7Feb

Great Depression, Great Depression 1929

The 1929–1939 Great Depression was a global economic depression that affected all countries. The industrialized Western world had never before faced a depression of such length and severity, and as a result, economic institutions, macroeconomic policy, and economic theory underwent significant changes. Despite having its roots in the United States, the Great Depression had a profound impact on nearly every nation in the world, leading to sharp drops in output, high levels of unemployment, and acute deflation. No less startling were its social and cultural repercussions, particularly in the United States, where the Great Depression was the country’s greatest period of hardship since the Civil War.

Economical Background

There were significant regional differences in the Great Depression’s timing and severity. In contrast to Japan and parts of Latin America, where it was milder, the Depression was notably prolonged and severe in the United States and Europe. It may come as no surprise that a variety of factors contributed to the worst economic depression the world has ever known. The United States’ economic output declined due to declines in consumer demand, financial panic, and poorly thought-out government policies. The gold standard, which connected nearly all nations in the world in a network of fixed currency exchange rates, was crucial in spreading the American downturn to other nations. The removal of the gold standard and the subsequent monetary expansion were major contributors to the Great Depression’s recovery. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the economy, resulting in both severe human misery and significant shifts in economic strategy.

Great Depression

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Timing And Seriousness

In the summer of 1929, the United States had a typical recession before the start of the Great Depression. However, the downturn significantly worsened in late 1929 and persisted until early 1933. Real output and prices both dropped sharply. The United States saw a 47 percent fall in industrial production during the downturn’s height and a 30 percent decline in the real gross domestic product (GDP). The index of wholesale prices fell 33%. (such declines in the price level are referred to as deflation). Although there is some disagreement regarding the validity of the data, it is generally accepted that the unemployment rate at its peak was higher than 20%. When compared to the Great Recession of 2007–2009, which saw the country’s real GDP shrink by just 4.3 percent and its unemployment rate reach a peak of less than 10 percent, the Great Depression in the United States severity is made more obvious.

What Led To The Decline?

The primary driver of the Great Depression in the United States was a drop in consumer spending, often known as aggregate demand. This decline in demand caused a decline in production as a result of manufacturers and retailers observing an unplanned increase in inventories. Over the course of the Depression, the causes of the reduction in American spending varied, but they all added up to a massive drop in aggregate demand. The gold standard played a significant role in spreading the American slide to the rest of the world. But a number of other reasons also had a role in the slump in different nations.

Society And Culture During The Great Depression

The 1930s were the most horrific decade of the 20th century for people all across the world. Economic chaos, the growth of authoritarianism, and the impending (or ongoing) war were among the horrors of the decade. Nevertheless, different regions of the world have distinct methods of remembering the decade. The 1930s will always be remembered by Americans as the decade of the Great Depression. Bank panics eroded confidence in the financial system, while unemployment lowered confidence in the future. The Great Plains saw the greatest drought in contemporary American history in 1934. The entire region was transformed into a massive Dust Bowl by windstorms that stripped the topsoil from millions of acres, resulting in catastrophic levels of agricultural and livestock destruction. Around 2.5 million people left the Plains states as a result, many of them heading for California, where the lure of sunshine and a better life frequently came afoul with the reality of insufficient, low-paying work as migrant farm laborers.

 

 

6Feb

What Is Depression?

A mood disorder is a condition that incorporates depression. Anger, unhappiness, or failure feelings that interfere during daily activity are some common descriptions.

As per the WHO website: – Globally, the total number of people with depression was estimated to exceed 300 million in 2015, equivalent to 4.3% of the world’s population. In India, the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 revealed that nearly 15% of Indian adults need active intervention for one or more mental health issues and one in 20 Indians suffers from depression. It is estimated that in 2012, India had over 258 000 suicides, with the age-group of 15-49 years being most affected./span>

Although sadness after a traumatic event in life or grieving following the loss of a beloved one both have specific characteristics in common with depression, these emotions are distinct from each other. While sorrow frequently does not, depression frequently does involve self-hatred or low self-esteem.

