, and each family decides in advance how many babies to start, based on health and financial well-being.

Of course, a complete rejection of sexual activity is not the best way to control fertility. To do this, you need to choose the most appropriate method of contraception, which today are several. Many women choose hormonal contraceptives for themselves, as it is safe, modern, reliable and allows you to enjoy communication with your spouse without any special restrictions, conditions and training. However, recently the opinion that these drugs affect the functioning of the central nervous system and cause depressive disorder has begun to appear more often. Is this true and is there any way to avoid it?

What is hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraception is one of the most effective and reliable methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy. These are not only widely known pills, but also other methods of drug delivery – vaginal rings, patches, subcutaneous implants, intrauterine device. At the same time, estrogen derivatives or progestins are introduced into the woman’s body.

The essence of contraception itself is that the drugs “deceive” the female organism, as it were, acting in three main directions.

1. Prevent ovulation, the penetration of the egg into the fallopian tube and its progress in the direction of the uterus.
2. Affect the viscosity of cervical (cervical) mucus. It becomes more dense, which prevents the penetration of sperm through it.
3. Impact on the structure of the inner lining of the uterus. Even if the first two points did not work and fertilization occurred, the embryo cannot be implanted in the wall of the uterus and pregnancy does not occur.

Depression and female hormones

Many women know what premenstrual syndrome is. 3-5 days before the onset of menstruation, they do not understand what is happening to them: everything seems grim, life is terrible, the husband does not love, the children are tortured, at work everything is also bad. There is no more unfortunate woman than the one in which the next period is about to begin. The reasons are that throughout the entire cycle, the production of sex hormones changes in her body: in the first half before the onset of ovulation, estrogen dominates, and in the second – progesterone. It is with the latter that all the specific signs of premenstrual syndrome are associated.

And now it is possible to imagine how the drugs for hormonal   contraceptives that contain progestins only? These include not all, but a considerable part of contraceptive devices (mini-drank,   Depo Provera   and etc.). Similar! That is, a woman taking these drugs is experiencing the same emotional turmoil as during the premenstrual syndrome. However, unlike the latter, the lowered background of the mood pursues her constantly, and not for 3-5 days per month.

Hormonal contraception and depression

Numerous clinical studies on hormonal methods of contraception confirm: progesterone significantly reduces the production of serotonin – the hormone of joy. Thus, this sex hormone has an effect on the emotional and cognitive function of the brain. However, the degree of impact is different: the more a woman is impressionable and prone to experiencing, the more pronounced she is   depression   against the background of hormonal contraceptives.

In 2016, the results of a study conducted in Denmark, with the participation of women and girls aged 15–36 years who were constantly taking oral contraceptive preparations for 14 years, were published. Before treatment, none of them had a diagnosis of depression. The results were indicative.

• The use of drugs containing only progesterone (Mini-pili, etc.), 1.3 times more often led to the development of depression. Many women even received antidepressant medication.
• Acceptance of combined oral contraceptives, containing both estrogens and progestins, was 1.28 times more likely to cause a negative emotional background.
• Progesterone transdermal patches increase the risk of depression by as much as 2 times, and vaginal rings by 1.5 times.
• Especially increased risk of depression in adolescent girls 15-18 years old, taking oral contraceptives for the treatment of gynecological diseases.

In other clinical studies, it was confirmed that if a woman was initially suffering from depression, hormonal contraception significantly increased her severity.

Depression in the face of declining libido

Drugs for hormonal contraception affect the level of sexual desire of a woman. This sad fact is confirmed by numerous clinical studies. About 15% of all women taking oral contraceptives report that their libido has decreased dramatically, to the point of not wanting to have an intimate relationship with their spouse.

The reasons lie in the fact that this reduces the level of testosterone and greatly increases the concentration of globulin that binds sex   hormones   (SHBG). And even with the withdrawal of drugs, the latter remains 3-4 times higher than the norm in the next few months.

The lack of regular sex life in a woman who had previously lived with her and because of the existence of which a decision was made to start taking oral contraceptives cannot but affect her emotional state. Dissatisfaction, problems in relations with the spouse, leading to the emergence of quarrels, conflicts, resentment , are added to that depression, which already arises while taking hormonal contraception .

If hormonal contraception contributes to the fact that a woman stops understanding, why should she take pills every day, if she and her spouse have no sex with her husband, then this is not the best option for her. Libido can be “killed”, but it is very difficult to restore it, especially if there are already factors that affect it in the best way: small children, hard work, constant fatigue and lack of sleep.

Intrauterine device and depression

Taking pills daily is not convenient for everyone. Some women forget about it, and if you take breaks, the risk of unwanted pregnancy increases many times. In addition, it is unsafe for health.

The intrauterine device is also one of the types of hormonal contraception in which the medicinal substance acts locally: it increases the viscosity of the cervical mucus and affects the endometrium (prevents implantation of the embryo). However, despite the fact that the action of the spiral is described by the manufacturers as exclusively local, in reality this is not quite the case.

