Few years before “depression” was absolutely unknown, and now — even a child is familiar with depression why ? To get conclusion, we have to study life style of people lived before. the study  will reveal  that there were no ” money  race”  no car models race , no property race ! !People were living very simple life , getting up early, working hard physically  all day and in evening going to bed early , as tired. there was no pollution , no heart disease , no hypertension , no cancer , no diabetics.. The status consciousness-simple life style was providing contentment in life. Marriage proposals were decided upon character and reputation, absolutely not the status or size of bungalow. As soon this money race appeared, “depression” attacked in full force. Just observes life style of those working on daily wages? Generally known as “poors”.did someone ever hear that they are facing blood pressure, diabetic, cancer problems?  Why? Because of their “contentment” they have no charm or craze for bungalows, lavishness as part of life. Just for example, when a person is hungry he will ask “may i get some food to eat”? On the other hand , when a person have enough , he will go to restaurant and ask for “menu” means variety of food , this practice shows that he is not hungry but needs change in  taste?

Incase of bad luck , he cant afford hotelling , which leads that person to ( 1^st step ) towards “depression”. in short “depression is a state of sorrow , repentance ,  complex , lack of sources with boundless  wishes , sometimes .depression can be in parents , not getting proper proposals for their children getting “over aged”, or not getting job , or some chronic sickness / disability, domestic  problems , etc  

Always thinking of past, jealousy , thinking to get by easy ways ,    domestic problems will lead to  depression . May be resulting in “drug addiction” which will create other social or health problems ..strange enough , this “depression” is found in families which are from “elite” class  or very well off ! !( apparently  very depression ? In one sentence  quoted by Prophet Mohammad PBUH” if a mountain of gold is awarded to  a person , he will ask for second (height of greed) and only the grave will eliminate his greed ) and that is depression , which is prevailing all over now a days .. “fair and foul ” concept is obsolete .when restaurants are full with couples  , clubs are full and religious places vacant , liquor all over , “dating” is fashion , “gunnah” or “swab” are meaningless , then hearts are sealed by allah kareem  — and doctors  diagnose it as ……..DEPRESSION.

 

DEPRESSION  REASON (MEDICAL GROUNDS)?

We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but clinical depression is much more than just sadness.
Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all — instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.

Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

CLINICAL DEPRESSION ?

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

• Can’t sleep or sleep too much
• Can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
•  feel hopeless and helpless
• Can’t control  negative thoughts, no matter how much  try
• Lost of appetite or  can’t stop eating
• Much more irritable and short-tempered than usual
• Thoughts that life is not worth living (alarming position , if this is the case)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted — the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.

               COMMON SIGNS / SYMPTOMS 

 

FEELINGS OF HELPLESS AND HOPELESSNESS. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

LOSS OF INTEREST IN DAILY ACTIVITIES.no interest in or ability to enjoy former hobbies, pastimes, social activities..

APPETITE OR WEIGHT CHANGES. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

CHANGE IN SLEEP- Either insomnia (very less sleep) ,especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

PSYCHOMOTOR AGITATION /RETARDATION. EITHER feeling “keyed up” and restless or sluggish and physically slowed down as very lazy

LOSS OF ENERGY. Feeling fatigued and physically drained. Even small tasks are exhausting or take longer.

SELF-LOATHING. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.

CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

             DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. just for example , a person takes loan from bank , builds a  lavish house , all of sudden he looses job , becomes defaulter ,and commits suicide.

THINKING OF DEATH / SUICIDE: AN ALARMING  SYMPTOM 

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted. Most people who are suicidal don’t want to die — they just want to stop hurting. Take any suicidal or behavior seriously. It’s not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it’s a cry for help. just like a terminated person , who goes to his ex-boss     ( who terminated him) puts his head on his feet for restoration , he promises but  ever restores and ultimately he commits suicide ! ! (It truly happened in 2008 in kuwait)

If you think a friend , a colleague , a subordinate or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid and red alert  to bring up the subject.  Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. Speak up if you’re concerned and seek professional help immediately! Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking action.( subjected if you are not frauna)

THE FACES OF DEPRESSION

Depression often looks different in men and women, and in young people and older adults. An awareness of these differences helps ensure that the problem is recognized and treated.

