What is acute depression?

Depression is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. However, there are different types of depression and one such type is acute depression. This may sound like something out of a medical textbook, but don’t worry, we’re here to explain it in the most human way possible!

What is Acute Depression: Definition

Acute depression can be defined as a severe depressive episode that lasts for at least two weeks or more. It’s often caused by stressful life events such as job loss, divorce, financial problems or any other major change. It’s not just feeling sad about something for a couple of days; rather acute depression brings along constant feelings of sadness and hopelessness which make it difficult to function normally in everyday life.

The difference between Acute and Major Depression

You are probably wondering what makes acute depression different from major (or clinical) depression? Well for starters the former has more intense symptoms but doesn’t last very long (when rigorously treated with therapy). In contrast to this, major depressive disorder presents less severe symptoms which persists almost daily for minimum two years (Yup… you read that right)

Signs and Symptoms:

As mentioned before the primary indication of an individual suffering from Acude Depressipn are oppressive overwhelming feelings occurring almost every day lasting 2 weeks or longer accompanied by some/ all/ combination of these physical signs and emotional symptoms:
– Severe sadness/hopelessness
– Fatigue/Lack of energy
– Difficulty concentrating on tasks
– Reduced appetite /Increased hunger
– Weight gain /Weight less due anxiety/stress/grief
– Insomnia/hypersomia/ Sleeping too much

But remember each patient could have unique presentations so ‘your mileage may vary’ when experiencing/listing down symptoms

fear-conceptual-graphic-illustration

Acute vs Chronic Depression

Whaddaya say we add another type of Depression called chronic depression? Now, acute and chronic depression can seem alike because the main symptoms are similar but the major difference lies in how long they last.

Just as you thought two years for Major Depressive Disorder was daunting enough…Chronic Depression lasts even longer than that! Suffering from these negative emotions at consistent high levels everyday will not only make your life unbearable but sustained episodes lead to physical imbalance/harm such as chemical imbalances or a weakened immune system.

Sounds like a joy ride doesn’t it? Those struggling with this face problems completing daily tasks; therefore do consult professionals if experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms

Causes

Acute depression has numerous triggers although none guarantee someone’s condition. It could also occur due to personal history and upbringing. Factors triggering Acute Depression are;

Biological factors

When there is an irregularity or malfunctioning in neurotransmitters (chemicals present in our brains responsible for transmitting signals) affecting mood-regulating chemicals responsible meaning excessive stress causes hormonal changes resulting in onset of depressive state

Life events

Life-altering events may trigger feelings of sadness -no surprises here right?. Losing loved ones, relationship issues, health ailments can take a toll on mental wellbeing causing emotional distress which may fuel dejection towards normal activities again leading to aforementioned physical alongside emotional Signs and Symptoms

Note: Triggers donot automatically result into every individual affected differently by same external factor

Diagnosis & Treatment

Ah treatment.. The light at the end of the tunnel; Seeking prompt medical assistance is always advisable.
Accordingly, diagnosis Acute Depression usually follows these steps:
– Psychological Eval and Event-related data
– Interval questioning concerning everyday life, random mood swings if any and the length of associated symptoms
– It is also necessary to rule out other underlying condition as well

Once diagnosed, treatment options vary depending upon the intensity(different external contours of lives bring different pressures) However a combination may be applied consisting these recommendations:

Talk therapy/ Psychotherapy

Also known as ‘Counseling’ sometimes. Specifically cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), Emotion-focused Therapy(EFT) along with Interpersonal therapies are highly regarded

Medications

Antidepressant medication serves to alleviate severe depressive episodes (these consist mostly of SSRIs or SNRIs). Whilst they don’t cure Acute Depression(there is no single “cure-all” medicinal method), They allow individuals suffering from AD an opportunity to develop more effective coping mechanisms while simultaneously treating any chemical imbalances.

There’s peace in knowing that treatments not limited just what was listed above but inconsideration with health care professional most conducive plan best personalized for you can be proposed

Coping Mechanisms

While medications and talking about personal emotions could aid in one’s journey back into their former lifestyle, remember it’s equally pertinent implementing some adaptive tactics suited personally.

Practice Mindfulness

This practice starts by achieving awareness on our present state encouraging focusing upon mental processes , body language rather than paying attention towards unfinished work / past problems which fuels stress/ anxiety leading ultimately dejection.

Stay active & Socializing

Exercise such yoga has proven benefits when fighting depression; promoting positivity among those who stay active both physically alongside meeting people – positively affecting moods due to stimulation of happy hormones like Serotonin , Dopamine et-al

Sleep hygiene

Prescribed sleep time shouldn’t differ much what your requirements were prior illness onset even though insomnia etc can arise independent thereof .

Final thoughts: Some Humor

As much as it may seem like a serious slog getting a diagnosis for Acute depression, we here at the official haha writer’s den believe humor serves to lift spirits amongst those affected by in hopes making tacky life situations bearable. Understanding that everyone copes differently perhaps some of these (notoriously bad) jokes might just bring up your serotonin level and get you smiling 😉

  • “Why don’t lobsters share? They’re shellfish.”
  • “What do sprinters eat before a race? Nothing, they fast!”
  • “I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high; She looked surprised.”
  • “How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Ten-tickles.”

References

We did not use any sources during preparation/during this article. everything used is purely an ideology in support of creating light-hearted texts devoid of scientific terminology

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