1 out of every 10 Belgians have to deal with depression at some point in their lives. People with depression often are told that it is all in their heads. This is not the case at all. Depression is caused by a lack of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Just like a flu, depression thus has the status of illness, as well. To get yourself on the road to getting better, it is useful to know the symptoms of depression as well as the possible types of treatment. You can also find a depression test here, which tells you to what extent you experience depressed symptoms.
Depression test? The symptoms of depression!
In both the DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual), which is used by doctors and psychiatrists, and in the depression test, you will come across the following symptoms:
- Somber feelings
- Increased lack of interest or lack of joy
- Losing or gaining a lot of weight
- Sleepy feeling
- Lack of energy
- Extreme feelings of worthlessness and poor self-esteem
- Feelings of guilt
- Lessened thinking and concentration abilities
- Vague complaints
Depression test? How do I treat depression?
To treat a depression, there are different options. The first option is the use of medication. Antidepressants have proven themselves to be effective in treating depression, especially in cases of major depressions and hereditary types of depression. Another option is following therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective types of therapy when it comes to treating depression. You can follow this therapy with psychiatrists, psychologists, or eventually at the hand of an online self-help program. The program by 15 Minutes for Me is based on therapeutic techniques and seems to reduce depression with 40% after just one month (according to research published in the Artsenkrant, 2011).
Depression test?
Would you like to know what symptoms of depression are present in you and what influence they have on your life? Then take the free online depression test here.