DEPRESSION IN TEENS

While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact, irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant symptom in depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people. .

DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS

The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important

DEPRESSION IN MEN

Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with men. Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.

DEPRESSION IN WOMEN

Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (pms), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

Many new mothers suffer from some fleeting form of the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression, in contrast, is a longer lasting and more serious depression triggered, in part, by hormonal changes associated with having a baby. Postpartum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression that occurs within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.

                     DEPRESSION  STAGES

Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatments.

MAJOR DEPRESSION

Major depression, or clinical depression, is characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months. Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder. However, there are many things you can do to support your mood and reduce the risk of recurrence.

A TYPICAL DEPRESSION

Atypical depression is a common subtype of major depression. It features a specific symptom pattern, including a temporary mood lift in response to positive events. You may feel better after receiving good news or while out with friends. However, this boost in mood is fleeting. Other symptoms of atypical depression include weight gain, increased appetite, sleeping excessively, a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, and sensitivity to rejection. Atypical depression responds better to some therapies and medications than others, so identifying this subtype can be particularly helpful.

DYSTHYMIA (RECURRENT, MILD DEPRESSION)

Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of normal mood. The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of major depression, but they last a long time (at least two years). These chronic symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the fullest or to remember better times. Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of dysthymia, a condition known as “double depression.” If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve always been depressed. Or you may think that your continuous low mood is “just the way you are.” However, dysthymia can be treated, even if your symptoms have gone unrecognized or untreated for years.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

There’s a reason why so many movies and books portray rainy days and stormy weather as gloomy. Some people get depressed in the fall or winter, when overcast days are frequent and sunlight is limited. This type of depression is called seasonal affective disorder (sad). Seasonal affective disorder is more common in northern climates and in younger people. Like depression, seasonal affective disorder is treatable. Light therapy, a treatment that involves exposure to bright artificial light, often helps relieve symptoms.

BIPOLAR DISORDER – WHEN DEPRESSION IS JUST ONE SIDE OF THE COIN

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized by cycling mood changes. Episodes of depression alternate with manic episodes, which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little to no sleep. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks. When depressed, a person with bipolar disorder exhibits the usual symptoms of major depression. However, the treatments for bipolar depression are very different. In fact, antidepressants can make bipolar depression worse.

DEPRESSION-CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. But depression is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much — if not more so — than genetics. However, certain risk factors make you more vulnerable to depression.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION

• LONELINESS
• LACK OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
• RECENT STRESSFUL LIFE EXPERIENCES
• FAMILY HISTORY OF DEPRESSION
• MARITAL OR RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS
• FINANCIAL STRAIN AND STRESS

• EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAUMA OR ABUSE
• ALCOHOL OR DRUG ABUSE
• UNEMPLOYMENT OR UNDER EMPLOYMENT
• HEALTH PROBLEMS OR CHRONIC PAIN

CAUSE OF DEPRESSION DETERMINES TREATMENT

Understanding the underlying cause of your depression may help you overcome the problem. For example, if you are depressed because of a dead end job, the best treatment might be finding a more satisfying career, not taking an antidepressant. If you are new to an area and feeling lonely and sad, finding new friends at work or through a hobby will probably give you more of a mood boost than going to therapy. In such cases, the depression is remedied by changing the situation.

THE ROAD TO DEPRESSION RECOVERY

Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different in different people, so are the ways to feel better. What works for one person might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases. If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, take some time to explore the many treatment options. In most cases, the best approach involves a combination of self-help strategies, lifestyle changes, and professional help. Even when you feel like being alone. Let your family and friends know what you’re going through and how they can support you.