Some species (for example, those containing levonorgestrel) cause very severe depression, especially in the first months after installation. Women say that their life becomes simply unbearable, especially the premenstrual syndrome. It is sad that the fact of the connection of depression and the presence of the intrauterine device does not immediately become clear. But already for 2-3 days after the removal of the helix, women notice a significant relief of the condition and improvement of mood without antidepressants.

It should be noted that not all women after depression of the intrauterine device spirals, depression develops, as well as with the use of other types of hormonal contraception. However, before installing it, this fact should be discussed with the gynecologist. If the symptoms of depression are already present, then it is necessary to give preference to non-hormonal methods, or drugs containing estrogens, because the quality of life of a woman should not suffer.

Until the New Year there is very little time left, children and adults are waiting for it with impatience. But older people are often not at all delighted with the holiday, rather, on the contrary, they expect a serious exacerbation of health problems and sleep disorders due to noise. In addition, on New Year’s Eve, emotions, both positive and negative, can flood, and also develops   depression associated with various external and internal factors. Why is it harder for older people to survive the holidays, why does depression arise when there is an atmosphere of fun and joy around? How can you help your elderly parents or grandparents?

Holidays in old age

Far from all for the upcoming holidays is a joyful and fun time. So, many older people may experience a feeling of isolation and loneliness, especially during the New Year holidays. There are many reasons for this, and the older they are, the more acutely the problems can be felt.

During the holidays, the thoughts of older people may be negative. People may have memories of their youth, growing up and mistakes made in life, insufficient time spent with family and friends. But, as is often the case, the older the age, the more family members and friends the person loses.

Loved ones and friends leave far because of family and work responsibilities. Some people leave their homes, where they have spent decades of their lives, in order to improve, change their living conditions so that they meet their growing needs. Sometimes in old age people need special care and medical care, which requires staying in a nursing home or hospital. This also does not add optimism.

Emotions on holidays

Sometimes serious health problems involve moving to your family and children, but this is not always possible for material and other reasons. Older people may not be able to move from place to place, frequent the clinic, visit friends and children due to physical limitations, poor health or financial condition. This forces them to stay at home or live in specialized institutions. The feeling of isolation and loneliness can crush, provoke negative emotions, especially during the holidays. This time, which in the past was filled with events, traditions to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

It is quite natural to experience nostalgia and different emotions. People tend to be sad when they think about the past and the good times that are now far away. There is a longing for friends and relatives who have passed away. Although sometimes these emotions can be difficult to assess and perceive by others, it is necessary to recognize that they are natural.

The risk of depression during the holidays

However, sometimes your own emotions can cause anxiety and turn into depression. The so-called “festive”   depression   common in the elderly. According to some estimates, between 8 and 16% of elderly people experience clinically significant depressive symptoms, and 5% of people who do not live in nursing homes have manifestations of a serious depressive disorder.

The feeling of sadness, depression, or “weakness” is only one of the symptoms of depression. A person may also lose interest or stop enjoying the activities in which he once participated. He may have trouble sleeping – either he sleeps much less, or much more than before. A depressed person may complain of low energy and experience frequent obsessive thoughts, feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction. Appetite can decrease, which leads to a sharp weight loss.

A person who develops depression may have a hard time motivating himself to start things every morning. Or, on the contrary, it can be difficult for him to sit still, he is constantly nervous during the day.

Sleep problems behavior

Depression may affect concentration – people cannot focus on what they are doing. Sleep is constantly disturbed, or it is difficult to fall asleep in the evenings, or it is extremely difficult in the mornings to wake up and “swing”. Often, poor sleep every day only aggravates the general condition.

People suffering from depression may even declare that they feel that life is not worth living or that they “should die”. In harsh circumstances, they may even attempt suicide, although for the elderly   age   it is not typical. You do not have to have all these symptoms to be depressed. But if an elderly person reports that:

• feels depressed most of the day;
• experiencing a loss of interest in the activities that he used to enjoy;
• he has disturbed sleep;
• there are at least some of the symptoms described earlier;
• symptoms last two or more weeks;

This meets the criteria for the diagnosis of primary depressive disorder.

Treatment of depression: health problems

Fortunately, depression treatments are available today. Medications may be used to help reduce the symptoms of depression that a person is experiencing. But often somatic health complicates the selection of drugs. For those who do not tolerate these drugs, or in cases where drugs do not work, the state of health does not allow them to be taken, psychotherapy will help. This treatment of mental problems with the help of a conversation with a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist. Sessions can be just as effective in treating depression as drugs are, but a person who experiences symptoms should be ready to talk about their feelings, and this is not an easy task for many.

Family, friends of the elderly should not only monitor somatic health, but also note changes in the mood or behavior of an elderly person, which may indicate depression.

Help close

If relatives notice something disturbing, you should not ignore the symptoms. You need to ask the person they are worried about, whether he feels depressed, tired or sad. Carefully follow how things are going, and if the mood does not improve or worsens within a few weeks, you should invite them to see a doctor to determine if the condition is a depressive disorder.

It is also important to support the elderly, as they are often left alone with their depression. If they do not live nearby, you need to call them, visit more often and communicate more. This approach to treatment is as effective as possible.

