Depression is a common condition which occurs in those with eating disorders. Whether depression causes the eating disorder or the eating disorder causes depression is unclear, but a connection is certain.
Depression is a condition which should not be ignored. Though some believe that depression is something which is simply a fact of life, this is far from the case. Severe depression can lead to thoughts of suicide, which can turn into actions if not properly treated.
Signs of Depression
According to the mental health field, there a are many different kinds of depression:
- ” Atypical depression
- ” Major depression
- ” Manic depression
- ” Mild depression
- ” Post-partum depression
Depression is an illness that involves your whole body, mood, thoughts and it can affect the way you eat and sleep. It can affect the way you handle things, make decisions and even how feel about yourself. Depression is not a personal weakness nor is it a problem that you can just wish away.
Different people become depressed for different reasons, often numerous reasons occur at the same time:
- Change in someone’s life
- Chronic illness
- Death of close loved one
- Disappointment
- Financial problems
- Lack of sleep
- Marital problems
- New baby
- Relationship problems
- Stress
Many depressions seem to involve a chemical imbalance in the areas of the brain that regulate mood and emotion, according to scientific findings.
According to reported cases of depression, 25% of women and 10% of men will suffer from depression at some point of their lives. Many try to deal with the symptoms of depression alone and many don’t seek professional help. This is unfortunate as depression is treatable in most cases.
Symptoms of Depression
Some of the symptoms of depression can include:
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Indecisiveness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Memory troubles
- Overeating
- Persistent sadness
- Restlessness
- Sleep changes – insomnia and/or waking early and/or oversleeping
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Help for Depression
Depression isn’t always something you want to handle on your own. The first step to seeking help and proper treatment is going to see your family doctor. They will want to know what symptoms you have, when they started, how severe they are and how long they have lasted. Your doctor may also ask you if you use drugs or alcohol. It is important for you to be as honest as possible. A physical examination and lab tests will also help your doctor determine if you are suffering from depression and what type. Some medical conditions can cause symptoms of depression as well as some medications.
Your treatment options for your depression will depend on the results of your evaluation. You may be prescribed antidepressant and/or anti-anxiety medications and/or psychotherapy. You might be on a regiment for depression until the symptoms are relieved or perhaps for the rest of your life. Some people do well with medication alone and some do well with psychotherapy alone with others do well on a combination of both these treatments.
Medications for Depression
Medication is often used to help patients begin to feel better about their lives. Many times, a doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the one or a combination that is right for you. While taking this medication your doctor will monitor you closely to make sure you are getting the correct dosage and to make sure it is effective.
Antidepressants can cause mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. Most times they are not serious however any unusual side effects or problems should be reported to your doctor.
Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment for Depression
There are a small percentage of people who will need to be taken to the hospital for their severe symptoms of depression. Those who have lost the ability to function in day to day living, are severely suffering with their symptoms, and those who have constant thoughts about death, hurting themselves or suicide should be taken to the hospital.
The hospital is a good place for some depression sufferers. First they can help keep the patient be safe so they can not hurt themselves or take their life. The hospital can help that person get the right treatment and quickly. A doctor can adjust medications and bring relief to the person suffering. The hospital can also help relax and sedate a patient so they can calm down and get some rest they may need.
Patients can also have the opportunity to learn more about their illness and the type of treatment they need to control it. Depending on the person and their condition, the length of the hospital stay will vary. Sometimes a person will be there for only hours while another person is there for days or even weeks in severe cases. Some patients suffering from eating disorders will nee to be in the hospital for their physical health, but can also get treatment for depression when they are an inpatient.
Tips to Help Your Depression
You can help your own feelings of depression with these basic tips.
- Try being around others, especially close family and friends
- Talk about your feelings with others
- Don’t take on many responsibilities
- Do something you enjoy
- Do not expect too much from yourself
- Don’t blame yourself for your feelings
When Someone You Love is Depressed
It’s always best to encourage your loved one to seek professional help for their problems and helping them as they do. This may include you making the appointment for them and taking them to see their doctor. If they are taking medication, it would be a good idea to keep a close eye to make sure they are taking it and maybe giving them a gentle reminder if they have missed it.
You will also want to learn all you can about depression. Being educated on any illness can bring better understanding to the illness and the person suffering. The Internet is a great starting point for educating yourself, but you might also want to go to the library and to talk to therapists to learn more.
Listening to your loved one and being with them is often one of the best ways you can support and help their depression. A depressed person is isolated enough and having someone supportive around can help them remember they are not alone.