Severe Depressive Episode
A depressive episode can be explained as a period that is characterized by low mood along with many other depression symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, bad memory, eating disorders and so on which lasts for 2 weeks or more. These symptoms may last for several weeks, months or even a year depending upon the severity of depression.
The patient may show a loss of interest in his/her daily activities or will find it difficult to experience joy or pleasure in things he/she usually enjoyed. Anxiety, worthlessness, emptiness, feeling hopeless, guilt and agitation are few other symptoms that patients experience during this stage. Suffering from depression for a long time without any treatment might result in suicidal thoughts as well. In short, a depressive episode is the time a person suffering from depression experiences various symptoms.
Common symptoms during a depressive episode
A person experiencing a depressive episode may face more extreme symptoms than mood fluctuations. Some of them are:
Anxiety: Unwanted worries about unfavourable events that occurred in the past or events that might happen in future are some of the symptoms of anxiety. This can happen while going through a depressive episode. It can also cause other symptoms like increased heartbeat and sweating.
Frustration: Not being able to cope up with even the smallest of stress begins during this stage.
Feeling Guilty: This symptom dominates over the other elements that come along with depression. Feeling guilty about an act or event which happened in the past can cause disturbance to the mind.
Losing hope: Usually during this period, the patient loses hope in almost everything. They do not engage in new or creative activities because they do not believe that it is going to make a change. Patients are likely to feel sad and helpless. There is also a greater inclination to start developing suicidal thoughts.
Low energy: Low energy can be a common symptom of depression and a person suffering from depression needs to get medical help and proper treatment.
Restlessness: Restlessness can also be a symptom of depression which needs medical help
Inability to concentrate: Inability to concentrate can also be a symptom of depression.
Insomnia: Though sleeplessness could be a symptom of other health issues and not just depression, it is important to rule this out by consulting a mental health practitioner. Changes in sleep patterns can be experienced by patients suffering from depression. Insomnia can have a negative impact on our brain and well as our body. Hence it is very important to make sure that you get a good and proper sleep.
Pain: You may experience aches or pains in some parts of your body even if there is no obvious physical cause.
Managing depressive episodes:
1. Acceptance: You may experience a positive change within once you start accepting that you are suffering from depression. This will motivate you to seek help without any delay. Though talking to your friends and dear ones will make you feel better, the right treatment alone can help you recover from depression.
2. Challenge yourself: This step is to challenge your negative emotions. You become what you think, so changing the thought pattern may do some good. Never think anything negative about yourself. Always say that you are the best. There are therapies like talk therapy which your doctor might recommend. These therapies could help you overcome any fears or unwanted thoughts that disturbs you.
3. Manage insomnia: This may be very difficult in the beginning, but as you practice it might be doable. Try to engage in some mild activities such as reading or listening to soothing music and so on. This can help you relax your rushing thoughts. Maintain a proper sleep and wake-up schedule. This will help in a very positive manner. Seek medical help if you’re unsuccessful in dealing with sleeplessness on your own.
4. Exercise: Daily workouts will make your body stay fit and healthy. Proper and regular exercise can maintain your food habits too.
5. Avoid substance use: Resorting to alcohol and drugs will not help you manage or overcome any health issue. It is best not to over consume alcohol at any point.
Though there might be several other tips that you come across, proper treatment is necessary during any stage of depression. Therapy and medication help in most cases. Contact us to know more about TMS therapy and book an appointment with us.