News of health, medicine and longevity. Do your usual activities cause you unbearable difficulties? Help a person in a bad mood

Depression is an affective disorder characterized by persistent depressed mood negative thinking and slow movements. Is the most common mental disorder. According to latest research, the lifetime risk of developing depression ranges from 22 to 33%.

People suffering from depression do not perceive the joys of the world around them, like everyone else, their thinking is aimed at aggravating negative manifestations in fact, they perceive any minor troubles exaggeratedly.

What this disorder is, why people tend to fall into this condition, and what symptoms a person encounters, we will consider further.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by a depressive triad, which includes a decrease in mood, disturbances in thinking (a pessimistic view of everything that happens around, loss of the ability to feel joy, negative judgments), and motor inhibition.

According to statistics today, depression is observed in 10% of the population of our planet. Due to the volatility mental state women pathology they observed most often after 40 years. This is due to disruptions in the hormonal background and the onset of menopause.

A depressed person is in such a sensual state that constantly repeats - "there is no way out." But it really isn't! There is always a way out, and even the most difficult stage can be treated!

Kinds

There are two main types of depression:

• exogenous - in this case, the disorder will be provoked by some external stimulus (for example, loss of a job or death of a relative);
• endogenous - depression is caused by internal problems, often unexplained.

Psychologists distinguish the following types of depression:

1. Dysthymia is a chronic depressive mood. It is characterized by bad mood, fatigue, lack of appetite and sleep. This type may be observed at postpartum depression and manic-depressive psychosis.
2. Recurrent depression - the symptoms of the disorder appear about once a month and persist for several days.
3. Reactive depression is characterized by spontaneity of occurrence against the background of the appearance of serious stressful situations.
4. Neurotic arises through emotional disorders, in which the dominant link is occupied by neuroses.
5. Manic-depressive disorder is a disease characterized by the onset of bouts of depression or manic episodes. It is characteristic that such a disorder is not long-term - patients feel quite normal during periods of remission, lead a normal life and are no different from healthy people.
6. Postpartum depression is a depressive condition that develops in the first days and weeks after childbirth in those prone to similar pathology women.

early signs of depression

In each individual case of the disease, the signs of the onset of depression may be different and expressed in varying degrees. The whole set of these signs is conditionally divided into four main groups.

groups initial signs depression are:

• emotional signs;
• mental disorder;
• physiological signs;
• behavioral disorder.

The onset of the disease is indicated by:

• decreased interest in favorite activities, neglect of simple duties, laziness to go to work, desire to have more rest;
• fatigue, decreased libido, mild physical malaise, morning sickness;
• increased resentment, the feeling that others have a negative opinion about a person, that they find fault with him;
• bad mood, increased nervousness, tension, feeling of anxiety;
• change in normal routine, difficulty falling asleep, unexplained headache;
• thinking aimed at avoiding problems, increasing fears, alcohol abuse.

The severity of symptoms depends on the duration of the disease and the presence of previous physical and mental disorders.

The reasons

There is also depression against the background of progressive somatic diseases- for example, against the background of pathologies of the thyroid gland or from severe pain and awareness of the inevitable disability in arthritis, rheumatism, oncology.

Depression can be caused by some mental disorders - for example, this condition is often diagnosed in patients with schizophrenia, alcohol and drug addiction.

Various medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, can cause depression. For unknown reasons, corticosteroids (hormones) often cause depression when they are produced in large quantities as a result of an illness (such as Cushing's syndrome).

For the most part, this condition is caused by quite simple and understandable reasons:

• overwork;
• peer pressure;
• the inability to achieve the desired for a long period;
• failures in personal life or career;
• disease;
• loneliness and so on.

If you understand that a black streak has come in your life, then try to mobilize all your strength so as not to become a victim of depression.

Relax, focus, even on small, but still joys, fight difficulties, and do not give in to them.

People prone to depression

There are 3 personality types that are more prone to developing depression:

• statotimic personality (characteristic: exaggerated conscientiousness, excessive accuracy and diligence);
• melancholic personality (characteristic: pedantry, desire for order, constancy, excessive demands on oneself);
• hyperthymic personality (characteristic: self-doubt, constant worries, low self-esteem).

Symptoms of depression in adults

The main manifestation is the so-called depressive triad, which includes a steady deterioration in mood, a slowdown in thinking and a decrease in motor activity.

Typical (main) symptoms of depression are:

• depressed mood, which does not depend on external circumstances, lasting two weeks or more;
• persistent fatigue within a month;
• anhedonia, which is a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

Additional symptoms of the disease:

• pessimism;
• feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, guilt, or fear;
• inability to make decisions and concentrate;
• low self-esteem;
• thoughts of death or suicide;
• reduced or increased appetite;
• sleep disturbances, manifested in insomnia or oversleeping.

Thoughts in a depressed person become negative, negative, and directed against oneself. A person tends to fix the denial of himself, he considers himself unnecessary, worthless, burdening relatives and friends. It is difficult for him to make any decisions.

Important! Some symptoms are characteristic of anxiety and other disorders, so do not self-diagnose or self-medicate!!!

Symptoms of depression in men and women

Symptoms in women are more pronounced than in men, which is associated with physiological characteristics brain. A man can be depressed for many years and hide it. In women, the picture of symptoms is visible quite clearly, so if the first signs of localization of the disease are found, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

Important: most serious symptom depression are considered thoughts of death and in 15% of cases, patients have clear and persistent suicidal thoughts. Often patients voice the planning of their murder - this should be an unconditional reason for hospitalization.

