Depression is primarily characterised by gradual loss of interest in daily activities, along with having a perpetual feeling of dullness and sadness. It could also show up in some people as recurrent thoughts of suicide, feeling of irritability and frustration, loss of appetite or unexplained increased cravings, and irrational physical ailments like constant fever, back and neck pain, etc.
Symptoms of depression might vary according to age groups. For instance, in a teen depression might show up as refusal to attend social events or gatherings, and indulge in over consumption of alcohol, while in a more mature individual it might be identified with memory issues and physical pains. While there’s no set rule, these are some of the first symptoms that might draw your attention.
Unfortunately, depression isn’t something you can snap out of, simply by listening to meditational music or sleeping over an issue. It mostly requires professional help, and medication in some cases, monitored over a certain period of time. If you or someone you know can relate to this, please see a psychiatrist before it is too late.
Have you ever found yourself breathing rapidly or realised your heart racing too quick just before an exam or an important interview? That’s anxiety slowly making home into your system. While such short and rare episodes might not be bothersome, you need to keep a track to check if it is happening repeatedly or you notice a certain increase in the intensity of anxiety and fear.
Anxiety is your body’s common response to stress, but doesn’t hamper your day to day activities. In some cases, it might even motivate you to do better at whatever it is, that is causing you discomfort in the head. It converts into a disorder only when you experience a certain pattern, recurring over a long period of time. You might notice physical symptoms like drastic increase in blood pressure or experience feeling of nausea and dizziness, when exposed to a certain kind of stress.
Some instances where you can experience anxiety are elevators (especially for people who have a phobia of closed spaces), right before an important meeting or event (especially for people who want everything to go extremely well and perfect), in places where you fear rejection, etc. While these are only some examples, anxiety could be because of various reasons, and its symptoms should not be over looked. If you or someone you know can relate to this, please see a psychiatrist before it is too late.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may look like an extra conscious behaviour of checking gas twice or thrice before leaving the house, or always feeling like you’ve forgotten to lock the car in the parking lot, or extreme desire to have things organised and symmetrical. While this may not look like a matter of concern in its initial phases, it might worsen over time.
Repetitive unwanted thoughts (obsessions), which lead you to repeat certain behaviours (compulsions), explain that this condition can be extremely discomforting. About 50% people who suffer from OCD, begin to show symptoms in early childhood and adolescence.
OCD can be caused genetically or due to some childhood trauma, or due to some neurological conditions. Whatever the reason may be, it is surely treatable. If you or someone you know can relate to this, please see a psychiatrist before it is too late.
Alcohol use disorder is a condition where a person is consuming more alcohol than average, and experiences severe withdrawal symptoms, if and when they try to cut down their alcohol intake. The repercussions of this are evident from the very initial stage in their social behaviour.
You might have noticed someone who really wants to reduce their alcohol intake, but are constantly falling prey to the same trap of consuming excessive alcohol. While this is a serious condition, it is cent percent manageable with the help of a professional. Excessive alcohol consumption doesn’t only harm your liver and heart health, but also your family/work life and social interactions.
If you know someone who seeks pleasure in alcohol, spends too much time collecting/consuming/recovering from alcohol, has difficulty in controlling their urge to have alcohol, or is failing to keep up with their routine activities at work and home, please see a psychiatrist before it is too late.
Anything majorly abnormal about your sleep pattern, that’s recurring and causing discomfort can be categorised into sleep disorder, and requires attention. If ignored for a long period of time, it can gradually deteriorate your quality of life.
The most common disorder is insomnia, where one may experience difficulty falling asleep. The second most often experienced disorder is sleep apnea where a person stops breathing for 10 or more seconds. The other disorders may look like over sleeping during the day or talking/walking in sleep or having a haywire sleep cycle.
Certain lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping treat sleep disorders. For more severe conditions, you can safely consume medications prescribed by a health care practitioner. If you or someone you know can relate to this, please see a psychiatrist before it is too late.
Dr. Neha, a dedicated graduate of GRMC, Gwalior, and DNB in Psychiatry from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, completed her senior residency at Army College of Medical Sciences. With vast experience and expertise, HappyMindz emerged from her years of service in renowned hospitals, offering quality care to thousands of patients.
A truly sincere and committed student, Dr. Neha, completed her MBBS from GRMC, Gwalior, and DNB, Psychiatry from the prestigious Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi. She pursued her senior residency from Army College of Medical Sciences And Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. After working with some of the most renowned doctors and hospitals in the city, HappyMindz took birth with all the experience and expertise she accumulated over all these years of being in the field, and treating thousands of patients.
Dr. Neha, a dedicated graduate of GRMC, Gwalior, and DNB in Psychiatry from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, completed her senior residency at Army College of Medical Sciences. With vast experience and expertise, HappyMindz emerged from her years of service in renowned hospitals, offering quality care to thousands of patients.
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