Mental Health and Wellbeing

Types of depression Severity can vary from person to person.  Severe depression is when almost all of the nine symptoms mentioned above are present. Symptoms will markedly interfere with your normal functioning. Moderate depression is when more than 5 symptoms mentioned above are present. Normal functioning is impaired between mild to severe.  Mild depression is when 5 or fewer symptoms of those mentioned above are present. Normal functioning is mildly impaired.  Complications of…

While there are no tests for diagnosing depression, doctors may administer a questionnaire to determine if the condition is depression. Doctors may also prescribe lab tests to determine if the depression is caused due to some other underlying illness.  Head trauma Central nervous system tumors Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Stroke Multiple sclerosis Syphilis Some cancers 

Treatment varies based on the severity of Depression Severe or moderate depression Antidepressant medicines: These are commonly used to treat moderate or severe depression. Antidepressants can take 2-4 weeks before the effect builds up fully. The newest and most popular antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The following are examples:  Fluoxetine Sertraline Escitalopram Paroxetine Citalopram Psychological (Talking) Treatments Cognitive behavioural…

Clinical Depression can not be prevented. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and take time out for fun and relaxation. These will help you prevent a depressed mood. However if the depressed mood continues for more than 2 weeks, do see a doctor.   

Apart from getting the right treatment, you should also follow these suggestions to manage depression:  Food and nutrition There is no specific diet for depression but evidence suggests that good nutrition is essential for our mental health and number of mental health conditions may be influenced by dietary factors. Do eat regularly even if you do not feel like eating. Try to eat a healthy diet that includes the following:  Lots of nutrients to keep the body functioning optimally…

Are you at risk of developing insomnia Insomnia is a common disorder and it affects women more often than men. This can occur at any age. Older adults are more likely to have insomnia than younger people.  The people who are at risk include those who:  Have a lot of stress Are depressed or have other emotional distress such as divorce or death of a spouse Have lower incomes Work at night or have shift changes in their work Travel long distances Have an inactive lifestyle Have certain…

Insomnia is a common sleep problem for adults, affecting millions worldwide.A person suffering from insomnia has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when he or she has the chance to do so. Why is insomnia a concern People with insomnia can feel dissatisfied with their sleep and usually experience one or more of the following: fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances and decreased performance in work or at school.  

Your doctor will likely diagnose insomnia based on your medical history, sleep histories, physical exam and sleep study. Medical History:To find out what's causing your insomnia. The doctor may ask whether you: Have any new or ongoing health problems Have painful injuries or health conditions, such as arthritis Take any medicines, either over-the-counter or prescription Have symptoms or a history of depression, anxiety or psychosis Are coping with highly stressful life events, such as divorce…

As a first step, make the lifestyle changes suggested here Know your support team: Who can help you stay healthy  Your family physician Sleep medicine specialists Neurologists Psychologists & Psychiatrists Nutritionist  Hypnotherapist or a massage therapist   See the video below for some simple tips  

Insomnia can often be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits and following a regular schedule.   Read more about Good Sleep Practices: 13 Steps To Better Quality Sleep   Importance of Sleep