What is Depression? Does Depression Prevent Pregnancy?

Depression has become almost the biggest psychological problem of our time. In this article, we will answer questions such as what are the symptoms of depression, which affects the human body not only psychologically, but also physically, how to treat depression and whether depression prevents pregnancy.

What is depression?

Depression; It is a psychological disorder that causes situations such as some sadness, intense stress, traumatic situations, economic problems and many similar situations becoming inextricable and insoluble, affecting daily life by sadness and grief, not being able to enjoy life, breaking all connections with life.

Depression can affect work life in the future, cause deterioration of bilateral relations and the emergence of different physical problems, or it can lead to the progression of an existing disease.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is often associated with sadness. But just being sad is not enough for depression.

• Sleeping disorders,
• Lack of interest in daily activities
• social disorder,
• Loss of appetite or eating disorders
• constant fatigue,
• Don’t feel worthless
• feeling of guilt,
• Inability to make decisions
• inability to concentrate,
• I don’t want to talk
• feeling of helplessness,
• Don’t think you can’t get help from anyone,
• Situations such as being suicidal are considered a sign of depression. For a diagnosis of depression, at least 4 of these symptoms must be present and these symptoms must persist for at least 2 weeks.

What are the risk factors for depression?

• Be woman,
• Experiencing a traumatic death
• Economic problems,
• dismissal,
• Alcohol or drug use,
• Divorce,
• Experiencing serious illness
• hormonal changes,
• Conditions such as having a family history of depression may be a risk factor for depression.

How is depression diagnosed?

The diagnosis of depression is first made by the history of the person. The diagnosis is then confirmed by a psychiatric examination. This is important because some physical illnesses can sometimes show similar characteristics to depression. Therefore, physical examination should be done in addition to the psychiatric examination.

Experts can diagnose depression with blood tests, QEEG (Quantitative EEG), Brain MRI, and psychometric tests.

What are the types of depression?

• 

major depression

One of the most severe forms of depression. In this type of depression, sad feelings do not come out and suicidal thoughts often come to mind. It is important that the treatment of major depressive people is carried out quickly in order not to exacerbate the situation.

Manic depression

This type is also called 2-pronged depression. While manic-depressive people are initially very cheerful, happy, high-energy, and have increased sexual urges, they can become very unhappy, quiet introverts when they evolve into depression. Since this problem has very sharp symptoms, it can be diagnosed more easily.

Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia)

This type of depression is mild but long-lasting compared to others. This problem can last at least 2 years. It is observed that people with chronic depression are generally unhappy, critical and discontented.

How is depression treated?

Getting rid of depression can be possible with a versatile treatment. In addition, each treatment varies according to the type and severity of depression. Antidepressants come to mind first in the treatment of depression. Antidepressant medications are very diverse and personalized. Therefore, the antidepressant recommendation is made for the problem. However, a therapy alternative should be considered in the first place.

There are many treatment alternatives for depression such as oral therapy, family therapy, EMDR, and antidepressant therapy. However, as we said, the methods need to be personalized and under the supervision of a doctor. In particular, the use of antidepressant medication should be as recommended by the doctor.

Let’s also say that the drugs used in the treatment of depression are not addictive. Therefore, interrupting the drug out of fear can make the problems worse.

Ways to get rid of depression are not limited to these. First of all, the support of relatives and family is very important. Having someone around the person who makes them feel that they can overcome this problem together is as beneficial as drug therapy. Also;

• Continuing friendships
• Doing sports or light exercises,
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• Preferring a light and balanced diet,
• Avoiding adverse situations
• It may be beneficial in the treatment of depression if the person engages in activities that he or she enjoys.

Does depression prevent pregnancy?

Depression hormones can make it harder to get pregnant as they negatively affect mood and sex drive. Especially after a few attempts, the failure of pregnancy puts the person under more stress and the situation of getting pregnant becomes a dead end. Focusing only on pregnancy and being afraid of failure can cause depression and increase the severity of existing depression. So if you suffer from depression or have had it before, you should seek treatment before getting pregnant.

Unresolved or concealed depression can also cause pregnancy and/or postpartum depression. Therefore, treatment should be done before pregnancy.