Your guide to depression

Abstract

• Depressed mood, loss of interest and lack of motivation are the main symptoms.
• Factors are neurobiological and socio-psychological in nature.
• The general trend is rising: women and older people are often affected. The number of children is also increasing.
• Depression is treatable. There are various forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, but also treatment with medication (pharmacotherapy).
• Relatives should seek help for the affected person as well as for themselves. The illness is not only a great burden for the patient, but also for those around them. Help and advice can provide relief.
• Depression should not be taken lightly. If symptoms persist, seek help from a doctor or one of the many counseling hotlines as soon as possible.

Definition of

Depression refers to a group of illnesses that are characterized by a depressed mood, loss of interest and lack of motivation.

• They can occur once or repeatedly.
• Women are more frequently affected than men.
• An interplay of neurobiological and socio-psychological factors is suspected.

Symptoms

Signs are divided into two categories:

Main symptoms

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest
• Lack of drive

Secondary symptoms

• Sleep disorders
• Lack of concentration
• Decreased self-esteem and self-confidence
• Feelings of guilt, feeling of worthlessness
• Negative and pessimistic future prospects
• Thoughts of or already committed self-harm or suicidal acts
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Cheerlessness
• Lack of responsiveness: joyful events do not influence the mood
• Morning low; symptoms improve in the course of the day
• Psychomotor inhibition or agitation (restlessness)
• Loss of libido

In order to be able to speak of depression or a depressive episode, the symptoms must be stable for at least two weeks. Symptoms of (other) mental illnesses should be excluded.

Depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, so it is important to recognize it early and treat it appropriately. If you notice suspicious symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is extremely important to address them openly and seek advice and help from a psychologist or doctor.

Causes

The exact cause of depression has not yet been clarified. Scientists suspect an interplay of neurobiological and psychosocial factors:

• Genetic predisposition
• Neurotransmitter disorders
• Morphological brain changes
• Serotonin/noradrenaline deficiency
• Hormonal influences
• Traumatic, stressful experiences or personality factors

Depression in children

Children can also suffer from depression. The number of people affected in Germany is increasing. Risk factors that can lead to depressive moods are, for example

• A negative body image
• A problematic approach to media and computer games
• Low interpersonal trust in the functionality of the family
• School and/or parental pressure

It is important to strengthen children’s self-confidence and to consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Show your child understanding and take their statements seriously.

Treatment

If depression is diagnosed, the treating doctor or psychologist will determine a suitable therapy depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms. This can take place on an outpatient or inpatient basis. These include, for example

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Art, music or dance therapy
• Drug therapy for severe courses

There are also some supportive measures with a proven positive effect:

• Sleep deprivation therapy
• Light therapy
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Advice for relatives

People with depression change and are no longer recognizable. If you suspect a condition, you can consider the following points:

• Contact a doctor for advice. Make an appointment for the person concerned, as they are usually unaware of their situation and too listless or blame themselves.
• Do not turn away from the person affected and remind them that they are suffering from an illness. Do not dismiss the symptoms as harmless and remind the person concerned that it will pass and that there is a good chance of recovery. Be patient.
• The suffering of patients is often a heavy burden for relatives. Recognize your limits and consciously take time out. Continue to pursue your goals and recognize depression as an illness and not as being sad for no reason. Exchange ideas with other affected relatives and build up a network.
• Hold back with well-intentioned advice. Those affected cannot implement them. The illness does not allow it. However, support any initiative that the person concerned takes.
• Do not make any important decisions for the patient regarding their private or professional future. After treatment, the patient may look at things differently. Depression distorts perception.
• If you have the impression that there is a risk of suicide, contact a doctor immediately and talk to the person concerned. Immediate action is extremely important for the protection of the person suffering from depression.

Sources

• https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/83701/Umfrage-zeigt-Unwissenheit-ueber-Depressionen
• https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/sw/Depression?nid=97272
• https://www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de/depression-infos-und-hilfe/rat-fuer-angehoerige