Usually, feelings of emotional pain are accompanied by pleasant sensations and happy recollections of the deceased while someone is weeping. Sadness is a continuous sensation in major depressive disorder.

Depression manifests itself differently for each person. Your everyday tasks could be hampered, causing you to lose time and reduce production. Relationships and some long-term medical disorders may also be affected.

Depression can lead to specific conditions, such as:

This is important to realize that having sadness occasionally is a healthy component of life. Everyone endures unhappy and troubling things in life. But if you frequently feel depressed or hopeless, you may be suffering from depression.

Without the right treatment, depression is regarded as a dangerous medical illness that might worsen.

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Symptoms Of Depression

Depression might be more than simply a continuously depressed or “blue” feeling.

A major depressive episode can manifest in a number of ways. Some influence your body while others influence your mood. Additionally, symptoms might continue or come and go.

Test For Depression

No single test exists to identify depression. However, based on your symptoms and the results of a psychological assessment, your healthcare professional can make a diagnosis.

They typically probe you with a series of inquiries concerning your:

Moods, hunger, sleep habits, level of activity, and thoughts
Your healthcare provider may also perform a physical examination and request blood work because depression has been connected to other health issues. Sometimes depressive symptoms might be brought on by thyroid issues or a vitamin D shortage.

It’s critical to not disregard depressive disorder symptoms. Seek medical assistance if your mood doesn’t get better or grows worse. There is a chance of difficulties with depression, a significant mental health condition.

Complications might include trusted sources:

  • self-harm
  • drug usage disorder
  • suicidal thoughts due to social isolation
  • panic disorders
  • loss or increase in weight
  • relationship difficulties
  • a physical hurt

General Symptoms And Signs (Depression Symptoms, Symptoms Of Depression )

The symptoms of depression vary from person to person. The degree, regularity, and duration of symptoms can all vary.

You may have depression if you have experienced some of the warning signs and symptoms listed below nearly every day for at least two weeks:

  • feeling depressed, worried, or empty
  • feeling useless, cynical, and hopeless
  • crying a lot feeling upset, irritated, or furious losing interest in
  • activities and pursuits you once found enjoyable
  • reduced energy or weariness
  • the trouble with concentration, memory, or decision-making
  • moving or speaking more slowly, having trouble falling asleep,
  • waking up early, or staying up late, and experiencing changes in appetite or weight
  • persistent physical discomfort with no apparent cause that does not improve with treatment (headaches, aches or pains, digestive problems, cramps)
  • Self-harm, suicide attempts, or death-related ideas

Who Is Most Prone To Depression?

Nobody is immune to depression, regardless of age, gender, or situation. Depression affects over 16 million Americans each year.

Depression may affect women more frequently than it does males. Additionally, having at least one depressing episode in your life is more likely if you have certain medical conditions or genetics.

Is It Possible To Stop Depression?

By getting adequate sleep, maintaining a nutritious diet, and engaging in regular self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and exercise, you can help prevent depression.

If you’ve previously struggled with depression, you could be more prone to do so again. Get treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of depression. You can recover more quickly with care.

 

 

 

6Feb

Manic Depression

An individual’s mood, energy level, and capacity for function can alter as a result of bipolar illness, a brain disorder. Bipolar disorder patients go through strong emotional states known as mood episodes, which often happen over discrete intervals of days to weeks. Manic/hypomanic (an abnormally cheerful or angry mood) or depression are the two classifications for these mood episodes (sad mood). Most bipolar patients also have periods of neutral mood. Bipolar disease sufferers can live full and productive lives if given the right treatment.

Even those who do not have bipolar disorder go through mood swings. These mood swings, meanwhile, usually only last a few hours as opposed to days. Furthermore, unlike during mood episodes, these alterations are typically not accompanied by the significant degree of behavior change or difficulties adjusting to regular activities and social interactions that bipolar illness sufferers exhibit. A person with bipolar disorder may experience difficulties at work or at school, as well as in their relationships with their loved ones.

