There are some sleep cycles in 90 minutes for one night by normal sleep structure. Every cycle consists of four phases plus REM (rapid eye movement sleep), which is the most aroused phase and where we have dreams. Most of us have deep sleep at the beginning of the night. The REM phase takes only a small part of the first 90-minutes cycle. During the night the phases of deep sleep are getting shorter with every cycle. Whereas REM phases are more evident.

By people suffering from depression this structure is functioning in opposite succession. They can have prolonged REM phases at the beginning of the night, which decrease to the morning. The action of this altered order consists in the fact that depressed person, on top of everything else, is deficient in a deep sleep, which best of all can recuperate. Perhaps that is why depressed person can sleep for a long time, but waking up he feels tired and emaciated.

Sleep disturbance – is a sign of broken biological clock, its workings or diurnal rhythm.
The treatment with antidepressants returns these structures in normal state. But we can recommend one simple method – do not sleep during 24 hours. It may restore biological clock and help to cope with depression.

Other methods which regulate incorrect functioning of biological clocks, include following:

• melatonin intake, under the care of a physician;
• the change of sack time in 5-6 hours earlier than usual;
• gradual restitution to habitual time; exact time observance of down-lying and awakening;
• coffee and alcohol refusal;
• medicines refusal, for example such as no-dos or nitol, as well as other stimulants and depressants
• relaxing and breathing exercises

Inheritance

The genetics can play a certain part. If one member of the family has already had suicidal tendencies or depression, it may increase the chances to fall ill. Recently scientists have determined genetic traits, which indicate the predisposition to manic-depressive psychosis. Moreover, the researches have shown that if one of the identical twins is suffering from depression, in 70% of cases another twin can also have a depression.

There is a question: “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”. It is referred to the fact, that if one member of the family is suffering from depression, most probably just domestic surroundings generates depressed atmosphere. You see, if mother or father is low-spirited, then you will have a difficult situation at home, sometimes even unbearable. If you do not have any places to go, you will have a feeling of trap. In such circumstances it is quite simply to go mad.

Psychological factors

The feelings of isolation may be both reasons and signs which predispose person to depression. A lot of specialists point to early parents bereavement or to their aversion regarding child as factors which has an influence on depression development. The neurologists are examining the influence of early emotional bereavements on the brain. It may be parents’ bereavement, child abandonment or inhuman treatment with him.

The interrelation between these early traumatic events and real changes in brain’s neurophysiology are evident. The stress, which was induced by such traumas, has changed neutral pathways, that’s why, following losses, reminding person of outwear sorrow (even unimportant) may cause real depression.

Exogenous stress factors.

The loss of work, conflict interrelations, retirement, natural disasters, problems with a law, as well as death in the family should be considered as factors which cause depression. Besides, exogenous stress factor may be a physical state of the person. Oversupply of certain hormones, such cortisol, which act as a reaction on stressful situation, can cause disbalance in brain and lead to depression.

One ought to bear in mind that depression can be a reason of damage relations, financial failures – a great number of things which can lead to depression.

Why by some people such stressful factors mobilize mental and physical strengths, whereas by others they cause depression? Perhaps, the possibility to transmit a stress is also genetically predetermined. Perhaps, everything depends on its seriousness.

A lingering chronic disease can also be a stressful factor leading to depression. On the 17th January in 1996 «The New York Times» has published an article, where it was said that depression can accompany such illnesses like paralysis, infarction or cancer, as well as it may be its result. The people who has transmitted such diseases are excepted to be
upset, alarmed and shocked, but if these feelings are getting everywhere and they disturb activities of daily living, then you should pay attention to them and start treatment. If depression attends life threatening illnesses, it may prevent from recovery.

Chemical equilibrium disturbance in brain.

First, the fact, that depression arises in certain families, shows that some people have genetic predisposition to such disturbances. Second, the fact that depression has been successfully cured with medications, which has an influence on chemical processes in brain, as well as a fact that many people fall into depression without any visible causes, show that this disease may be caused by chemical disbalance in brain. Indeed, like by a question about egg and chicken, we do not know if this balance disturbance is a cause of pessimistic mood or these events affect and disturb its normal secretion and mediators activity (chemical impulse transmitters between cells) inside brain.

Moreover, the symptoms of some physical diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, kidney diseases and others, may include depressed feelings. By some people depression may be caused like a result of some medication, such as contraceptives, heart medications and others medicines, which reduce pressure (for example beta-blocker and calcium–channel blocker), halcion, ativan and other soporifics, cortisone and other steroids, antibiotics.

Moreover, the alcohol abuse and other things may promote depression, of course by its misuse. For example, people suffering from mild form of depression, may feel better in 20-30 minutes after taking some alcohol. But afterwards depression becomes only stronger.

The women can feel depression symptoms and recurrent depressive positions as a result of premenstrual syndrome.

The hormone imbalance, which are secreted by endocrine glands (such as thyroid gland, parathyroid gland and adrenal gland) may also cause depression symptoms. In these cases, when person corrects hormone imbalance – for example when his thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroxin and he starts taking synthetic hormone, – then symptoms are usually disappeared.

There are a number of physiological causes of depression, that is why at once after the first symptoms you should attend sound medical judgment. The precise diagnosis must exclude any other physiological reasons and determine further treatment.

Antidepressants are used for depression treatment, some anxious disorders and other diseases.

Beneficial action

Antidepressants may relief anxiety and depression. Because of sedative effect, they can be taken by many people with panic disorders and anxiety.