Diagnostics

In a conversation with a patient, the doctor first of all draws attention to long periods of depression, a decrease in the range of interests, and motor retardation. An important diagnostic role is played by patients' complaints of apathy, loss of strength, heightened anxiety, suicidal thoughts. There are two groups of signs of a depressive process that the doctor takes into account in the diagnosis. These are positive and negative affectivity (emotionality).

When talking with a patient, a psychologist or psychotherapist identifies the following criteria:

• Depressed mood.
• Feeling tired.
• Rising concern.
• Lack of desires and interests.
• Decreased sexual interest.
• Frequent nervousness and photophobia.
• Careless attitude to personal hygiene and daily duties.
• Constant need for rest.
• Irritability, restlessness and nervous tension.

The above symptoms are starting. If they last long, they lead to mania.

How to treat depression in adults?

Depression is often perceived by both the patient and others as a manifestation of bad character, laziness and selfishness, licentiousness or natural pessimism. It should be remembered that depression is not just a bad mood, but a disease that requires the intervention of specialists and is quite treatable. The earlier delivered correct diagnosis and started proper treatment the greater the chance of a quick recovery.

The treatment regimen is selected individually, after being examined by a doctor and conducting the necessary tests. There is no average protocol according to which autotherapy can be recommended. Therapy may include one or all of the following elements:

• Medication treatment.
• Psychotherapy.
• Social therapy.

Each patient needs his own treatment time, which depends on the characteristics of the psyche and the severity of the condition.

Antidepressants

In treatment various kinds depression, antidepressant medications are used. They restore the optimal balance biologically active substances and normal work brain, helping to cope with depression. The success of drug treatment largely depends on the patient himself.

Antidepressants in the treatment act as the main drugs. These include:

• Melipramine,
• Amitriptyline
• fluoxetine,
• sertraline,
• paroxetine,
• tianeptine,
• milnacipran,
• Moclobemide.

At correct application are a safe class of psychotropic substances. The dose is selected individually. Remember that the effect of antidepressants will appear slowly, so expect it to manifest positively.

Vitamins and minerals

In the treatment of depression, the following vitamins and minerals are also actively prescribed:

• B vitamins;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• omega 3;
• vitamin D (calciferol).

If within 4-6 weeks after starting the medicine you do not feel positive effect or you have side effects, contact your doctor.

Psychotherapy for depression

Three approaches are most effective in treatment: cognitive psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and behavioral psychotherapy. The goal of therapy is to recognize conflict and help constructively resolve it.

• Behavioral psychotherapy

Behavioral psychotherapy resolves current problems and eliminates behavioral symptoms (isolation from others, monotonous lifestyle, denial of pleasure, passivity, etc.).

• Rational

Rational psychotherapy consists in the patient's logical evidence-based conviction of the need to reconsider his attitude towards himself and the surrounding reality. At the same time, both methods of clarification and persuasion, as well as methods of moral approval, distraction and switching attention are used.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A feature of the use of CBT for depression is to start treatment without using drugs. The point is to separate negative thoughts, the patient's reaction to the event and the situation as such. During the session, with the help of various unexpected questions, the doctor helps the patient to look at the ongoing action from the outside and make sure that nothing terrible is actually happening.

The result is a change in mindset that positively influences behavior and general state patient.

Food

Product leaders to help overcome signs of depression:

• vegetables, fruits, having not only rich vitamin complex, but also bright colors ( bell pepper, oranges, carrots, beets, persimmons, bananas);
• sea ​​fish with a high fat content in meat;
• chicken broth and white poultry meat;
• dishes from frozen (not canned) sea kale;
• cheese of all kinds and varieties;
• dark chocolate with a high content of cocoa beans;
• nuts;
• buckwheat, oatmeal;
• eggs.

Antidepressant drinks:

1. A relaxing drink can be made from lemon balm and oranges. Squeeze the juice from four oranges thoroughly. Take two handfuls of fresh lemon balm leaves, chop and grind it and combine it with orange juice. The drink is very tasty and uplifting.
2. A banana-based fruit drink has the same effect. In a blender bowl, put the pulp of one banana, a spoonful of the kernel walnut, a spoonful of sprouted wheat grains, pour in one hundred and fifty ml of natural milk and a spoonful of lemon juice.

Signs of a way out of depression are the emergence of interest in life, joy, the meaning of life, the relief of bodily sensations associated with this disorder, the disappearance of the desire to commit suicide. For some time after leaving this state, there is a decrease in the ability to empathize, elements of egocentrism, isolation.

What usually prevents seeking psychotherapeutic help?

1. Low awareness of people about what psychotherapy is.
2. Fear of initiation stranger into personal, intimate experiences.
3. Skeptical attitude to the fact that "talks" can give a tangible therapeutic effect.
4. The notion that with psychological difficulties you have to manage on your own, and turning to another person is a sign of weakness.

You should contact a specialist urgently if the condition seems unbearable, the desire to live disappears, and thoughts of harming oneself appear.

Forecast

The prognosis is determined by the type, severity, and cause of the depression. Reactive disorders usually respond well to treatment. With neurotic depression, there is a tendency to protracted or chronic course. The condition of patients with somatogenic affective disorders is determined by the characteristics of the underlying disease. Endogenous depressions do not respond well non-drug therapy, at correct selection drugs in some cases, stable compensation is observed.

How often in everyday life we ​​call the usual mood swings or fatigue depression. In fact, depressive disorder is the most serious mental illness, which should be distinguished from a bad mood or overwork.

