Depression is a mood Disorder that causes negative physical and mental affects. It may have an effect on your feelings, thinking, reasoning, judgement, making decisions, attitude and behaviour. It decreases person’s ability to function at work or home.

What are the symptoms of Depression?

• Feeling of sadness
• Lack of appetite
• Insomnia or oversleep
• Mood Swings to the extreme level
• Feeling hopeless and frustrated
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty in thinking ,reasoning, Judgement and making decisions
• Difficulty in memorizing
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Suicidal Thoughts.
• Low energy levels.
• Anxious and empty
• Physical pains, Headaches, cramps, digestive problems

What causes Depression in Child and Teens?

According to research depression can often occur in teens,between 20’s and 30’s but it can last at any age. Symptoms of child and teenage depression are:

• Low energy levels
• Lack of confidence
• Refusing to go to school
• Poor attendance
• Lack of interest in activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Low academic performance
• Appears sad and tearful
• Feeling misunderstood
• Extremely sensitive
• Self harm
• Using drugs
• Dizziness

What causes Depression in Adults?

Depression is the most common mental illness in adults. It not only occurs in males but also in females but the triggers are different for both genders.

Some of symptoms are:

• Memory Difficulty
• Change in personality
• Fatigue, loss of appetite
• Sleep problems and lost interest in sex.
• Wanted to stay at home rather than going out
• Over thinking
• Suicidal Ideation

Factors of Depression:

Depression occurs due to different reasons. It varies from person to person. Some of factors are mentioned here:

Biological Factors:

 Depression may cause the physical changes in the brain functioning.

Environmental Factors:

Depression may caused by environmental factors, such as job issues,Relationship issues, marital issues.

Brain Chemistry:

In depression functions of Neurotransmitters are disruptive.  Neurotransmitters transfer signals from one part to another. Serotonin, Noradrenalin and Dopamine are three basic neurotransmitters which affects mood.

Hormonal Factors:

 Hormonal changes  causes depression and mood swings at its peak like pregnancy, Menopause etc.

How can we reduce depression?

There are various ways to deal with depression, and often they are best used in combination with each other.The primary medical options are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), antidepressant medication, and in some severe cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Education and coping strategies are also important when learning to manage your depression.

• Make a routine and follow it.
• Set some goals to achieve.
• Eat healthy diet
• Get enough Sleep
• Take on responsibility
• Challenge Negative thoughts
• Do something new
• Try to have fun
• Keep your self more socialize.
• Stay away from toxic people
• Build strong relationships
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid common Triggers
• Try talking therapy

Anxiety is a psychological Disorder which causes stress, nervousness, fear, apprehension and worrying. It is an emotional disorder which can occur at any age and can affect anyone. Anxiety varies person to person; sometimes you feel butterflies in stomach, Nightmares, panic and painful thoughts and memories which are not in your control.

Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder.

Anxiety is a general feeling of fear and worry. Anxiety is a normal reaction or realistic response to stress or different stressful situations. Anxiety alerts your internal body system to flight, fight or freeze. Anxiety is related to the specific situation or problem and it lasts long as the situation is.

Anxiety becomes a problem when it comes unexpectedly to an extreme and becomes uncontrollable. Then Anxiety becomes a mental illness which is known as Anxiety Disorder. It is unrealistic and causes uncomfortable physical sensations and physical problems. Anxiety Disorder lasts longer even when a problem is solved. A person feels impossible to change or control a situation.

Symptoms of Anxiety:

Following are the Symptoms of anxiety. To be diagnosed as Anxiety Disorder you must have at least 4 signs from the following symptoms.

• Sweating
• Trembeling
• Shortness of breath
• Chocking sensation
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fear of dying
• Flushing
• Increased heart rate
• Sleep problems
• Abdominal Pains
• Dry Mouth
• Irrational Fear
• Panic attack
• Restlessness, Fatigue
• Feeling agitated
• Tense Muscles
• Feeling hot or cold Numbness

Types of Axiety Disorder:

There are different types of anxiety disorder as mentioned below.

• Panic: Intense fear or terror that develop quickly and unexpectedly.
• Phobia: fear of any specific situation, object or activity.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: It is fear of facing people, fear of socializing and going out.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: It is recreational thoughts and repeated actions of some specific things.
• Hypochondriasis: It is anxiety/ fear about health.( either gaining or losing it)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: It is anxiety and stress after having a traumatic event.

What Causes Anxiety:

Anxiety can be caused by multiple reasons. It could be caused by biological factors in rare cases. In mostly cases it is caused by environmental factors. In adults it may caused by job issues, relationship issues with closed ones, marital issues, Traumatic events.

In teenage, it may be caused by issues in school, bullying, peer issues, issues in Study, Parental issues, communication with parents, attacks on self-esteem,etc.

CBT

Getting better means gaining control over worry. A number of psychological treatments have shown to help people with GAD, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) produces the most consistent and long-lasting improvements.

It appears that the following components of treatment are most important:

• An approach where people are taught skills to manage their anxiety, as well as taking responsibility for change and control over their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
• Actively identifying and challenging worrying thoughts.
• Relaxation training (usually a form of progressive muscle relaxation) to control physical tension.

MEDICATION

Some medications, such as antidepressants, have been shown to reduce worry and associated physical symptoms in people with GAD, but it appears that the improvements only last as long as the medications are taken. Benzodiazepines provide temporary relief from symptoms, but are addictive. These drugs are not recommended for long-term use. Your doctor will be able to provide more information on medication, but used alone this treatment option will not be as good as when combined with CBT.

People are often tempted to avoid threatening situations, but if you do, the anxiety will be worse the next time you are in that situation. The best strategy is to confront the feared situation. Usually, it is better than you thought, and if not, you will have learned valuable coping skills by confronting your fears.

Steps to stop your child from having ADHD

Keep your child balanced:

Your child should get enough sleep, eats healthy meals on time, and has enough playtimes that will reduce his stress.

Don’t always mention things:

If he didn’t comb his hair, don’t make a fun of him. If you’re always on your child about something, he will feel that he cannot do anything right and will give up.

Make a schedule

Children with ADHD need guidance and directions. Make a time table for your child and ask them to follow it. Guide him from time to time, keep a check on him from time to time and don’t give him negative strokes.

Set a warning and reminders

Give a warning to your child before changing his activity such as shutting off the TV and getting him ready for sleep, or stopping a game and coming in for dinner. Provide some reminders such as before 10 minute 5 minutes and 1 minute. When you achieve his desire behaviour, must appreciate and thankful to him,

Stay calm.

If your child is acting awkward in a public place, stay calm and stop them politely. Act normal, don’t shout. Your normal behaviour will help him to get calm.

Develop more understanding

If you see that your child is getting upset, ask what’s wrong. Show them that you can understand him exactly. Repeat his phrases as well. Children can find it reassuring that someone understands their concern. Be his strength.

Deep breaths and relaxation

Deep breathing can be relaxing and help to reduce the stress. Put on some calming music and ask your child to take deep breaths, try to give him a relaxing atmosphere.

 If you try these tips and still find that your child is having frequent explosions, seek professional help. Don’t wait until the situation is unbearable to deal with it.

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