Iris Cole interviews Dr. Oren Tana about depression and its treatment / Walla system
Depression is a very common disease and one in six people will suffer from it during their lifetime.
Despite this, there is no single clear cause for depression, for most people, it is a combination of many factors, such as social, environmental and genetic causes.
But there are certain things that can make depression worse and can be managed a lesson for you to gain control over depression and feel better.
1. Lack of sleep
Most of us feel best when we sleep well at night. Poor quality sleep during the night has decisive effects on our physical and mental health.
Some studies suggest that people with insomnia are 10 times more likely to have depression than those without.
There are several things that can improve the quality of your sleep and they include good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and reducing caffeine or alcohol intake a few hours before bed.
2. Stress
Each of us experiences stress at one point or another during our lives.
But continuous stress from a security situation for example, from family, work or other responsibilities can take a toll on mental health.
You can try to reduce stress by learning stress reduction techniques, exercising regularly and spending time doing things you love and enjoy.
Stress/ShutterStock
3. Sedentary lifestyle
When you are depressed, exercise is probably not the first thing you think about for hours.
And it's a shame because this is one of the best things you can do against depression.
When we exercise, the body releases endorphins - chemicals that can reduce pain and improve mood.
Even if you can do ten minutes of vigorous activity a day, it can help.
4. Drinking alcohol
Many people drink a drink or two in the evening to take their mind off the day, but for those experiencing depression - this is a very bad idea.
Experts agree that it can be harder to treat depression if you drink alcohol.
Drinking alcohol makes you less likely to stick with your treatment plan and more likely to have problems at home or at work.
Alcohol not only causes fatigue in combination with some medications, but can also interfere with specific depression medications, potentially triggering a life-threatening medical emergency.
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5. Hormones
Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men.
One reason may have to do with hormones, and how they change over time.
This may be why some women experience postpartum depression.
Women are also more prone to depression during ovulation and when they go through menopause.
6. Not getting help
Depression can be treated, but the biggest barrier to treatment is denial.
If you are depressed, ask for help.
Not getting help for depression can make you feel worse—and make depression last longer.
The sooner you get help, the sooner you can start feeling better.
A conversation with the family doctor is the first step.
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