In recent years, medical professionals have noted a catastrophic increase in the number of people with depression. The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that the sick person himself does not immediately realize that he has fallen into the network of depression. Experts consider the presence of a “depressive triad” to be characteristic features of a depressive disorder, which includes a sharp and steady decrease in personal self-esteem and general mood, loss of interest in what is happening around and the ability to experience joyful moments, and motor inhibition.

According to medical statistics, every year there is an increase in the number of people with depression. Psychiatrists note that every fifth inhabitant on our planet has experienced at least once a depressive disorder in his life.

Most often, the disease affects the older generation, about 30% of people over 65 years of age are prone to depression. However, this mental disorder has become much younger in recent years. Approximately 10% of adolescents aged 10 to 16 suffer from depression. The same number of cases applies to the category of 40-year-old inhabitants of the planet.

Causes of Depressive Disorder

According to experts, on this moment there is no single explanation that can explain the phenomenon of depression. So the same factor is capable of causing a severe state of depression in one person, while the same factor applicable to another individual does not cause any deviations in the mental state.

However, in psychiatry there are the following reasons that contribute to the development of depression:

• strong feelings associated with the loss of something or someone very significant (death of a loved one, breakup of a relationship, loss of a job, change in status in society, etc.);
• lack of biogenic amines (serotonin, dopamine);
• side effects of drugs;
• insufficient amount of sunlight;
• uncontrolled intake of neuroleptics;
• somatic diseases - neurological, endocrine, oncological;
• avitaminosis;
• pregnancy, childbirth;
• head injury;
• alcohol abuse, drugs and psychostimulants.

According to psychiatrists, the development of depression requires the simultaneous interaction of several factors. For example, beriberi and divorce, pregnancy and maternity leave.

Moreover, in any case, heredity is of primary importance, according to doctors. A confirmation of such a theory is medical statistics, according to which, in some families, in each of the generations, there is a condition depressive nature. However, this does not mean at all that depression is not characteristic of people who are not burdened with bad heredity.

Stress is the most common cause of depression. That is why in our life, overflowing with various stresses, experts note an increase in depression. An initial mood swing, caused by overwork at work or troubles in your personal life, can provoke this serious mental illness. Subsequent negative events will only intensify the episode that has arisen. Gradually, mood swings turn into prolonged periods, and the negative impact of stress begins to manifest itself in the form of inhibition of brain structures.

Symptoms of depression

According to the ICD-10 classification accepted in medicine, it is customary to divide into basic and additional. The presence of the disease is indicated by the presence of two symptoms from the main group and three or more from the additional group.

The main ones include:

• bad mood, the formation of which is not influenced by any circumstances, lasting more than 14 days;
• anhedonia, or loss of pleasure from previously interesting and pleasurable activities (refusal of hobbies);
• a stable feeling of "failure", lasting more than three to four weeks.

Additional symptoms are:

• low self-esteem;
• negative perception of the surrounding reality;
• feeling of helplessness and worthlessness, guilt, anxiety and overwhelming fear;
• thoughts about possible death;
• inability to concentrate and make decisions;
• thoughts of possible suicide
• appetite disorders, its absence or not passing feeling of hunger;
• sleep disorders, expressed in insomnia or drowsiness;
• marked weight loss or gain;
• the appearance of a sweet taste in the mouth for no reason.

Based diagnostic criteria ICD-10, depressive states are diagnosed if there is the presence of the listed symptoms that persist for more than two weeks. However, this diagnosis can also be established in cases characterized by a shorter time period, but with unusually severe and rapidly onset symptoms.

It should be noted that children are less susceptible to the development of a depressive state.

The symptoms of childhood depression are somewhat different. The presence of a mental disorder in a child is evidenced by:

• nightmares;
• insomnia;
• loss of appetite;
• decrease in academic performance;
• problems in relationships with teachers and peers: distance; aggressiveness, arrogance.

AT medical practice the criteria for determining the disease are used, which are offered by another medical classification system - DSM-IV-TR. According to this system, a depressive state is diagnosed if there are five or large quantity symptoms out of 9, and, as in the previous classification, the symptoms of the disease must include at least one of the two main signs - loss of interest or depressive mood.

Additional DSM-IV-TR symptoms:

• a significant decrease in enjoyment of activities or interest in all or almost all activities and hobbies;
• the presence of a depressive mood - in children and adolescents, it can manifest itself in the form of irritability;
• drowsiness or insomnia
• weight loss and appetite or increased appetite and, as a result, weight gain;
• psychomotor inhibition or agitation;
• increased fast fatiguability and decreased energy
• feeling of worthlessness, inadequate guilt, low self-esteem;
• thought retardation or reduced ability to concentrate;
• suicidal thoughts, conversations.

In addition to the above symptoms, the sick person may experience frequent headaches and pain in different parts body for no reason. In such cases, even experienced therapists do not immediately recognize the presence of depression, but try to cure a non-existent disease.

Types of depression

In medical practice, there are several dozen types of depressive conditions.

The most common classification is belonging to the seasonal change of seasons. In this case, there are: spring, autumn, winter depression. However, it is worth knowing that the conditional division, since the disease is able to "visit" a person at any time of the year.

If we turn to the already known to us medical classification DSM-IV, then unipolar and bipolar disorder. The difference between them lies in the fact that in the first case, the mood remains within one, reduced, "pole", and in the second case, when the disease is integral part bipolar affective disorder, punctuated by hypomanic, manic, or mixed affective episodes. Note that the occurrence of minor depressive episodes is possible with such an affective disorder as cyclothymia.

