Depression
Every person is unhappy and listless from time to time. And every person has probably been downcast or even desperate at one time or another. Such phases are part of life, and they usually pass after a while. It's different for people with depression. Sad feelings and negative thoughts last longer for them and overshadow all their actions and thoughts. Depression can also occur without a triggering event or identifiable reason. Sufferers often feel as if they are stuck in a deep hole. They experience themselves as joyless and lacking drive, suffer from strong self-doubt and feel worthless. Everyday activities, work or learning are difficult; friends, family and hobbies are neglected. They sleep poorly. Depression can also lead to worry, anxiety and helplessness among family and friends: People would very much like to help, but don't know how. For relatives it is often difficult to recognize whether it is a temporary sadness or a serious illness.
Symptoms
What To Expect
The course of depression varies: for some people, a depressive episode subsides after a few weeks or months - sometimes even without treatment - and does not return. After about 3 to 6 months, about half of the people who are treated for depression feel a significant improvement in their symptoms. For many, depressive episodes alternate regularly with symptom-free phases. Others are depressed for a long time, sometimes more, sometimes less, and some have persistent symptoms. If they last longer than two years, they are said to have chronic depression. If depression recurs within six months after symptoms have subsided, this is called a relapse (recurrence). If another episode does not occur until more than six months or even years later, this is referred to as recurrent depression.
Made Worse By
Stressful experiences such as loss or chronic stress can contribute to the development of depression. Avoiding certain negative influences or learning to deal with them differently can reduce the risk of depression. This can be particularly important for children and adolescents. The social environment also plays a major role. People with stable bonds are less likely to develop depression. To prevent depression, early psychological help or counseling services may be appropriate. For people with an increased risk of recurrent depression, protective long-term treatment with medication is an option to prevent relapses. Others undergo outpatient psychotherapy over a longer period of time.
How Common
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses: An estimated 16 to 20 out of every 100 people suffer from depression or chronic depressive mood (dysthymia) at least once at some point in their lives. Women are affected more often than men, and older people more often than young people.
Diagnosed By
Many sufferers are so severely depressed that they no longer have the strength to seek help on their own. In this case, it is important that relatives offer their support and, for example, be present at the first meeting with the doctor. To find out whether someone is suffering from depression, medical or psychological psychotherapists proceed in two steps: First, they ask about complaints that may indicate depression. Second, they try to rule out other illnesses or problems that cause similar complaints. This may also require physical examinations by the doctor.
Products that may help Depression
Herbs that may help Depression
Remedies that may help with Depression
Herbs To Help Your Panic Attacks
Some herbs can have a calming effect on the body. The listed herbs are natural remedies for panic attacks and anxiety.
- Use one of the herb listed to make an infusion.
- Drink up to 600 ml a day.
Anxiety Relieving Infusion
St. John's wort can relieve anxiety and have a positive effect on nervous restlessness.
- Make an infusion of the herb.
- Drink up to 600 ml a day.
- Alternatively, take tablets.