If an artery that supplies blood to a specific area of ​​the heart muscle is blocked for a relatively long time, a heart attack occurs. This is a serious condition associated with ischemia and necrosis of a part of the myocardium – a muscle that actively contracts and pumps   blood   on the body. If a small area has suffered, the death of the myocardial region does not lead to death, but it significantly affects the health and subsequent life of the patient. He needs long-term rehabilitation to recover as much as possible after a heart attack, but the development of depression can be a serious problem. Mental health disorders can complicate the recovery process and even pose a risk of re-attack in the near future.

Artery occlusion and its consequences

The myocardium is a functionally active part of the heart that continuously contracts in a strictly defined rhythm to ensure the blood supply to all tissues and organs. For constant activity, the myocardium needs a lot of oxygen and glucose to get energy for work. Therefore, the heart has its own circulatory system – a network of coronary arteries that feed the organ. Along with other vessels of the body, the coronary arteries also suffer from atherosclerosis, they form plaques, partially narrowing the lumen, which causes poor blood supply.

If the artery is completely blocked, a certain area of ​​the myocardium is left completely without oxygen and nutrition, due to which tissue necrosis is formed. Fortunately, a heart attack does not always kill. Rapid treatment, such as a stenting procedure (the affected artery is opened by a stent) or bypass surgery (workarounds for blood in the area of ​​the affected artery), may limit the area of ​​damage. In this case, the heart attack will not be so extensive, which makes the prognosis more favorable.

What is dangerous heart attack?

The development of a heart attack can reduce the ability of the heart muscle of a person to pump a sufficient amount of blood into the aorta, leads to serious impairments in health due to circulatory disorders and has a profound effect on a person’s mental state. Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, say that they no longer feel invulnerable and full of strength, they have a fear of death. So, the very real threat of death can induce a person to make the necessary changes in lifestyle – to quit smoking, play sports and reconsider his usual diet in order to lose weight. But a heart attack is also a serious psychological stress, shock, and in order to embark on the path of recovery, you need to talk about pep and a special mood. Unfortunately, in some patients after a heart attack develops   depression, which can significantly complicate the rehabilitation process.

Why does depression form?

For many patients, significant limitations in the life of a postponed heart attack and the threat of its recurrence become a strong stressful event, which leads to an increased level of anxiety, negative emotions and depression. According to statistics, the level of depression after a heart attack is very high, ranging from 20 to 40%.

The exact cause of this phenomenon, psychiatrists can not determine, it was suggested that this is the reaction of the psyche to a very life-threatening complication. The timing of the onset is different, but it is characteristic that without treatment, depression can last for many months or even years after a heart attack, adversely affecting the health of the patient and increasing the risk of recurrent ischemia. Some researchers suggest that inflammatory or neurohormonal changes that occur during   heart attack can also be part of a cascade of events leading to the development of depression.

If the average prevalence of depression in the world ranges from 7-8%, then among people who have suffered a myocardial infarction, severe depression occurs in 20-25% of cases, that is, three times more often.

Problems of rehabilitation of patients with depression

In addition to the deterioration in the quality of life associated with both the heart attack itself and the accompanying mental disorders, the development of depression can seriously inhibit recovery and the rehabilitation process. So, depressive disorders reduce the likelihood that a patient will take prescribed medications or make recommended changes in lifestyle, for example, to eat better. Because of this, rehabilitation is delayed, the risk of complications increases, including the repeated ischemic attack, which can be fatal.

People who are in post-infarction depression may feel hopelessly ill and helpless, and often believe that rehabilitation will not help them. Because of this, they show less initiative, refuse to take drugs and activities that would help their recovery. In addition, patients who are depressed often eat foods that are high in carbohydrates to feel better (seize stress), such habits after a heart attack are dangerous to gain weight and increase blood pressure, which increases the risk of a repetition of the tragic scenario. Such behavior certainly will not help rehabilitation after a heart attack, but only harm.

Post-infarction health conditions and risks of deterioration

It has long been known that depression negatively affects human health and is one of the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Patients suffering from neurosis, having increased anxiety and signs of depression, regularly note a deterioration in the state of somatic health.Often detected arrhythmia, hypertension, headache, shortness of breath and other unpleasant symptoms. All this negatively affects the state of the heart and threatens to have a heart attack. Therefore, preventive measures and treatment of depression are important in order to prevent dangerous complications.

But if this is a patient who has already had a heart attack, his post-infarction depression doubles the risk of recurrence, while the risk of death after a second heart attack is 50% higher. Therefore, care about your own mental health should be no less active than physical rehabilitation. However, many physicians who observe people in the rehabilitation period overlook this risk factor, for the most part deal only with the problems of the physical body, rather than mental health.

Some people need to talk with a psychotherapist and non-drug therapy to eliminate post-infarction depression so that their condition improves, others need medications or a combination of them with psychotherapy. In addition, it is important to help patients return to normal life as soon as possible with minimum restrictions. Own helplessness and a number of prohibitions and restrictions also adversely affect the psyche.