In DSM-IV, the following forms of unipolar depressive states are distinguished:

• or major depressive disorder. Its variety is a resistant depressive state. The peculiarity of this disease is the absence or insufficiency of the clinical effect in the case of the use of antidepressants for two courses, each of which lasts three to four weeks.
• Minor depression. Its peculiarity is that the description of the disease does not meet all the available criteria for the clinical form of pathology, however, a person has two main symptoms for 14 days.
• Atypical depression is a condition characterized by the presence of additional specific features such as increased appetite, severe drowsiness, weight gain and "emotional reactivity".
• Postnatal depression is the female form of the disorder. As the name implies, the disease develops after the birth of a child.
• - a disease that differs from the classic disorder by differences in duration. Patients with this form of the disorder experience episodes of depression about once a month, with occasional attacks lasting less than two weeks. With such a disease, episodes usually persist for two to three days. This type of disorder is diagnosed if the episodes occur for at least one year. In the event that a woman fell ill with depression, then the symptoms should appear without taking into account menstrual cycle. Note that this type of disorder can also occur when clinical form depression.
• Dysthymia is a condition in which there is a moderate persistent mood disorder. With this disease, patients for at least, for two years almost every day they complain of a bad mood. The signs of the disorder are not as severe as in clinical depressive illness. However, people with dysthymia may also be subject to recurrent episodes. clinical depression. In medical practice, it is customary to call this condition "double depression".

Other types of depressive states in the DSM are coded 311 and are called other depressive disorders. They include conditions that are detrimental to the normal state of a person, but do not meet the criteria for officially defined diagnoses or, as the classification itself says, "do not correspond to the signs of any particular disorder."

We note another type of depressive state, which is diagnosed by domestic doctors, it is called vital depression. According to the name of the disease, "vital" - life depression is distinguished by pronounced anxiety and longing, which the sick feel on physical level. Subject to vital depression may feel longing in the form of pain in the area solar plexus. Previously, doctors believed that this type of mental disorder was caused by violations of "life processes" and developed cyclically, and it occurs for no reason and is inexplicable for the patient himself. By the way, this character is inherent in both and "bipolar".

As for vital depression, it is also called dreary, as a person literally drowns in a sea of ​​despair and longing. In medicine, this type of disorder is classified as a severe depressive illness without the presence of psychotic symptoms. Despite the fact that the disease is characterized by the severity of the course, it responds quite well to treatment. by special means including antidepressants and special ways therapy.

State Danger

No one is immune from the likelihood of developing a depressive state. As we have already noted, this disease is quite insidious, a person cannot always understand that he has been living in a state of depression for several weeks. Most often, we explain our dull state, fatigue and reduced performance by lack of sleep, overwork or beriberi, etc. However, it is worth remembering the danger of depression and the difficult cure for it.

Proceeding from this, there is no doubt that nothing itself will go anywhere and will not resolve itself. The disease must be treated, otherwise it will gradually affect not only the behavior of a person, but also his character.

In addition, it is worth knowing that without help qualified specialist there will be a deterioration in both psychological well-being and physical condition. Remember that depression is pathological changes nervous system, therefore, in the event of a disorder, correct and timely treatment is required.

Delaying the visit to a specialist can be life-threatening, as many sick people find salvation in suicide. At timely handling With help, depression can be successfully treated.

Specialists such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, therapist, gynecologist, endocrinologist and clinical psychologist will help.

Attention site readers! This article is for informational and educational purposes only. If you and your relatives, relatives and friends have similar problems, then contact a psychiatrist at the psychoneurological dispensary at the place of registration, the emergency room of a psychiatric hospital, or at the registry office of the Institute of Psychiatry. We do not diagnose or treat psychiatric diseases! We provide individual psychological counseling services.

Bad mood or depression - what's the difference? How do you know if you or someone close to you has depression? Why a person with a bad mood will help a conversation with a psychologist, and a person in a state of depression needs medication. By what criteria can you determine that you or your loved ones are not just in a bad mood, but depressed and you need to seek help from a psychotherapist. In this article, we will tell you about the difference between a normal bad mood and depression.

Help a person in a bad mood

A person in a bad mood needs psychological support, sympathy and encouragement. It really helps him. Traditional ways of dealing with a bad mood are also effective - calls to relax, “unwind”, go in for sports, look at life more cheerfully, and simply “pull yourself together”.

It will also help to work with a psychologist. A bad mood depends on chains of negative illogical thought patterns, which in turn depend on the person's beliefs. This is easily corrected with the help of a course of cognitive psychotherapy (for example, "emotion management"). All these methods will be completely useless in case of depression.

What is depression

Depression is not a very common disorder. Often in everyday life, people simply refer to depression as long periods of bad mood (just as they often call a “cold” viral diseases or "angina" - any pain in the throat). However, real depression is a very serious condition. Man in depressed state needs medical help.

In general, the state of depression consists of three components ( emotional disturbances, asthenic syndrome, autonomic disorders) and is described by the so-called Beck triad (depressive triad).

The depressive triad connects the processes of inhibition in ideation(related to the speed of speech and thought processes), emotional and motor spheres. Simply put - in thinking, mood and ability to motor activity.

A person in a state of depression has a markedly reduced speed of speech and thinking. He demonstrates obvious motor retardation: decreased mobility of the eyeballs (which is expressed in fixing the gaze in front of him), he constantly sits or lies (this may look like laziness, but it is really difficult for him to walk). All this is present against the backdrop of despondency and depressed mood.