Three distinct diagnoses fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Eighty to ninety percent of those with bipolar disorder have a family member who also has the condition or is depressed. Stress, irregular sleep patterns, narcotics, and alcohol can all cause mood swings in persons who are already vulnerable. Although the exact brain-based origins of bipolar disorder are unknown, dysregulated brain activity is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance. 25 years old on average is the onset age.

Anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are typically present in people with bipolar I disorder (ADHD). Compared to the general population, those with bipolar I disorder have a much-increased risk of suicide.

Manic Depression

Bipolar illness patients might experience extreme highs of happiness and vigour as well as extreme lows of melancholy, hopelessness, and sluggishness. Usually, people feel normal in the intervals between those times. Bipolar disorder is so named because the highs and lows can be compared to two “poles” of emotion.

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What Are the Symptoms of Manic Depression?

The extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder do not occur in a predictable way. Before shifting to the opposite mood, a person may experience the same mood state (depressed or manic) multiple times. These episodes can take place over the course of several weeks, months, or even years.

The degree to which it worsens varies from person to person and can also alter over time, worsening or lessening.

Mania symptoms (“the highs”):

  • Making grand and unrealistic plans
  • Rapid speech and poor concentration
  • Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement
  • Showing poor judgment
  • Less of an appetite
  • Sudden changes from being joyful to being irritable, angry, and hostile
  • Restlessness
  • Increased energy and less need for sleep
  • Unusually high sex drive
  • Becoming more impulsive
  • Less need for sleep
  • A larger sense of self-confidence and well-being
  • Being easily distracted
  • Drug and alcohol abuse

Manic Depression Symptoms

During depressive periods (“the lows”), a person with bipolar disorder may have:

  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Sadness
  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
  • Loss of energy
  • Not enjoying things they once liked
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Forgetfulness
  • Talking slowly
  • Less of a sex drive
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Trouble making decisions
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Appetite changes that make you lose or gain weight
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Attempting suicide
  • Needing more sleep

How Does A Person With Manic Depression Act?

Increased vigour, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation are some examples of manic symptoms. Lack of energy, a sense of worthlessness, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts are some of the symptoms of depression. Additionally, psychotic symptoms are possible.

 

 

4Feb

How To Cure Depression

Being depressed can be challenging. It’s simple to feel despondent and question whether you’ll always feel this way. It would be wonderful if it would just… vanish. Unfortunately, it doesn’t truly work that way, but that doesn’t mean you have to continue feeling this way.

You can start feeling better right away by using these suggestions-

Exercise:

 Endorphins, which are feel-good compounds, are momentarily increased. People with depression might potentially benefit over the long run from it. Cook claims that regular exercise appears to assist the brain to positively remodel itself.

What level of workout is required? To receive a benefit, you don’t have to run marathons. Even just a few weekly walks can be beneficial.

Get Adequate Rest:

Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to obtain enough rest, and inadequate sleep can exacerbate depression.

How can you help? Make some lifestyle adjustments to start. Every day, go to bed and rise at the same hour. Avoid taking a sleep. Remove any sources of distractions from your bedroom, including the computer and TV. Your sleep may get better over time.

Adopt A Schedule:

According to Dr. Ian Cook, you need a routine if you’re depressed. He is a doctor who also oversees UCLA’s Depression Research and Clinic Program.

Your life may become more ad hoc due to depression. The days blend into one another. An easy daily routine can assist you in getting back on track.

Eat Healthily:

There isn’t magic food that will make you happy again. But you should keep an eye on your diet. Gaining control over your eating will improve your mood if depression causes you to overeat.

Cook says there is evidence that eating foods high in folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, such as spinach and avocado, may help treat depression, however, nothing is conclusive.

Depression Symptoms

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Clear Goals:

When you’re depressed, you might think there’s nothing you can do. You start to feel worse about yourself as a result. Make daily goals for yourself in order to push back.

Start off modest, advises Cook. “Set a realistic goal for yourself, like doing the dishes every other day.”