Can that   blood test   one day reveal depression? Scientists believe that this is quite possible. Moreover, active studies are being conducted on certain markers in the blood plasma, the change of which with a certain degree of probability will indicate the presence of depressive disorders. The problem is quite serious – the patient feels sluggish, his appetite is disturbed, and the sleep pattern is significantly affected. He is either constantly drowsy or suffering from insomnia. The head is clouded by worries and sad thoughts, and emotions are a mixture of hopelessness, self-hatred and guilt.

Depression and its diagnosis: development prospects

If a patient has a whole complex of complaints, including both problems of mood and emotions, guilt and anxiety, and disruption of the internal organs, sleep and appetite disorders, discomfort in different parts of the body – this can be a serious depressive disorder. Today, depression is diagnosed based on   there are complaints and some objective signs, as well as answers to the doctor’s questions, there are no laboratory tests and blood tests that detect this pathology. But scientists believe that the appearance of such a study is quite possible, and blood taken from a finger or a vein, in a few years, will help identify depression, along with somatic disorders.

Blood test in the diagnosis of depressive disorders

Although it looks surreal, the appearance of a blood test, which could determine depression based on the deviation of certain indicators, is quite possible in the near future in the practice of doctors. Researchers at Northwestern University recently announced that they have developed a blood test for screening for depression, and after all the necessary studies that determine the accuracy and clarity of the results, they are hoping to gradually put it into practice. According to them, an objective clinical diagnosis can help doctors accurately determine whether a patient is depressed or has other disorders. Besides,   A blood test can also help identify people who are prone to depression, even if they do not yet have any emotional or physical symptoms. This will allow doctors to apply certain types of prophylactic treatment for individuals.

What will blood show?

A study published in the Journal of Translational Psychiatry compared blood samples from 32 adult patients with clinical   depression   was diagnosed with the traditional method, and 32 people who had no signs of depression. The samples analyzed the levels of nine blood biomarkers – molecules that help process the genetic DNA code and translate commands to the body. It was found that blood in patients with depression had an altered level of these molecules.   it   the discovery can help clinicians detect the presence of depression in a more comprehensible way, reducing the degree of subjective assessment. Not always the patient himself can accurately and clearly describe his emotions and sensations, does not always attach importance to some symptoms, while blood taken for analysis can show more precisely whether there is a problem or not.

Difficulties of evaluation: emotions, malaise, appetite

Depression, like many mental health problems, is today diagnosed mainly on the basis of nonspecific symptoms — those complaints and symptoms that the patient reports or that the doctor identifies during the conversation. Experts evaluate bad mood, negative emotions, motivation, sleep changes, appetite disturbances. But these symptoms are common to many mental disorders, and can also be manifestations of many others – somatic, endocrine and even infectious diseases. Thus, the presence of a screening test that can be used to more accurately detect depression can make a huge difference in treatment.

Depression is often misdiagnosed or not detected at all for many reasons. On the one hand, patients often underestimate their emotions and feelings, do not report some complaints, or cannot fully explain their symptoms. In addition, the district physician may simply not have the experience or training to properly evaluate the patient’s complaints about a serious depressive disorder. Often, to identify depression you need a long conversation, filling out a questionnaire and finding out so many nuances, practitioners often simply don’t have time for this.

Sleep problems, pain, malaise

It is no secret that patients with potential mental disorders often have physical problems, those that are more visible and require the attention of a physician. The predominance of complaints of a somatic nature, when sleep is disturbed or appetite is disturbed, body weight changes dramatically, or pain occurs in certain areas, leading to the fact that problems of negative emotions and mental deviations fade into the background. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis can be determined many months after the onset of pathology. But the longer the depression is not detected and not treated, the harder it is to treat it later. Sometimes, if the patient complains of poor sleep, constant fatigue and unwillingness to do anything, doctors look for more objective reasons for this. A laboratory test can speed up the diagnostic process, plus, equally important, the clinical, unbiased nature of the test can help eliminate diagnostic errors for mental illness.

One of the interesting aspects was that cognitive-behavioral therapy changed biomarkers in the blood. All patients in the “depressive” group worked with a psychotherapist. Four months later, the examination and blood test was repeated. Patients noted the elimination of depression; sleep, appetite returned to normal, depression and negative emotions disappeared. At the same time, they also observed changes in their DNA markers, indicating that the treatment worked. However, three of their biomarker levels still differed from those in the control group. Scientists suggest that some people may be genetically more susceptible to depression than others.

How often do you notice a bad mood? This is not about a temporary breakdown, but a constant feeling of oppression and discontent, which invariably accompanies a person regardless of physical condition, weather, work or life. Most of us write off such a mood for everyday problems, lack of finances, weather, blockages at work, personal problems. But few people suspect that these are signs of a serious psychological disorder bordering on depression. This condition is called dysthymia. How to recognize it and how to help yourself .

What is dysthymia

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by poor mood, chronic fatigue and apathy, decreased physical and mental activity. According to WHO statistics, it occupies one of the first places among the reasons why people do not come to study or work. The worst thing is that part of the population, prone to depression, partially or completely loses working capacity.