The combination of these symptoms is a clear sign of a depressive state and an indication for urgent treatment for the help of a psychotherapist.

Any form of depression has three components:

1. mood disorder;
2. Vegetative disorders;
3. Fatigue (asthenia);

The last two points constitute asthenovegetative syndrome (asthenic + vegetative).

The first component of depression is a mood disorder.

The first component of depression has to do with mood changes—sad, depressed mood lasts more than two weeks.

Depression is characterized by a dull perception of the world, everything around seems gray and uninteresting.

Present mood swings during the day- In the morning, the mood can be relatively good, but worsen in the evening. Or vice versa - the mood bad morning and dissipates somewhat in the evening. Some people have no daily mood swings - the mood is constantly sad, sad, depressed and tearful. Tearfulness looks like a person crying for hours every day. Moreover, the intensity and duration of crying can be such that some patients may even begin an inflammatory process in the lacrimal canals.

Depressed mood has different shades. Sometimes it is a depressed mood with a feeling of melancholy, anxiety, despair, indifference or irritability.

Sometimes a person is not aware of his sad mood, but feels the so-called bodily manifestations of depression. Depression may feel intense heat in the chest area, "a heavy pressing stone on the heart." Less commonly, depression manifests itself as chronic feeling pain in any part of the body. At the same time, specialized doctors do not find organic causes for pain. This is the so-called larvated form, that is, hidden - without crying and without daily mood swings. The larval form occurs in alexithymic people, i.e., those who do not know how to recognize emotions and moods in themselves and therefore are prone to psychosomatic diseases (for example, arterial hypertension, peptic ulcer stomach, etc.)

It is important that, first of all, specialists exclude bodily ailment as the cause pain. If, with a thorough examination, doctors fail to detect any problem, and the pain continues, then you should look for the cause in the psyche.

Mood disorder may be tinged with anxiety

Very often, in a situation of prolonged stress, a person reacts with depression with a touch of anxiety (anxious depression or anxiety-depressive disorder).

People experience anxiety in different ways. It can manifest itself in the fear of falling asleep, nightmares. A common manifestation of anxiety is fear for your loved ones and the imagination that something terrible is happening to them. Sometimes a person describes anxiety as sudden bouts of nervousness and an inability to sit still. The feeling of anxiety makes it impossible to relax. For example, a person cannot sit still in a chair for more than two or three minutes - fidgets in a chair, then jumps up and begins to walk aimlessly around the room. This state is subsequently replaced by lethargy and lack of desire to move. Other signs of anxiety: dry mouth, "wadded feet", sweating in the palms.

Highly severe anxiety(57 points or more) occurs against the background of extensive depression, and manifests itself in the form of panic attacks (panic attack). A panic attack is expressed by increased heart rate, trembling in the body, fear of death, a feeling of heat, feeling short of breath. This is important: if a feeling of lack of air occurs both on inhalation and exhalation, this indicates problems that should be addressed to a pulmonologist.

If a person has severe anxiety, this indicates that he has formed a huge "underwater part" of the anxiety depression iceberg. Panic attacks Most of the time they are just the tip of the iceberg.

Apathetic depression is a mood disorder with a touch of indifference

With anxious depression, a person periodically cannot sit still, while with other forms of depression, on the contrary, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to move (motor retardation).

If a person sleeps 12-14 hours a day, he does not have a feeling of cheerfulness in the morning, and everyday activities (cook food, tidy up the apartment) seem overwhelming or meaningless to him - this may be a manifestation of apathetic depression. Along with anxious depression, this is a fairly common form of depressive disorder.

Inhibition processes in depression (ideational, emotional and motor retardation) affect the entire body. Ideation inhibition: it becomes more difficult for a person to think, his memory and attention deteriorate significantly, which is noticeable affects the performance(sometimes this can lead to job loss). Arise difficulty concentrating- a person gets tired from watching TV for a short time or from reading a few pages of an interesting and easy-to-read book. This phenomenon is also common: a person can sit in front of a computer for hours, but is not able to concentrate on work, and this can go on for months!

The second component of depression is autonomic disorders.

The second component of depression includes autonomic disorders (manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia). If the therapist and cardiologist have ruled out the corresponding organic diseases, then frequent urination, false urges, headaches, dizziness, small fluctuations in blood pressure (for example, periodic 100 over 70 or 90 over 60 with the usual 115 over 80) and temperatures are treated as additional vegetative signs depression.

Depression affects the gastrointestinal tract: in humans loss of appetite, constipation is noted for 4-5 days. Much less frequently, atypical form of depression, a person has increased appetite and significant weight gain for this reason.

Depression does not bypass reproductive system organism. As a result of developing depression in men and women, sensations in the sexual sphere are usually dulled. Much less often, depression manifests itself in the form of compulsive masturbation or in the form of an escape into multiple promiscuous relationships (in this situation, a psychiatric consultation is needed, because such behavior can be a symptom of psychiatric illness in addition to depression). Men often have problems with potency. In women with depression, there may be a regular delay in menstruation for 10-14 days for six months or more.

The third component of depression is asthenic syndrome.

The third component of depression is asthenic. It includes fatigue, sensitivity to weather changes, irritability. Irritation cause loud sounds, bright light and sudden touches strangers(for example, if a person is accidentally hit on the subway or on the street). Sometimes, after a flash of internal irritation, tears appear (symptom irritable weakness).

