Neurotransmitters involved in depression include norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. An imbalance of hormones may also play a role in depression, many depressed people have higher than normal levels of hydrocortisone, a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress. In addition, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland can lead to depression as well (Harvard Health Publications, 2013). They are different types of depression. It can start suddenly or build up over a period of weeks, months or a year. Major Depression is a combination of symptoms, like the ones stated above, that can interfere with one's ability to work, sleep, eat and do daily activities. These episodes can occur once to several times in a lifetime. Dysthymia is another form of depression, a less intense type of depression that involves long-term chronic symptoms that are less severe but can stop one from functioning at full ability and from feeling good. Bipolar Disorder also known as manic-depressive illness, is periods of depression alternate with periods of elation and increased activity, known as mania, cycling mood changes: sever highs, known as mania and severe lows, known as depression. These mood switches are dramatic and rapid, most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any symptoms of depressive disorder and when in the manic cycle the individual is overly "up" or irritable (University of California – Berkley, 2012). .
Types of Treatment.
Although professional help is probably the most effective and safest way to treat depression, there are natural self-care strategies that can help cope with depression. Developing a more healthy, balance diet helps keep moods balanced and the patients overall health strong. Regular exercise helps with self-esteem, which is a factor in most biological factors. Exercising releases a chemical called endorphins, these trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to morphine.