Today, doctors no longer consider this disease as exclusively psychological, but are classified as systemic pathologies. Prolonged depressive state negatively affects the work of internal organs, metabolic processes, causing their oppression and dysfunction.

There are about ten types of depression, classifying them according to the features of the clinical picture. A condition that is characterized by a chronic course (at least two years) with less severe symptoms of depression is called dysthymia. According to statistics, about 68% of the population aged 13 to 75 years suffer from dysthymia. For the first time this term was used in medical practice by the doctor of medical sciences, psychiatrist Robert Spitzer, replacing the diagnosis of “neurotic depression” with them. Dysthymia is also called a permanent depressive disorder, because its main feature is the duration of the condition.

How is depression diagnosed

Depression, like any other disease, cannot be diagnosed and treated on its own. Confirm or refute the diagnosis can psychotherapist after collecting anamnesis.

The diagnosis is confirmed, if for two years or more, a person complains of depressed causeless mood, and such   depression   accompanies him most of the time. Against the background of depressed mood, insomnia, or hypersomnia, appears, characterized by excessive sleep at night and often repeated daytime episodes. The appetite of such people is generally reduced, and only 12% have overeating, respectively – obesity. Concentration, mental activity leaves much to be desired: problems arise at work, study, it is becoming more and more difficult to decide independently.There are fears of responsibility, independence, mostly pessimistic thoughts prevail. There is a fine line between dysthymia and depression: dysthymia lasts at least two years, and its symptoms are easily tolerated by humans.

Depression: the main symptoms of dysthymia

Dysthymia is a young disease. It is manifested in children and adolescents, although parents stubbornly associate this condition with transitional age, difficulties at school, or a character trait. In most cases, the person receives the correct diagnosis as early as adulthood. In children and adolescents, dysthymic symptoms are as follows:

• Low level of physical and mental activity.
• Reluctance to talk.
• Lack of concentration, memory impairment.
• Causeless tearfulness.
• Loss of interest in toys, books, other activities.

In adults, the state of depression is complemented by several characteristic points:

• Self-criticism (more comparable to self-flagellation) regarding their physical data, mental abilities, position in society.
• Feeling of inferiority.
• Fear of the simplest household problems.
• Pessimistic mood for the future.
• Guilt for some deeds from the past.
• Loss of interest in lovemaking, decreased libido.
• Social self-isolation.

Symptomatology reaches its peak by the year 21. At this age, you can already determine the type of disease:

• Somatized dysthymia. This condition is characterized by the main features of depression: feeling unwell, tearfulness, sleep disturbances. Some patients complain of constipation, pain in the intestines and larynx, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat.
• The clinical picture of characterological dysthymia is closely connected with the pessimistic infusion, depression, complex loser.

Prevention and treatment of depression

As dysthymia develops at an early age, it is important to speak the same language with the child. Communication culture, care, love and understanding – the best prevention for children and adolescents. Although adults no less need the support of loved ones.

Treatment of depression includes the whole complex: psychopharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, folk remedies. Immediately, we note that people in the state of this form of depression do not need hospitalization: they do not pose a danger to others, and they have no thoughts of suicide.

Drug treatment for depression consists in taking traditional tricyclic antidepressants. This is the best   medicine that increases serotonin and norepinephrine, which have a positive effect on the nervous system.

Folk Medications for Depression – Herbs

Many recipes for depression and nature itself. Broths and teas, which have practically no contraindications, are considered effective. Today, they are prescribed in parallel with the medication, achieving a good effect.

Chamomile, mint, lemon balm, St. John’s wort, motherwort and   valerian   – these herbs help to cope with most of the symptoms. Herbal depression treatment has long been practiced. Its main advantage is the absence of addiction.

The process of communication as a remedy for dysthymia

The help of a specialist, child or adult psychotherapist will never be superfluous. Today, more than ten individual and group types of psychotherapy practice. AT   communication process   with a psychologist, heightened self-esteem, self-determination of the meaning of life, the acquisition of interpersonal skills and assertiveness.

Be attentive to your family and friends: a bad mood can be a sign of a serious psychological disorder. Often they are not able to ask for help, and your task is to become a reliable friend and mentor, an assistant in solving problems and overcoming fears.

Currently, depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness. How is it characterized? The emotional state is depressed and lonely; the person understands that there is no point in his existence. For these reasons, experiencing   depressed   often ends with suicide attempts. An expert can help to get rid of depressive thoughts – communication with him helps to cope with painful emotions, teaches to support oneself.

When a person tries to overcome negative feelings, bring himself back to life, he can look for ways to deal with depression on his own, without resorting to a psychologist.

Sometimes self-medication not only does not bring the desired effect, but can also cause harm to health. What is the psychology of human feelings? What does not help to cope with depressive manifestations? Read this article.