Depression has various sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep, superficial restless sleep with frequent awakenings, early awakenings with simultaneous desire and inability to sleep.

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In our next educational article, read about what psychiatrists have.

There is hardly anything worse than depression. Depressed mood, decline in vitality, hopeless pessimism, lack of desire to do anything and show at least some interest in existence ... This and much more accompanies this mental disorder. When a person plunges into such a state of mind, he becomes helpless, indifferent and "empty". Some people manage to do it alone, while others don't. But in any case, you need to know how to overcome depression and depression.

First stage

When depression is just beginning, a person refuses to be aware of this fact. He believes that he simply does not have the mood, fatigue at work or study, weather changes affect. At the first stage initial symptoms accompanied by pronounced apathy, increased fatigue and lack of desire to do anything. Often there is a lack of appetite, problems with falling asleep, as well as irritability and nervousness. Despite being tired, a person cannot fall asleep even if he takes sleeping pills.

In addition, there is a deterioration in concentration, a decrease in efficiency, the disappearance of interest in former hobbies and hobbies. A mountain of cases begins to pile up that were previously managed to be solved long before the deadline. It's getting harder and harder to finish what you started. And this is not just a depressed mood and a lethargic state. This is how it manifests initial stage depression, which subsequently develops more and more intensely.

Deterioration

If a person has ignored how the mood changes and, in general, his regimen, the restructuring of the body begins. the production of serotonin, which is commonly called the hormone of happiness, stops. He does not eat at all, or consumes some minimum to “fill up” his stomach. Immunity is reduced and chronic diseases escalate. The body fights "with itself", but it fails.

Prolonged insomnia sets in. A person ceases to think adequately and logically, he does not keep his behavior and emotions under control. It's like he's in another world where he doesn't care. For outsiders, it seems strange, and as if divorced from real world. In especially severe cases, his condition is accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations. It is at this stage, conditionally designated the second, that more than 80% of attempts to commit suicide fall. In the best cases, such people simply "close" in themselves, locking themselves up where no one will touch them, and immersing themselves in philosophizing.

Loss of the meaning of life

it last stage depression. A person not only has no mood - he has no desire to live. His body is still alive important features but it works offline. But in mental sphere pathological processes begin to occur.

At best, a person will remain indifferent and detached from the world. And at worst, animal aggression will wake up in him. Such people are capable of harming themselves and others. Because they cease to perceive this world as something valuable, and cease to identify themselves with a Man, with a Personality. Of the consequences, memory loss, schizophrenia, depressive psychosis. This is what a long-term depressed mood is transformed into. That is why it is so important to catch on even at the first stage, and either ask for help or get on your feet on your own.

Why is the blues coming?

Depression, depression and despondency always have prerequisites. Sometimes they are even combined into a complex. The reason may be a lack of vitamin D and the sun.

Even according to statistics, depression develops most often in the fall, when daylight hours are reduced. The sun is getting smaller, and in fact it is he who stimulates the production of vital energy in the body. essential vitamin D.

Health problems also often affect the psychosomatic state of a person. There is a depressed mood during pregnancy, menopause, problems with thyroid gland etc.

Often the prerequisite is overwork or exhaustion of the body. Constant work, busy schedule, eternal employment with problems - it is logical that the body begins to mope. But such cases are treated very simply. You just need to take a vacation and let yourself relax.

And the last popular reason is the lack of physical activity. If it is not, then endorphin stops being produced. But it is he who is the hormone of joy. By adding a jog or a couple of hours in the gym for a week to your regimen, you can see how your condition improves. Both physical and psychosomatic.

What to do?

First, don't give up and don't give up. If this is the first stage, then everything can be fixed. The main thing is to act immediately.

If a person began to notice a bad mood in the morning, which only gets worse during the day, you need to bring more movement into your life. Physical labor brings satisfaction. Even cleaning the house will help streamline your feelings and thoughts. But lying on the couch only worsens the condition.

You also need to start constantly pleasing yourself with your favorite things. It can be anything - shopping, gatherings with friends, ordering a whole mountain tasty food home, vacation trip, dancing, drawing, swinging. You just need to forget about all the worries, your age and responsibilities, and do what you want.

Relaxation is also important. Foamy hot tub, aromatherapy, music caressing the ear, and after delicious coffee, and reading an interesting book, sitting in an easy chair under a blanket - it sounds like an introvert's paradise. If a person is overtaken by the blues, then silence and such a utopian comfort will help him relax and unwind a little.

Finding an exit

Of course, there are people who do not leave blues, depression and despondency only after signing up for the gym and a couple of days off. In more severe cases, you need to act more radically.

A change of scenery can help. When a person is depressed, the same ceiling with walls that appears in the morning before his eyes every day is incredibly depressing. You need to leave, and preferably closer to nature. She heals. The sounds of falling water, a babbling stream, birds singing, the rustle of leaves, the rustle of grass - this has therapeutic effect and helps to reduce the level of stress hormones, as well as the normalization of pressure. This atmosphere is healing. For a person under arrest in a noisy stone jungle, it is simply necessary.

In addition, it is impossible not to mention the qualitative difference between fresh natural air and stale air that reigns in the premises. Like it or not, but in most cities it is spoiled by gases and harmful emissions. Even ventilation won't help. Whether it's forest or sea air.

And, of course, bioenergy. The city “presses” on all people and devastates them. What is it like to be in the center of the bustle of a depressed person who has been overcome by depression? You can feel pure bioenergy only by coming into contact with nature. Meet the sunset, lie down on the grass, walk barefoot on the sand, swim in a crystal clear pond ... they say, this way you can get rid of static electricity. Be that as it may, in the bosom of nature, a person rather quickly leaves the state of despondency, and begins to feel the taste of life again.