CHANGE LIFE STYLE – IMMEDIATELY

TO make LIFE style changes are not always easy, but they can have a big impact on depression. take a good look at your own lifestyle. What changes could you make to support depression recovery?  Self-help strategies that can be very effective include:

Offer prayers, keep your thoughts neat and clean. Strictly avoid jealousy, hatered, back biting, and revenge .leave all to nature. Forget never” complete silence is best revenge”.

try to adopt hobbit of “forgiveness”.(although it is very tough)

Managing stress .do visit those places which you like, visit those people who understand you,

Take a long walk early morning or evening with fellow of your taste , chatting and laughing. Do not look for gyms, nature have provided you many gyms.

Use fresh juice, make it sure to drink two glass of water , empty stomach , before leaving bed at morning.

 walk (bare footed ) on grassy ground , greenery all over , preferably beautiful park , hill or view.

take a glass of Luke warm milk , add 2 tea spoon full pure honey and drink before sleeping.

think of sweet days , with sweet memories.

Avoid spicy or oil rich  food—roasts . Pizza, Kentucky, French fries and other deep fried food -. Eat very simple diet. Preferably vegetables . drink 8/10 glass of water per day.

1. Add some fresh rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink whenever feeling depressed.

2 .An Apple eaten with milk and honey is very good to uplift a mood. Good Home Remedy for Depression.

3. Powder the seeds of 2 green cardamoms. Add to 1 cup of boiling water, add sugar and drink this tea twice a day.

4  .A neutral immersion bath ( PREFFERABLY WITH LAVANDER) for one hour daily is also helpful in the treatment of depression.

5.  Relaxation and meditation are also effective measures in the treatment of depression. The best method of relaxation is to practice shavasana or the dead pose. Meditation involves training the mind to remain fixed on a particular external or internal location. Mediation helps to create balance in the nervous system. Effective Home Remedy for Depression.

6. Diet has a profound effect on the treatment of depression.

7. Morpheme Memocare is a combination of brain boosting herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Vacha, Mulathi and others, which guards against stress, depression and improves learning ability in a natural way( IT CAN BE HAD FROM LOCAL HAKEEMS)

8.Lying down, in a dark room, maybe getting a 1/2 hour of sleep, will always make you feel better.

9. Another domestic remedy for depression is a tea made of Indian basil (tulsi) and sage. Use 1/4 teaspoon tulsi and 1/2 teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day.

10. Blanch   5-7 rosemary leaves in a boiling cup of water, add honey, wait 3 minutes and drink.

11. Warm   avocado   leaves and put them on forehead.

12.  Cook   and   eat: white rice with lily bulb, palm and tulip (add nothing more).

13.  Cook   3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to 1 cup of rice milk or soy milk, boil and stir for a minute on law temperature. Can add nuts, almonds, dried fruits, maple syrup or honey.

14 .Blanch mint to make tea and drink.

15. Stir  1 teaspoon of lavender leaves to a cup of boiling water, cool and drink 3 times daily.

16.Eat:  Nuts, cheese and a spoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.

17.Eat  at least 5 bananas a day, Reduce to one in time.

18.Eat  a lot of pumpkin seeds.

19 .Various YOUGA ASANS SUCH AS “HALASANA”  -”PASCHIMOTTANASANA”—SARVANGASANA – SHAVASANA – SHALABHASANA –VAKRASANA- BHUJANGASA –  and PRANAVAMAS like KAPALBHATI — BHASTRIKA are highly beneficial in the treatment of depression.

20. Cook 3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to 1 cup of rice milk or soy milk, boil and stir for a minute on NORMAL  temperature DRINK ONCE A DAY.

BE PUNCTUAL TO DAILY PRAYERS , MAY ALLAH KAREEM BLESS YOU WITH BEST OF HEALTH AND WEALTH.