Application

In many cases these medications should be taken one-two times per day. Perhaps, you will take them for some weeks, before you feel better. Do not change either dose no scheme. Do not stop take medicines without doctor’s advice. Many antidepressants should be taken over a long period of time – till 8 months. It is very important to carry the treatment with antidepressants through (even if you feel better before the end of the treatment). Your doctor will choose the most suitable medicine and its dose. For best results, it important to keep all doctor’s instructions.

How do antidepressants act?

The action of most antidepressants is based on the slow process of removal from brain chemical agents called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are necessary for the cerebration. Antidepressants keep these substances in the brain for a longer time.

Precautions

• Many antidepressants may have a sedative effect, so that you may feel drowse or less than usual vivacity. Therefore, before driving or working with technology, you should know how you react to these drugs.
• Because these drugs can strengthen the effect of alcohol or other depressants of central nervous system, then by taking some certain antidepressants, adjust with your doctor alcohol use or its combination with other drugs. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or you are breastfeeding, notify your doctor about it before taking medications.
• Tell your doctor about allergic reaction to any drugs, as well as about prescribed or not prescribed medicines.
• Tell your doctor about glaucoma, urinary retention or heart diseases.

Possible side effects of antidepressants

During taking antidepressants many patients experience side effects. These effects usually appear in the beginning of the treatment and disappear in some weeks. More common side effects of antidepressants include drowse, dry mouth, giddiness, headache, tremor, sweating, urinary retention or constipation. These signs point that medicine is working. Tell your doctor if you have some of just listed disturbances. For its abatement doctor can change the dose or prescribe another antidepressant. Immediately apply to a doctor if you have acute or feebly marked symptoms. In spite of side effects it is worth to continue taking medicines, for the sake of close relief.

Types of Antidepressants

Besides widespread tricyclic antidepressants, which have the most acute side effects, they mark out tetracyclic antidepressants, distinguishing with more mild side effects. There is also atypical tricyclic antidepressant Coaxil (Stablon), which is more effective by mild depressions, and latest class of antidepressants – so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRi) – which side effects are appreciably lower than by tricyclic antidepressants (though concerning power they are not weaker). Also, for depression treatment, phobia and some anxious state are usually used so-called МAO Inhibitors.

This information is for general examination. If you have some of these disorders, consult with a specialist.

The first steps on the road to depression treatment

1. Learn more about depression from the material of our website. Note what kind of symptoms you have and read about possible methods of depression treating. Here you can also read some questions that you perhaps should discuss with your doctor.
2. Ask for a professional – psychotherapist. He helps you to determine if you have depression and how can you cope with it.
3. Talk to your relatives or friends. Depression could distance you from them. Near of kin support you at this period and help to find a specialist. You are not required to be with depression face to face. After a conversation with your near relatives you feel better.

Doctor’s advice

The depression distorts the life perception and can cause shame, fear and guilt that one suffer from it. Many people suffer silently, feeling depressed. Some are afraid or ashamed of their feelings; others deceive themselves, underestimating the symptoms. The treatment of depression is put off.
Remember, that one of manifestation of the depression – is a sense of hopelessness. Perhaps it will not be easy to understand that something can help you, although usually depression treatment is effectively, but seeking help by a psychotherapist, you will make the first step for deliverance from depression.

After your description, you can ask psychotherapist following questions:

• “Do you think I have the depression?” (Even if you have some of above symptoms, only a doctor can determine the precise diagnosis)
• “What could cause the depression?”
• What should I do to get rid of depression?
• Should I consult with other specialists? (depression often combines with neurologic pathology). If so, could you advise someone?
• Should I go on vacation, decline all responsibilities, or somehow to change my lifestyle?
• How long can depression last?
• What consequences can appear, if not to start treatment right now?
• What treatment mode is preferable – drug therapy, psychotherapy or their combination (combined medication)?

How to get rid of depression.

The choice of depression treatment depends on: the type of depression, its origin (endogenous / psychogenic, caused by stress) symptoms, previous experience of treatment, portability of side effects, the individual characteristics of the patient.

By endogenous depression the main element of treatment – is antidepressants, which are selected individually in certain dosages.
By reactive depression the mandatory component of treatment – is psychotherapy.
For diagnosis and depression treatment the best way is ask for a psychotherapist – he will determine if you have the depression, its origin and how can you cope with it.

What can you do else to get rid of depression?

Self-regard – it’s an important part constitute part of depression treatment.

1. Do not take important decisions.
   Depression can prevent you to take an informed decision, because by depression a person perceives himself and outward things one-sided.
2. Try to avoid stresses.
   For the person suffering from depression, even insignificant load can be very heavy. Do not overstrain yourself even when feel that you have power – it can cause recrudescence.
3. Take care about your body.
   Depressed person often lose physical strength, feeling depleted. If you feel that you have physical strength – give your body some exercise stress, but not be over-diligent, start slowly walk or take care about flowers.
4. Eat regularly and with pleasure.
   If you have an appetite – do not deny yourself in tasty food. It will help you to recover a zest for life. By depression the immunity gets broken, so try to take more vitamins.
5. Avoid negative thoughts.
   If you have a negative thought – try to think about something pleasant, prepare a cup of tea, listen to the radio or call a friend.
6. Communicate with friends and relatives, even overcoming yourself.
   Your near of kin can be a source of support. They can help you to make a decision or solve problems, as well as by home working.
7. Do not be shy to report your psychotherapist about any problems or changes in your health.
   Your doctor will help deal with any problem, if he will know about it.
8. Do not take alcohol and drugs – they can cause degradation.
9. Try not to abuse the hypnotic drugs.
10. Talk to your near relations about nervousness – they will support you.

Depression Symptoms & Help : Ways to Get Rid of Depression


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