Help from a specialist

Sometimes, it is necessary. Constantly bad mood due to all of the above is one thing. But the realities are much more known serious cases. Those in which it is really impossible to do without antidepressants, therapy and talking with a doctor.

It means psychological disorder provoked by something that destroyed a person's life in an instant. It could be anything. Death loved one. Loss of all accumulated wealth. Betrayal or betrayal. The destruction of all plans, hopes and dreams without exception. Sudden changes. At such moments, one can really understand a person who loses the desire to exist in this world. Because her very purpose, the reason for which he woke up in the morning, is leaving his life. The person loses himself. And this is something that even the enemy does not want to wish.

Treatment

It starts with psychotherapy. To which a person suffering from depression and a chronically depressed state comes with difficulty. People oppose different reasons. Most often because they consider going to a psychotherapist to be a “edge”, or they don’t want to be considered crazy, or they “dig” in their head. In such cases, the support of loved ones and motivation on their part is very important. It is extremely rare for people to go to a psychotherapist on their own. Most often, they are convinced by relatives, and in especially difficult cases, they even organize sessions by force.

Psychotherapy implies a therapeutic effect through the psyche on the human body. The doctor helps the patient get rid of social, individual and emotional problems, first establishing a deep personal contact with him through conversation. Often accompanied by cognitive, behavioral and other techniques.

Medical assistance

Medicines are also prescribed. Depressed mood, the causes of which are also determined by the doctor, is treated with antidepressants.

These are psychotropic drugs that normalize the level of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin). After taking them, a person’s mood and appetite improve, longing, anxiety, insomnia and apathy disappear, mental activity. And he's on the mend.

Release of emotions

A person who is constantly accompanied by a spoiled mood rarely wants to communicate with someone. More often he is overcome by a desire to close himself from the outside world and worry. The main thing is that no one climbed into the soul. A lot of people feel like they can't be understood. Someone is afraid of selfishness - to open the soul, and in response to get a spit.

Well, it often happens that way. But the release of emotions is necessary. The methods by which it can be carried out are extremely simple. Someone is trying to find sympathy on the Internet, under the guise of an anonymous person. Others take a notebook and begin to splash out their experiences on the sheets. And that makes it easier. It's better than texting someone. No need to formulate words - it is enough to state what reigns in the head and soul. Often, in the process of maintaining such a kind of diary, good, correct thoughts come. Sometimes you can find out exact reason of his own or on his own, an idea is born regarding how to deal with it.

Set goals and go for them

Here's how you can "drive" a depressed mood. What should a person do if depression has completely swallowed him up? You need to push off the bottom. No matter how difficult it is. All psychologists advise this method. You need to set a goal for yourself. It may be insignificant. A person who has locked himself at home, for example, needs to force himself to go outside every day for at least 15 minutes. This is real. Choosing a goal, you need to focus on your own resources. After its implementation, you must definitely reward yourself, at least with praise for a new achievement.

It is also recommended to find comrades in misfortune - those who also suffer from depression. If relatives and friends do not understand a person, then such people will definitely be able to find support. Because they know what he's going through. The meeting of "soulmates" will help reduce the feeling of isolation, find understanding and even advice.

Finding Joy

Finally, I would like to note one more actionable recommendation. Many experts advise depressed people to find a new meaning in life. Something that makes you want to wake up. The best option- get a pet.

Even medicine confirms the importance of animals in restoring well-being and emotional state person. There is official statistics, confirming that people who have a pet are 30% less likely to seek medical help. Animals are great companions bringing joy.

In addition, starting to take care of a pretty living being, a person will increase the energy of compassion, feel spiritual warmth. After all, there are so many animals unconditional love that she just can't resist.

Depression has become a buzzword. We, without hesitation, say “I have depression”, as soon as the mood goes down. In fact, there is a huge difference between a bad mood and depression. If the first is a transient state, then the second is serious illness. How do you know when it's time to go to the doctor? We learn to distinguish simply a breakdown and a bad mood from depression, and depression from neurosis and neurasthenia.

Depression or bad mood?

Bad mood is a normal human condition. You can not always be satisfied with yourself and life: from time to time, any person experiences bouts of bad mood, melancholy or depression. The only problem is that outwardly depression is very similar to the most banal bad mood.

So, in both cases, everything around is seen in a black light or, on the contrary, it seems gray and hopeless, tearfulness and irritability are noted. How to find out what it is? Let's try to figure it out on our website.

In fact, distinguishing low mood from depression is quite simple - much easier than distinguishing depression from neurosis.

Low mood always depends on external circumstances. But depression always depends on internal state. The external circumstances of life can only provoke depression at the very beginning, but do not affect it in any way - they do not strengthen, do not weaken.

You can also understand what you have with the help of simple test: one must imagine that external circumstances have changed. For example, there was a lot of money, a long-awaited vacation. If these thoughts cause a change in mood, bright thoughts appear, then there is just a temporary deterioration in mood. With true depression, no pleasant external changes do not cause any movement of the soul.

In a bad mood, a person's aggression is directed at the world, while in depression - at himself. People who are in a depressed state tend to engage in self-flagellation and self-accusation. In a person who is simply in a bad mood, self-esteem does not suffer and does not change in a low direction.