You can increase the difficulty of your daily goals as you begin to feel better.

Challenge Your Negative Thinking:

Changing your thought process is a big part of the battle against depression. When you’re depressed, you automatically draw the worst conclusions.

Use logic as a natural depression cure the next time you’re having a bad self-esteem moment. Even if you could think no one likes you, is there any solid proof of that? Even if you may feel like the most worthless person on the earth, is it truly the case? You can eventually stop those negative thoughts before they spiral out of control with practice.

Try New Things:

You’re stuck in a rut when you’re depressed. Encourage yourself to try something new. Visit a gallery. Read a worn book while sitting on a park seat. Participate in a soup kitchen. Attend a language course.

There are molecular changes in the brain when we push ourselves to do something different, according to Cook. Dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter connected to pleasure, enjoyment, and learning, is altered when we try something new.

Assume Responsibility:

When you’re depressed, you might wish to withdraw from society and abdicate your duties at work and home. Don’t. Maintaining an active lifestyle and taking on regular duties will help you fight depression. They help you feel grounded and accomplished.

It’s okay if you can’t handle full-time employment or education. Consider working part-time. If that seems excessive, think about volunteering.

Have Fun As Much As Possible:

Make time for your favorite hobbies if you’re feeling down. What if there is no longer any enjoyment? Cook states, “That’s just a symptom of depression.” Regardless, you must continue to attempt.

You have to put effort into having enjoyment, as weird as it may sound. Even if they seem like a chore, schedule activities you formerly enjoyed. Continue to see movies. Continue having supper out with pals.

Have Fun

 

3Feb

What Is OCD? (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

The mental disease known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the impulse to do certain repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions are both common in some people.

OCD is not characterized by behaviors like nail-biting or pessimistic thinking. A compulsive habit might be washing your hands seven times after touching something that might be dirty, whereas an obsession might be the idea that particular numbers or colors are “good” or “bad.” You may not want to think or act in these ways, but you feel unable to stop.

Everyone occasionally has repetitive habits or thoughts. OCD patients may have or do the following:

  • Interfere with your social life, your job, or another aspect of your life
  • At least one hour each day
  • Aren’t entertaining
  • Are not under your control

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Compulsions and Obsessions

Many OCD sufferers are aware that their thoughts and behaviors are absurd. They perform them because they are unable to stop, not because they like doing so. And if they quit, they feel terrible and restart.

Obsessive ideas might consist of:

  • Fear of harming yourself or others
  • Constant attention to body sensations like breathing, blinking, or other body functions
  • Suspicion of infidelity in a relationship but no solid evidence to support it

Among compulsive behaviors are:

  • Completing things in a predetermined order or a predetermined number of “excellent” times each time
  • Counting objects, such as steps or bottles
  • Fear of shaking hands, using public restrooms, or touching doorknobs

Types and Symptoms of OCD

OCD can take many different forms, however, the majority of instances fit into at least one of four broad categories:

  • Having a mental illness such as pregnancy or schizophrenia, or checking things like locks, alarm systems, ovens, or light switches
  • Contamination, apprehension about potentially dirty objects, or a need to clean. You could get mental contamination if you experience being treated rudely.
  • Order and symmetry, the requirement that objects be arranged in a specific manner
  • Invasive musings, and a preoccupation with a particular idea. These ideas might include some violent or unsettling ones.

Diagnosis Of OCD

To confirm that something else isn’t causing your symptoms, your doctor may perform a physical examination and blood testing. They will also discuss your emotions, ideas, and routines with you.

Causes and Risk Factors for OCD

Doctors are unsure about the cause of OCD in some patients. Stress might exacerbate symptoms.

A little more women than males experience it. Teenagers or young adults frequently have symptoms.

OCD risk elements consist of:

  • OCD in a parent, sibling, or child
  • Physical variations in specific brain regions
  • Tics, depression, or anxiety
  • Knowledge of trauma
  • An earlier history of physical or sexual abuse

A youngster may occasionally develop OCD as a result of a streptococcal infection. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or PANDAS, is the name given to this condition.

