Depression – Is it A State of Mind, or a Disease?

Depression is a very common word people use these days. Almost every other person is suffering from its menace. It’s a state of mind where someone feels dull or uninterested most of the time. Clinical depression is the name given basically to the state of mind which makes one feel sad and upset.   It may be mild or severe depending upon other associated symptoms and the severity of sadness. It basically includes:

• Feeling unwanted and hopeless

• Sleeping and appetite disorder

• Feeling restless and tired.

• Negative thoughts about everything around.

• A feeling of isolation and insignificance

• Suicidal thoughts.

These are some major symptoms which must last for at least two-three weeks for a diagnosis of depression else it would be called simply a situation of sadness and grief. 

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Depression should not be associated with sadness or grief every time. Since there are several other reasons for depression as well.  For instance - Death of a loved one, financial crisis, failing in an exam or break up in a relationship are some situations where one feels sad and upset which is natural in such situations. But this is not depression. Continue feeling the same way for some time may lead to the start of depression and if not controlled at a proper time may lead to a state of mind which is suffering from depression.

Depression is not a body disease which can be cured with certain medication or ointments, it’s something related to someone’s state of mind. How mind feels and behaves is what defines the degree of depression.

 The dull and unwanted feeling may lead to isolation and then ultimately may cause a situation where someone is all alone, low and depressed. On the other hand, one who is surrounded by friends and family feels the feeling of belongingness and don’t usually suffer this phase of depression.

Depression may be caused due to various reasons:-

• Some may be caused due to past unfortunate events while for others it may be due to Brain Disorders. Depression can be genetic also for example if one identical twin faces depression there is 80% chance that the other may also face it at some point of time in his life. 

• Most people realize about their depressive state of mind later in life but it can always be diagnosed through various ways. Treating depression is not an easy, understanding one's state of mind and then measuring the degree of depression for proper diagnoses requires a set of skills and ability.

Depression can be treated using various methods:

• Medication: In the medication process various antidepressants are prescribed to the patients. These are not sedatives and don’t lead to habit forming. Usually, the practitioner suggests using this medication even after the improvement of symptoms. These are free from the effect of any side effect and eventually help in taking care of this easily. 

• Psychotherapy: It’s talk therapy and is used for the treatment of the mild depressive state of mind. Here you can talk to yourself and try to eradicate the root cause of Depression. 

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Mainly used for patients suffering from severe major depression or bipolar disorders who have not responded to other treatments. This is taken in the worst case scenario and should not be used in case of ordinary depression cases. 

Apart from the above treatments, one can always help himself to stay away from such disorders by doing something that you love. 

• Getting surrounded by people, who make u feel happy and significant are some instances which help in curbing depression at the very initial level. 

• Whatever treatment you take there is always a room for scope and improvement; you always need to find some time for yourself to improve your state of mind. 

• Meditation and relaxation of body and soul are very much required if you are recovering from depression.

• Tension and stress can lead to a worse situation and can intensify your feelings of depression. 

• Dedicating more time to hobbies and other things which u enjoy doing can lead to a happy state of mind. Thus indulge yourself in various activities in order to lead a happy and comfortable life. 

Source URl: https://key2connect.code.blog/2019/03/22/depression-is-it-a-state-of-mind-or-a-disease/

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Cause, Symptoms and Treatment for Meningitis

An inflammation of meninges near the brain and spinal cord is known as Meningitis. Inflammation is caused when the fluid surrounding membrane becomes infected due to bacterial or viral infection. It can affect people of all age even new-borns. It can lead to a serious problem if left untreated and so must immediately seek a doctor.

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Causes of Meningitis:

The main cause of meningitis is different microorganisms like virus, bacteria, fungi or parasite. These microorganisms spread through the bloodstream and thus area near the brain and the spinal cord gets infected. It is also caused due to infection caused by a contagious problem like coughing, sneezing or even kissing.

• Bacterial meningitis is caused by different bacteria like Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, TB, Group B streptococcal and E. coli. Meningitis caused by any of such bacteria must be treated immediately and even in the adverse condition, it can cause blood poisoning.

• Viral meningitis is less risky and common as compared to other microorganisms. Children are mostly affected by virus meningitis and if treated on time it can be cured easily. It is mostly caused by enteroviruses which are present in the form of fluid in the mouth and nose.

• Organisms which grows slowly affect membrane near the brain is known as chronic meningitis. It grows slowly and is quite similar to acute meningitis.

• Fungal meningitis is not contagious and is mostly affects whose immune system is weak.

Symptoms of Meningitis:

Effect of meningitis starts within hours of infection and can worsen in a short span of time. Some of the common symptoms of meningitis caused by different microorganisms are mentioned below:

• Severe headache is one of the common symptoms of meningitis. It is different from a normal headache and sometimes accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

• sleepiness with difficult in waking 

• stiff neck which makes gives severe pain while moving near a chest

• lack of concentration, inactive and confusion 

• Reduce in appetite

• Fever where temperature ranges from 100.5 to nearly 104 degrees.

• Skin rashes which do not turn white and is similar to meningococcal meningitis. 

Infants and newborns who are affected by meningitis will not have the same symptoms as in the adult. They may have vomiting, tiredness, and fever. Even the intake of food and water will also be reduced. You will find the swelling on the skull on new-born and thus make them bad-tempered. 

Treatment for Meningitis :

Meningitis is caused by different microorganisms and so treatment is also dependent on the type of meningitis and age of the affected person.

Bacterial meningitis:

 Severe bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics and even in many cases, doctors opt for corticosteroids. This medication will give quick relief and also minimize complications like brain swelling.

 Until doctor is unable to know about the exact cause of the infection they opt for a broad-spectrum antibiotic to reduce complications.

 Type of bacteria and effect will decide the does and combination of antibiotics.

 In many cases, the doctor removes infected sinuses which is the bone behind the ear.

Viral meningitis:

 In the case of mild viral meningitis, it is advisable to have bed rest, pain medication to relieve fever and intake of liquid.

 If there is swelling in brain or seizure doctor prescribe for corticosteroids and anticonvulsant.

 Meningitis caused by herpes virus will be treated with antiviral medication.

There are cases when it is unclear regarding meningitis and in such condition, doctors opt for antibiotic and antiviral to cure the problem. If the effect of the disease is minimal it can be cured with homely remedies like an ice pack, neck support and most importantly staying hydrated.

If the above-mentioned symptoms persist for a long time and there is no effect after trying homely remedies it is advisable to seek a doctor. In many cases, it gets quite severs and even risk life and so timely medication help to diagnose the problem correctly. Always practice hygiene and change lifestyle to prevent this harmful disease.

Source Url: https://www.key2connect.in/blogs/details/cause-symptoms-and-treatment-for-meningitis

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