In a bad mood, as well as in depression, there are problems with sleep. But when the mood is lowered, it is difficult to fall asleep. The dream itself is quite complete. With depression, the quality of sleep changes, it becomes superficial, intermittent, not restful. With depression, seasonal exacerbations are noted. In the morning, a person may feel worse than in the evening. With a low mood, a person feels worst in the evening.

The most important thing is the duration of the symptom. Bad moods don't last long. If it lasts more than two weeks without any changes, then we are talking about a depressive state.

When depressed, it becomes difficult for a person to adequately assess himself, external circumstances, reality as a whole. It is characterized by a triad - a persistent decrease in mood, motor and mental retardation. This manifests itself in apathy or anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty managing thoughts, fatigue, weakness, lack of appetite. Depression is characterized by an inability to enjoy life and a refusal to communicate (unwillingness to communicate, difficulties in communication, inability to maintain a conversation). In severe cases, physical manifestations join mental manifestations - problems with gastrointestinal tract, disruption of many organs.

It is easiest to distinguish between mean and severe depression from bad mood. At the same time, all the signs of depression are so pronounced that it is almost impossible to make a mistake. But mild depression looks a lot like a bad mood: a person is not happy with anything, but his working capacity is almost normal, and there are even improvements in his condition.

Depression may have different nature and hence the need for different treatment. If this condition is caused by a violation of the biochemical processes in the brain, then long-term drug treatment with antidepressants will be required. A bad mood does not require treatment: you need to remove the stressor, and sometimes just sleep or go on vacation. With depression, no vacation will help to improve the condition.

Depression or neurosis?

Neurosis also manifests itself as depressed and anxiety. Therefore, it can be easily confused with depression. Training exercises for endurance and speed. Especially with anxious depression, when a person is not apathetic, but unnecessarily restless. A variety of neurosis, many doctors consider neurasthenia, which is a strong depletion of the nervous system.

Put accurate diagnosis only a specialist can do it. But even an ordinary person can still distinguish depression from neurosis by a number of signs.

It is important to track how changes in human behavior began. Neurosis is always called external causes. Depression, even when there are good external causes, is caused by internal ones.

The neurotic reaction is often shorter. Depression is long-term - if left untreated, it lasts for months and years, leading to a suicidal syndrome. Neurosis rarely causes thoughts of suicide.

Other symptoms are also characteristic of neurosis, with which people often go to doctors of various specialties. These include fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, palpitations of an unclear nature, pain in the heart, sweating, anxiety, trembling fingers, stomach pain, intestinal disorders.

For neuroses, a state of excitement, fear is characteristic. At the same time, a person can experience completely different fears, the number of which is multiplied. The most common are fear of death, fear for loved ones, cancer, fear of heights, streets, people. With fear of communication, a person is afraid to communicate with people, but feels the need for it. When depressed, a person does not feel the need to communicate. With depression, fears rarely bother - a person is not afraid either for his life or for the lives of other people.

There are many types of neuroses. It is for them that obsessive states that can prevent a person from living a full life.

Another difference is that with neurosis, taking antidepressants does not lead to relief, because there are no violations of biochemical reactions in the brain. Psychotherapy and sedatives can help with neurosis.

Neurosis or psychosis?

It is quite easy to distinguish neurotic reactions from psychoses, although often a neurotic may not look like a completely healthy adequate person. Indeed, some obsessive rituals such as endless handwashing, cleaning, compulsively arranging dishes in a certain order, counting objects, can suggest big problems.

But a person suffering from a neurosis or neurotic reactions is aware of the existence of a problem and understands that his behavior prevents him from living. He can be aware of the connection of his behavior with the outside world, understands that his behavior is caused by external causes, and tries to eliminate them. Patients with neurosis understand the need for treatment and seek help from specialists. Neurosis is reversible, that is, it is enough just to cure them completely.

Psychosis is a persistent mental disorder in which a person perceives himself and the world inadequately. A person does not control himself and lives in a different reality. Hallucinations, illusions, obsessive delusions, personality changes, can be noted here. With psychosis, a person does not feel that they need help, and may even react aggressively to any treatment. He is not critical of himself.

Psychosis begins imperceptibly, personality changes occur gradually, the problem grows over a long time. Neurosis often begins in a very definite way, and one can even trace what event provoked it. Neurosis never turns into psychosis, so there is no need to be afraid of this.

Neurosis can be cured, psychosis is very difficult to treat.

Neurasthenia

Neurasthenia is a mild form of neurosis caused by stress and overwork. Prolonged overwork of the nervous system leads to its exhaustion. A so-called nervous breakdown occurs, and neurasthenia develops.

It is characterized by rapid fatigue, mental and physical, weakness, insomnia, apathy. Very often irritability develops, and the most harmless things like laughter or phone calls can annoy and cause fits of anger. With neurasthenia, it is difficult to focus on one thing.

If the problem goes too far, then tearfulness develops. A person suffering from neurasthenia can cry for absolutely no reason: tears can cause harsh sounds, doorbell, bright light.

Unlike depression and neurosis, neurasthenia is treated quite easily. But here, first of all, it is important to strengthen the nervous system, which requires a long rest and the elimination of stress. It is necessary to change the way of life: it is not medicines that work best, but walking, running, water procedures, especially swimming, good sleep and good food with an abundance of vitamins. With neurasthenia, simple sedatives- valerian, motherwort.

So, a bad mood is a sign of many diseases. Feeling that the world has lost its colors, you need to listen to yourself and understand what caused the breakdown and bad mood. And this, in turn, will help to contact the right specialist in time.