Warning signs of depression.

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Identify the most eminent signs of depression requires knowledge. The signs are feeling of sadness, loneliness, and lack of interest in activities. Depression is also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or clinical depression. It is due to a disorder of the mood that often causes a feeling of hopelessness, unworthiness, anger, and more. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Untreated symptoms could lead to emotional and physical problems which might interfere with normal functioning, daily routine, and develop a feeling of hopelessness. It is important for nurses to become familiar with the warning signs of depression. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathophysiology-of-depression">Pathophysiology Of Depression</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are no real causes associated with depression. However, scientists believe that it is due to chemical imbalance ( neurotransmitters&#8217; functions), physical changes in the brain. For instance, Traumatic Brain Injury <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html">TBI </a>, hormones imbalance or changes, a sudden change in lifestyle, change in the environment, and life stressors.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://nursesophieconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Deprsssion-anxious-568027-1024x683.jpg" class="wp-image-1172" width="512" height="342"/></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-factors-associated-with-depression">Risk Factors Associated With Depression</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Genetic predisposition</li><li>Sexual orientation</li><li>Substance abuse</li><li>Previous history of mental illness</li><li>Traumatic events</li><li>Chronic &; terminal illness</li><li>Body image issue</li><li>Some medications such as sleeping aids and blood pressure medications. ( please discuss your medications with your doctor)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-eminent-warning-signs-of-depression">Most Eminent Warning Signs Of Depression </h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>Some of the warning signs of depression are sadness, hopelessness, unworthiness, lack of interest, withdrawal, anger, mood changes, sleep disturbance, anxiety, agitation, disturbed thought process, poor judgment, unjustified headaches, and persistent pain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-depression-on-female-teens-and-women">Impact Of Depression On Female Teens And Women</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>Depression is ubiquitous among teen girls and women due to regular body changes and life stressors. The warning signs of depression in teen girls are lack of interest in school and activities. Besides, they often show low attendance, lack of commitment, sad feelings, bodyweight issues, eating problems, trouble making or keeping friends, and poor performance in school.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If the symptoms of depression persist, teens might become a danger to themselves and others. Thus, they might become violent with active suicidal ideation. Some of them may involve in self-destructive activities. For instance, cutting themselves or become addicted to illegal substances. Moreover, they might engage in dangerous activities. Scientists have associated <a href="https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/what-is-bullying">bullying</a> to depression in teens.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>Most women demonstrate signs of anger, fatigue, lack of interest in intimate relationships, poor judgment, poor leadership at home, lack of family engagement, and minimal interaction with their children. Furthermore, ;depression is very common following birth due to sudden life changes in caring for self and a newborn. It is essential to identify the most eminent signs of depression in women.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Those women also show a lack of interest in caring for their newborns. Besides, they feel overwhelmed, agitated, and make poor decisions. Failure to identify the early signs of postpartum depression could lead to adverse outcomes or death. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/andrea-yates-fast-facts/index.html">Andrea Yates&#8217; struggle with mental illness</a> led to a tragedy in Texas in 2001. She killed all five of her children while the husband was away.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://nursesophieconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Depression-adult-brick-depression-262075-1024x731.jpg" class="wp-image-1177" width="512" height="366"/><figcaption>Depression in Women</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-management-of-the-most-eminent-signs-of-depression">Management Of The Most Eminent Signs Of Depression </h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>The Depression treatment plan is individualized and is based on the severity of the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to improve functional ability. For instance, patients will reengage in social activity safely. The treatment plan also addresses the underlying cause of triggers. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition, the care team aims to help patients reverse stressors when possible. The patients often participate in group therapy sessions to learn positive coping strategies. Furthermore, patients often participate in recreational therapy to promote social reintegration. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pharmacological management is not always the 1st line of treatment. Thus, the providers often prescribe medications as a trial to identify the best patients&#8217; outcomes. Psychotropic drugs take a few weeks to be effective. I highly encourage women to seek medical assistance immediately if symptoms persist.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you observe the signs in people around you, please persuade them to seek medical assistance. All patients should follow the treatment team’s recommendations and complete treatment in its entirety even when symptoms improve. ;Major Depressive Disorder could lead to <a href="https://nursesophieconsulting.com/signs-of-suicide-that-everyone-should-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suicide</a> if the patients fail to seek assistance. It is beneficial to identify the most eminent signs of depression. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-nurses">Implications For Nurses</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nurses should receive specific training to provide care to mental health patients. Training should occur during initial orientation and periodically to promote safe nursing care. It is important for nurses to become familiar with the hospital and facility protocol. For example, nurses should be able to identify the most eminent signs of depression successfully. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Moreover, nurses should provide emotional support to patients and significant others when indicated. It is also important for nurses to teach patients and health care partners about the therapeutic aspect of medications, side effects and abnormal symptoms to report to providers. Lastly, nurses should educate the patients not to stop medications abruptly and to obtain assistance for <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/good-mental-health-every-age">mental health</a> issues. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-about-the-most-eminent-signs-of-depression">Final Thoughts About The Most Eminent Signs of Depression</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a nurse, I am always grateful for my health because I have the privilege to care for teens and adults with depression, and it is very sad sometimes to observe the challenges that patients and their health care partners have to cope with. It is very complex to manage young girls and women who struggle with depression. Parents, please observe your children’s behaviors and initiate open discussion to promote trust and comfort. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We should avoid being judgmental because depression can happen to anyone. If you can’t provide your assistance, it is better to let someone else support the person. Remember, depression is a condition, not an illness. Therefore, people are able to live their normal life while under treatment. The condition becomes worrisome when symptoms interfere with normal functioning. The goal is to manage and identify the most eminent signs of depression.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please visit the <a href="https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression">National Alliance on Mental illness</a> for more information. Did you learn something new about depression today? Please leave a comment, subscribe and share!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-care-checklist"><a href="https://www.nursesophieconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/self-care-check-list.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SELF-CARE CHECKLIST</a></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-depression-pdf"><a href="https://www.nursesophieconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/signs-of-depression.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SIGNS OF DEPRESSION PDF</a></h2>



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