What is Depression?

It could start with a simple stomachache. But over time other signs start to appear. Maybe it’s becoming difficult to get to work on time. Things you enjoy have somehow lost their luster. Maybe you’re ruminating over something negative. Depression appears in many ways and because of its wide range of symptoms many people live with it for some time before they realize something is amiss. Even once diagnosed it isn’t always clear. Labelling it makes it easier to explain to others but it can still be difficult to explain to ourselves. So what is depression?

Depression causes the worst feelings imaginable. Feeling that you’re not good enough, that you’re stuck and can’t escape. Feeling that nothing is worthwhile or enjoyable. It can make you lethargic, unable to sleep, lose your appetite or over-eat. With all these symptoms it may be a wonder how it’s diagnosed. But there’s more going on than we can see.

The brain is very complicated but several discoveries have allowed doctors to analyze what’s happening in the brain of a depressed patient. It’s not straightforward as it’s largely caused by a combination of factors. To better understand these factors let’s take a look at how the brain works.

Our brains are made up of a network of nerve cells called neurons. Neurons take in stimuli and then communicate it throughout the network to function cohesively. This communication process is called neurotransmission. A neuron releases a chemical signal called a neurotransmitter which attaches to another neuron, relaying a message based on the type of neurotransmitter used. Certain neurotransmitters have been related to one’s mood such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Patients with depression have been found to have decreased activity of these neurotransmitters. Not all cases are the same and differences in symptoms are attributed to varying levels of each chemical. Sounds simple, right? But just like the brain it’s never simple. Studies have also shown that decreased activity of these chemicals doesn’t always cause depression, indicating that other outlying factors exist.

Depression is associated with low self-esteem and negative self-concept but it’s difficult to determine whether these are a cause or effect. However social stresses have also been linked to it. Early life trauma such as child abuse or neglect, social isolation or poverty are just a few. It’s these types of stresses coupled with decreased activity of those neurotransmitters which causes depression.

The first step to overcoming depression is talking to a doctor who can refer you to various treatments. Antidepressant medication is effective, however not for everyone. It’s important to try all the options provided because each patient has different needs. Ketamine treatment is effective for patients who have been resistant to other treatments. Administered in small doses through an IV, Ketamine is an anesthetic which can relieve anxiety and other symptoms. The Ketamine Specialists of Texas are an organization specifically dedicated to treatment of depression with Ketamine. They are highly trained and knowledgeable professionals in their field. If your depression has been resistant to other forms of treatment this may be the treatment for you.

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