Psychology of Depressed State

The occurrence of depression is due to several reasons. Among them:

• accelerated lifestyle, professional workload and lack of necessary rest;
• stay in stress and the inability to get rid of it;
• dissatisfaction with self and life conditions;
• experiencing psychological trauma – child or adulthood;
• the consequences of living grief and loss;
• emotional turmoil, such as: quarrels, conflicts, experiencing fear;
• abuse of drugs, alcohol;
• emotional exhaustion;
• genetic predisposition;
• lack of support and care from other people to a person when he is in a difficult life situation;
• loneliness;
• central nervous system disorders – diseases that are related to psychiatric abnormalities. Among them: psychosis, a variety of personality disorders, mania, phobias.

If a person does not do anything to overcome depression, then it can “absorb” him entirely, negatively affect not only the emotional state – memory and attention deterioration, increased irritability, lack of objectivity, derealization – but also physical. Running   depression   can lead to disturbances in brain activity, the work of the heart and blood vessels, the nervous system, sleep disorders, and others.

Communication and rejection of it

Sometimes friends and relatives of a person who suffers from depression advise him to communicate more with others, in order not to “leave” dark thoughts, to be distracted through communication. Is this way of dealing with emotional depression so helpful? Depression is the result of experiencing psychological trauma, which means that a person has “live” feelings inside the person, which are characterized by soreness and negative.

If he doesn’t realize them and doesn’t express them — at a psychologist’s reception — then contacts with friends, noisy companies, trips will not help him ease his emotional state.

Feelings should be understood and expressed – so that you can feel something like spiritual emptiness, and then relief.

Tips from others to be a little alone, to limit communication – also will not bring the desired result. Loneliness can be dangerous for someone who has a strong emotional experience, suffers, worries, fears.

Habit ignore depression

“Do not pay attention” – friends can say, when they see that a person is experiencing heavy emotions, “confused” in life, he is not happy with himself.   Habit   to ignore depressive symptoms does not mean a caring attitude towards oneself, but, on the contrary, that a person is trying to pretend that nothing happens to him. Thus, depressed people “abandon” themselves.

Attempts to ignore depression, “hold on” with all our strength, so as not to show pain, tears, dissatisfaction, can lead to the fact that the emotional state worsens.

Depression, no matter what its nature, requires a compulsory visit to a specialist. In individual work with a psychologist, a person gets the opportunity to meet with himself and his “face to face” emotions, understand what is happening to him, what are the causes of emotional reactions, and become aware of a traumatic experience. After some time working with depression, living grief, loss, shock, there is the realization that everything can be changed for the better – a person begins to understand that his life is in his hands and, despite difficult or unpleasant events, he always has a chance something that is amenable to change.

Hobbies, entertainment and work

“Going headlong” into work, practicing hobbies, and having fun are methods that people often use when trying to overcome feelings of pain and frustration. This approach to treating depression and self-help is extremely ineffective. Avoiding emotions, consciously abandoning one’s inner state, trying to redirect consciousness to another direction do not bring relief – this is indicated by the psychology of the personality.

As a rule, this leads to the fact that a person, more and more often, becomes irritable, sensitive, can cry over trifles, sharply reacts to any criticism of himself, takes everything to heart, feels inferior, untenable.

As practice shows, avoiding the feelings and the habit of “not thinking about the bad” ultimately leads to an increase in depressive thoughts — there is a sudden awareness of the complete meaninglessness of existence, immersion in apathy.

Distractions such as work, hobbies, fun pastime can be useful if they bring sincere joy, help a person to understand and understand the information relating to his personality, behavior, relationships.

Hobbies such as creativity, proper rest in a new, pleasing and pacifying atmosphere contribute to improving the emotional state, but only in conjunction with the psychotherapeutic work on oneself.

Getting out of depression alone is almost impossible. A psychologist will provide powerful support in a difficult life period of a person, will make it clear that he is not alone, will teach you to rely on yourself.

Prevention of depression – a myth or reality?

Is it possible to predict the appearance of depression? Life and events that occur in it can be unpredictable, therefore, no one is immune from sometimes not “falling” into depressive thoughts and feelings.

However, everyone is able to lead a way of life that will help increase emotional stability, be well aware of their role in life, understand feelings, control behavior. In such cases, the predisposition to depression decreases.

For this you need:

• follow a full sleep and rest;
• eat right;
• communicate with positive people;
• leave a place in life for joy;
• do what you love;
• understand the psychology of their feelings;
• meet personal needs;
• strive for optimism.

“It is a sad time, eyes of enchantment …” – autumn is perhaps the most romantic time of the year. I want to bury myself under a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and a little sadness about the past summer. And, nevertheless, many people at this time are covered by such a characteristic phenomenon as the autumn   depression. At first glance it may seem that this condition is a manifestation of weak character and inclination to hypochondria. However, autumn depression occurs for very specific reasons that are easy to explain in terms of physiology. What are the main symptoms of this condition, its etiology and how to help yourself if life is not a joy?

Causes of autumn depression

In autumn, the daylight becomes much shorter, especially the inhabitants of the northern regions, the Polar region, feel this. In December, the sun may not show at all in some localities of our country: enlightenment comes for a few hours, and darkness surrounds most of the day.

