Breaking down and Better Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
One of the most significant types of depression that any individual can face, the Major Depressive Disorder, is incredibly disruptive and can force people to really struggle with their day to day lives.
Certainly the one of the most invasive of all the depressive conditions you may face, if you or someone that you love is struggling with Major Depressive Disorder it is of the utmost importance that you are taking advantage of all of the professional help you can get your hands on.
This is not the kind of condition that you ever want to face alone, and it certainly isn’t the kind of condition that you’re going to want to ignore or let fester until it becomes unmanageable.
In order to help you better understand exactly what Major Depressive Disorder is, what the most common symptoms are and how you go about treating this condition we’ve put together this quick guide below.
What Exactly Is the Major Depressive Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, close to 7% of the US population over the age of 18 is currently dealing with Major Depressive Disorder – and many of them are struggling with this condition without even knowing that they are!
The kind of disease that manifests between the ages of 25 and 30, women, those living in low-income situations, and those with a family medical history of depression are usually the hardest hit.
Essentially a condition that erodes away at your ability to empathize with your fellow people, you’ll find it deep sadness and uninterested permeates pretty much every level of your life – and that activity that you used to enjoy are now essentially meaningless.
It can become an incredibly insidious condition, essentially destroying your ability to get excited or really enjoy nearly anything below the surface level. Thankfully, though, this condition is not “permanent” and can effectively combat it.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?
There are quite a few symptoms that you’re going to want to be on the lookout for to determine whether or not you are really struggling with Major Depressive Disorder or something else entirely, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Feeling depressed, sad, or irritated the majority of the time
- Feeling weary, having a tough time sleeping, or noticing dramatically decreased energy levels
- Having a difficult time working through common problems, thinking clearly, and remaining creative
- Noticing appetite changes that result in wild fluctuations in your weight (both up and down)
- Worry some feelings, thoughts, and even the consideration of self-harm or suicide
… And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
If you are struggling with any of these symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder you need to make sure that you reach out for professional assistance just as quickly as possible. You want to get in front of this condition ASAP.
How Does One Diagnoses and Treat Major Depressive Disorder?
A professional diagnosis is necessary to really know that you are dealing with Major Depressive Disorder, and this is something that can happen with a routine physical exam and a quick check with a mental health professional.
The overwhelming majority of people are going to choose to treat this condition with antidepressants or psychotherapy, although a combination of lifestyle adjustments and light medication has also proven to be incredibly effective.