OCD Therapy

OCD cannot be cured. But with the help of medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments, you might be able to control how your symptoms interfere with your life.

Treatments include:

Psychotherapy: Your thought patterns may be changed with cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor will place you in an environment intended to induce anxiety or trigger compulsions as part of a technique known as exposure and response prevention. You’ll discover how to reduce, then stop, your OCD thoughts or behaviors.
Relaxation: Simple practices like yoga, massage, and meditation can ease the symptoms of anxious OCD.

Medication: Selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors are psychiatric medications that assist many people to manage their obsessions and compulsions. Starting to function could take two to four months. Escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline are examples of common ones (Zoloft). Your doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medications such as aripiprazole (Abilify) or risperidone if you continue to experience symptoms (Risperdal).

 

2Feb

How To Overcome Depression?

You can’t just will yourself to “snap out of it” when you’re depressed. But these coping mechanisms can assist you in overcoming depression and starting your road to recovery.

Why Is Overcoming Depression So Challenging?

Depression saps your motivation, hope, and vitality, making it challenging to perform the actions that will improve your mood. Sometimes it might be difficult or stressful to even think about doing the things you should do to feel better, like exercising or hanging out with friends.

The Catch-22 of depression recovery is as follows: The most difficult things to undertake are also the things that help the most. However, there is a significant distinction between something being difficult and something being impossible. Even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent, you have more control than you may know. Recovery from depression is neither quick nor easy. Starting small and expanding from there is the key. Even though you might not have much energy, if you use all of your reserves, you should be able to do things like go for a walk around the block or pick up the phone to call a loved one.

The hardest step is always the first one. But you can do things right now, like taking a stroll or getting up and dancing to your favorite tunes. And it can significantly improve your mood and energy for several hours—long enough to implement a second recovery step, like making a meal that will make you feel better or making plans to see an old friend. The following modest but effective methods should help you gradually lift the heavy depression-induced cloud and experience happier, healthier, and more hopeful feelings once more.

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The following actions can help you feel better. They might be small, but they have a big impact:

Exercise: Every day, go for a 15–30 minute brisk walk. Or you could dance, engage in sports, stretch, or practice yoga. People who are depressed might not feel particularly motivated to exercise. Convince yourself to do it nevertheless. Ask a friend to work out with you if you need some motivation. Any action that you start increases your mood. Persist in it.

Describe Yourself: Your sense of humor and creativity may seem to be restricted if you’re depressed. However, engaging in activities that inspire creativity might be beneficial. Draw, sketch, or paint. Cook, bake or sew. Create music, dance, or write. Talk to a friend or engage in animal play. Look for anything to chuckle at. watch a humorous film. Do enjoyable stuff. even slightly That facilitates recovery from depression.

Consume Nutritious Foods And Get Enough Water: Some people who are depressed don’t feel very hungry. Some people might eat too much. But your energy and attitude can be impacted by what you consume. In order to avoid depression, you must eat well. That implies plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains for the majority of individuals. Limit meals like “junk” cuisine and desserts that have added sugar as well as basic carbs. Avoid fasting for an extended period of time. Eat a light, healthful meal even if you don’t feel hungry. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. When possible, stay away from sugary and caffeinated drinks.

Observe The Positives: The perception of the world is impacted by depression. The situation may appear bleak, gloomy, and hopeless. Set a goal to focus on 3 positive things each day in order to change your perspective. The more positive things you notice, the more positive things you will notice.

Don’t Linger On Issues: Talking through a difficulty with a supportive buddy might feel nice. However, sadness can make people overly critical, accusatory, and problem-focused. It can help you remain aware of what is wrong.

It’s acceptable to discuss your ideas and emotions with caring others. But avoid talking only about your concerns. Discuss some positive things as well. Consider changing your negative thoughts to more optimistic ones. Your mood may improve as a result of this.

Most importantly, be compassionate and nice to yourself if you’re experiencing depression. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggles might be comforting. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Healing from depression takes time.