For a person, sunlight is as vital a necessity as water and food. After all, under the action of ultraviolet rays, the brain produces a hormone   serotonin, which affects mood. Its sufficient synthesis provides a positive attitude and vitality. Reduced production leads to a depressed mood, so the dark season is the cause of this condition.

In addition, the emotional background is influenced not only by the amount of the hormone serotonin, but also by the protein content that transports it. And it also depends on the length of daylight.

Natural production of serotonin and transport proteins is genetically determined, that is, there are a number of people from whom it was initially reduced. They are prone to depression at any time of the year, and the likelihood of autumnal deterioration in mood is particularly high.

Symptoms of autumn depression

Suspect the symptoms of autumn   depressed   anyone can and for this he does not necessarily need expert advice.

The probability of this condition is very high if a person has a combination of several symptoms:

• Constant drowsiness during the daytime, night sleep is not refreshing, after waking up a person already feels tired.
• Reduced motivation, interest in life and familiar activities, apathy.
• Nothing brings pleasure: neither communication with a loved one and friends, nor work, nor activities with children.
• Change in appetite: some people completely lose their appetite, while others spend the whole evening at the fridge.
• Distraction, reduced concentration, inability to focus on one case.
• Reduced self-esteem, increased guilt, own worthlessness, uselessness.
• The emergence of suicidal thoughts.
• The feeling of anxiety, the approach of something terrible, baseless experiences.

Depending on the severity of these symptoms, autumn depression can be mild, moderate or severe. The appearance of a suicidal mood is a dangerous symptom that requires mandatory consultation by a specialist (psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst).

Food in the fight against autumn depression

Autumn depression of mild and moderate degree is quite amenable to correction with non-drug measures. The main means of raising the mood, no doubt, are certain foods.

Many people know that sweet food, in particular chocolate, helps to get rid of any blues. The reason is that it is a natural donor of the hormone serotonin. A few cloves of bitter chocolate can be the best antidepressant. However, one should not understand this advice literally: if you consume a whole tile every day throughout the fall, then by the winter you can gain a few extra pounds. As a result, by the New Year, a complete stranger will look at you from the mirror, which will only aggravate the depressive mood.

In addition to chocolate, there are other foods that help fight the autumn depression: bananas, dates, dried fruits, flour. It is also worth enriching your diet with protein foods: they help to accumulate energy for the cold winter and to maintain strength to fight infectious diseases. Therefore, in the autumn it is necessary to eat meat products, fish and other seafood, nuts, cottage cheese, cheese, eggs.

Another great helper in the fight against autumn depression is grapefruit. It is said that all citrus fruits contain a large amount of vitamins of group C and B, therefore they are very useful in the fall. However, it is the grapefruit that affects the exchange of serotonin, is a low-calorie product, so it does not harm the figure. Besides, it’s just delicious!

How else can you help yourself in the autumn depression

Fighting autumn depression is important and necessary, because autumn is an important period: the beginning of the school year, many different activities at work. Therefore, it is not necessary to fall out of life because of this temporary blues. How else can you handle this seasonal condition?

• Additional lighting in the apartment and at work.

This item is extremely important, because under the action of light in the body, the hormone serotonin is produced, which is the key to a good mood. You can buy brighter light bulbs, an extra lamp, replace dark curtains and bed linen with light ones. Homely atmosphere should not cause melancholy, but only a feeling of joy, comfort and coziness.

• Medicinal herbs in the fight against depression.

Black tea and strong coffee are stress-like drinks, as they constrict blood vessels, increase heartbeat, increase pressure. However, the symptoms of depression on the background of their frequent admission can only increase. Broths of linden, thyme, peppermint help to cope with longing, green tea is a great way to calm down and feel the positive mood.

• Physical activity.

The best fight against melancholy is playing sports. Any kind of physical activity gives vitality, improves mood. In addition, contemplation in the mirror of your own figure with a relief press, slender legs and beautiful buttocks – this is the best antidepressant!

• Increased sleep duration.

Naturally, if the window is constantly dark, then you want to sleep all day. You should not resist your body, because he always feels that he is better. The duration of a night’s sleep should be at least 7 hours, but in the fall and winter it can be increased to 8-9.

• More humor!

Try not to go into viewing melodramas, after which you want to cry. Humorous shows, comedies, light reality shows help keep a good mood.

Are there cures for autumn depression?

If all of the above methods do not allow to cope with the autumn depression, life has lost all meaning, and even suicidal thoughts arise, then consultation of a specialist in mental problems is necessary. Sometimes simple communication with a competent psychologist or psychoanalyst is enough to understand: this is a temporary condition that will sooner or later pass.

In the fight against autumn depression, as a form of depression in general, special   medication. They belong to the group of serotonergic antidepressants, for example   Citalopram,   fluoxetine, fluvoxamine. These drugs have a number of side effects, so they are sold only by prescription from a doctor. One of these manifestations is a pronounced increase in appetite, which can adversely affect the figure.

Autumn depression is a condition that is seasonal. As soon as light day starts to increase, good mood and joy to life returns to people.

