Depressive disorders - Beating the Blues

What Is- and Is Not- Depression

What is the link between depression and osteoarthritis

Signs of depression

Who is at risk for becoming depressed

How can I beat the blues

What are “keeping up” and “covering up”

How do stress and fatigue worsen depression

How can I make my body more stress and fatigue resistant

How can I get a better night’s sleep ---Depression is something we describe as an emotional disorder ranging from mild to severe, which occur on a chronic, recurrent or one-time-only basis. Chronic depressive disorders last for a long period in years or even decades, with the symptoms striking more severely in the first 2 years. Recurrent depressive disorders keep fluctuating; they come on and off at any given time leaving one feeling healthy between episodes. And one- time bouts of depression may last for a few days or weeks, then vanish forever. Clinical cases are serious and need treatment.

What we say about blues otherwise know as ‘feeling down in the dumps’ is not true depression. It is a reaction to an unpleasant event such as losing a job or any failure.

Even before going to the doctor, the signs of depression are obvious;

• Loss of interest in the doing things which is otherwise enjoyed
• Lack of interest in sex
• Irritability or blue moods
• Restlessness or slowed down feeling
• Changes in appetite
• Problems with concentration, thinking or memory
• Lack of sleep or sleeping too much
• Very low energy levels
• Headaches or heaviness in the head
• Feeling of hopelessness and guilt
• Anxiety
• Fear of being alone

Osteoarthritis is definitely connected to depressive disorders. “Keeping Up” occurs when you continue at your previous level of activities, despite increased pain and injury. This means you are proving that everything is okay. “Covering Up” is an attempt to hide the Osteoarthritis. These are people who are not ready to acknowledge the fact to accept that they are in pain to the outside world.

Getting a good night’s sleep is an excellent defense against stress, fatigue and depression. Tips on better sleeping.

• Stick to a regular schedule of daily activity with fixed sleeping times
• Exercise regularly
• Practise relaxation techniques
• Avoid caffeine in the evening
• Make yourself comfortable with the room temperature