Depression has an impact on the human body, his thoughts, relationships with others, as well as other areas of life. Manifestations may be weaker or stronger, but there is good news – depression is treated. We will talk further about how to deal with it better in the article.

Signs of Depression: How to Recognize Alarming Symptoms

Depression is manifested in the mindset of a person, his feelings, actions, and body. From the point of view of a change in thinking, the following may speak of the onset of a depressive state.   symptoms:

• endless reflections, doubts;
• difficulty concentrating;
• feeling of hopelessness;
• self-deprecating thoughts;
• difficulty making decisions;
• self-flagellation.

From the point of view of physical manifestation, such changes can indicate depression:

• unhealthy eating behavior (loss of appetite or increased craving for food);
• sleep disorders;
• headaches;
• pain in the neck and shoulders;
• anxiety;
• dizziness;
• shaking hands, cold hands or hot flashes;
• chest pressure;
• feeling of coma in the throat;
• digestive disorders (such as constipation or diarrhea); causes of depression
• decrease in sexual desire.

Emotional signs of depression:

• feeling of despair, hopelessness, despondency, weakness;
• appearance of fears of the future;
• feeling lonely;
• lethargy, lack of interest;
• emotional excitability;
• inability to rejoice, feeling of insensitivity and inner emptiness;
• sense of inferiority and guilt.

Signs of depression in behavior:

• refusal to communicate with friends, partners, colleagues;
• detachment;
• hopeless crying;
• difficulty or acute reluctance to perform daily tasks (brushing your teeth, preparing food, etc.)
• neglect or rejection of the hobby;
• absent-mindedness

The severity and causes of depression: is it worth fighting?

People tend to make mistakes and also take responsibility for them. Unfortunately, not everything in life goes smoothly, and sometimes you have to react to disappointments, injuries and losses. When do unnecessary experiences turn into dangerous pathological depression?

Forms of depression:

• easy;
• moderate;
• heavy;
• recurrent depressive disorder.

The terms “endogenous depression”, “reactive depression”, “neurotic depression” and “psychogenic depression” are less commonly used by professionals today. The treatment process does not take into account   causes of depression   and a provoking factor, how much is the severity of the condition. After all, only a small proportion falls on the result of a hereditary disorder (for example, bipolar affective disorder), the main cause of most depressions is the lack of mental coping strategies.

Psychological coping strategies include the ability to cope with rejection, criticism, loss, to be able to endure conflicts and solve them, to cope with mistakes and defeats. From improving these skills depends on the outcome of treatment and   prophylaxis   ailment.

The fact that people react differently in the same situation shows that it is not the situation itself that causes depression, but negative thoughts about it.

Genetic depression, such as bipolar affective disorder , and severe depression, need treatment. As a rule, this is done using a combination of drugs in an outpatient or inpatient psychotherapy.

In mild to moderate depression, the victim can help himself.

A psychotherapist’s consultation will be especially helpful in the event of:

• lack of strength to overcome the causes of depression;
• inability to concentrate;
• appearance of memory problems;
• chronic depression and a sense of hopelessness.

Top Tips for Prevention and Self-Overcoming Depression

Owners of mild or moderate depression to smooth out the situation will help the following tips.

• More movement. An excellent means to increase the proportion of positive emotions are regular exercise. Especially useful gardening, walking or cycling (at least two hours a week, 30 minutes a day), swimming. A sufficient level of mobility will help improve mood. Achieving all the new results in the performance of physical activity creates a feeling that a person can change the situation, becomes stronger and better. In addition, the extra time in the fresh air will help strengthen your health, giving vitality.
• Cultivating new perspectives on life and conflict resolution strategies. The main cause of depression is an unjustifiably negative assessment of the situation. For example, when the assessment is much worse than the real situation. In such a situation, a person sees himself in it much more helpless and hopeless, which intensifies the depression. Therefore, it is important to check the truth of their judgments. For example, with the help of a psychologist or independently. To do this, it is important to provide yourself with evidence of the real hopelessness of what is happening, as well as to recognize exactly which actions or thoughts led to its development. After that, try to present the most difficult development of the situation and the way out of it, because more often the unknown scares us. It is important to learn to perceive personal mistakes not as a sign of unfitness, but as an invaluable experience.
• It is necessary as often as possible to focus on something positive or neutral. Instead of self-typical questions for a depressed person, such as: “Why me?”, “How can I live without …?”, “How can I endure it?”, Etc., others should be asked. For example: “What can I do to change the situation for the better?”, “How did others cope with this situation?”, “When did I cope with this situation before?”, “What helped me then?”, “Who could help me ? “,” What would be good for me now? “.
• You can break a serious situation into daily mini-goals. In overcoming you need patience, and excessively high expectations reinforce depressive thoughts and feelings. The gradual solution of small tasks on the way to success and reward for them is the best positive motivator.
• Do not self-resort to taking antidepressants. For the treatment of mild and moderate signs of depression, psychotherapy is more effective than medication. The appointment of medicines is only a doctor. Do not be afraid to seek psychotherapeutic support, as well as live, breathing deeply. After all, only someone who is satisfied with himself can have positive relationships with other people and the world around him.