Depression and the benefits of CBD oil

Depression is a well-known worldwide psychological condition that affects a person's emotional well-being, general state of health and quality of life. It is more than just a temporary wave of sadness or fatigue. Depression can affect our daily lives, our work and our relationships with people, and at times it can seem insurmountable. However, it is important to know that there are many ways to effectively fight and defeat this disease. The first step is to understand how to recognize it, and the second is to understand what are effective and time-tested ways to defeat it. In this article, we will discuss what depression is, learn about the different forms of depression, and learn about various methods of treating it, including the rapidly gaining popularity of CBD oil (hemp extract).

What is depression

Depression is a widespread mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness that affects thinking, sleep, eating, and behavior. There are many different types of depression, but the good news is that all of them can be treated, from various therapies to medications or a combination of both. It is especially important to overcome doubts and turn to specialists when you recognize the first symptoms of depression.

Statistical data show that about 6.7% of adults experience depression during the year, which is one in fifteen persons. Also, approximately one in six people (or 16.6% of the population) will experience the challenges of depression in their lifetime. Depression can occur at any stage of life, usually starting in the late teens or mid-twenties. Note that women experience depression more often than men. In fact, some data suggests that nearly a third of all women will experience major depression in their lifetime. In addition, if depression is experienced by your relatives (for example, parents, children, brothers or sisters), the chance of inheriting depression is as high as 40%.

Types of depression

Severe form of depression

Also known as clinical depression, is one of the more severe forms of depression that people experience less often than the milder forms of the disease. This type of depression is characterized by particularly intense and often recurring symptoms. If left untreated, severe depression can last up to half a year. Although some individuals experience only one episode of this form of depression, there is a high risk that the disorder may recur after recovery.

Atypical depression

Atypical depression is one of the more severe forms of depression, characterized by specific, characteristic features. It is important to correctly identify atypical depression, as its effective treatment requires specific therapy methods and medications. In this form of depression, the patient's mood may improve in certain situations, such as receiving good news or spending time with friends. Other atypical characteristics of depression include weight gain, changes in appetite, increased need for sleep, a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs, and hypersensitive response to negative situations.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a mental health disorder that affects many women who have recently given birth. It is a condition that involves long-term feelings of sadness, anxiety and fatigue, making it difficult to care for yourself and your baby. This disorder can occur at any time after childbirth, usually starting in the first weeks after the birth of the child. Postpartum depression requires treatment to improve.

This form of depression can occur during pregnancy or during the first year after childbirth, and is one of the most common complications in women who have just given birth, occurring in approximately 15% of cases.

Postpartum depression is often the first episode of depression in a woman's life, and symptoms can even appear during pregnancy. If a woman has already suffered from this depression during a previous pregnancy, there is a high probability that it will happen again with another pregnancy.

It is important to understand that postpartum depression is not a woman's fault and it does not make her a bad mother or person. If you suspect that you are experiencing postpartum depression, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Dysthymia (mild, recurrent)

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specific form of depression that occurs most often during times of the year when the days are shorter, usually fall or winter. Shorter days and reduced daylight can lead to chemical changes in the brain that lead to depressive symptoms. Light therapy and the use of antidepressants are effective treatments for SAS. Seasonal affective disorder occurs more often in adults - the risk of getting sick increases with age; this condition is very rare in individuals under 20 years of age. In addition, statistics show that women suffer from this form of depression more often than men.

The causes of seasonal affective disorder are associated with reduced daylight hours. Shorter days and less sunlight can trigger a chemical reaction in the brain that leads to this disorder.

Melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep cycles, also affects SAS. During longer periods of darkness, the body produces more melatonin, which can contribute to depressive symptoms in winter, when the days are shorter and darker.

During clinical trials  involving 90 subjects (aged 16-69), found that CBD oil (cannabidiol) improved the symptoms of their seasonal affective disorder, according to 78% of participants. Because of its potential to regulate mood and reduce anxiety, CBD oil may provide additional benefits, especially for easing the emotional discomfort of the winter months. In addition, there are hints that CBD can improve sleep quality, which is very important when the length of daylight is reduced, which directly affects the human circadian rhythm.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a form of mental illness. It is characterized by repeated episodes of mania and depression, which may change or appear after a certain period of well-being (state). This disorder poses many challenges for patients, their families and society. However, with proper and consistent treatment, a person can live a fulfilling life.

Bipolar affective disorder is classified as a long-term mood disorder. It is characterized by constant fluctuations in mood and activity level. These fluctuations include manic or hypomanic episodes, characterized by excessively elevated mood, energy, and activity, and periods of depression, when mood and energy are drastically reduced.

Men and women have bipolar disorder equally often. The disorder can occur in people of any age, but is more common in younger individuals. Men are more likely to suffer from mania, while women are more likely to suffer from depressive episodes. The disease affects about 1% of the population, and the risk is highest for those whose parents also suffer from the condition, reaching 20-25%. If both parents are sick, the child's chance of getting sick can be as high as 50-75%.

Signs of depression

Psychological signs of depression

1. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, persistent thoughts about past failures or self-blame
2. Significantly deteriorated mood
3. Increased anxiety and worry
4. Daily activities no longer bring joy
5. Outbursts of anger and increased irritability
6. You avoid meeting friends and interacting with people
7. Constant anger with loved ones
8. Reduction of work efficiency
9. Frequent or recurrent thoughts about death or suicide, suicide attempts
10. Inability to respect oneself
11. Disturbed thinking, reduced concentration and decision-making, and impaired memory

Physical signs of depression

1. Decreased energy, increased fatigue
2. Changes in appetite and body weight
3. You move or speak more slowly than usual
4. Sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep and waking up often)
5. Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
6. You have lost your sexual desire or you can no longer get excited and orgasm during intimate relationships
7. Changed menstrual cycle

Signs of depression in children

The most common signs and symptoms of depression in children and adolescents are similar to those in adults, but there may be some differences.

Signs of depression in younger children may include sadness, irritability, depression, anxiety, various types of pain, refusal to attend school, or low body weight.

In teenagers, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feelings of worthlessness, anger, poor grades at school or not wanting to attend classes, increased sensitivity, drug or alcohol use, frequent eating or sleeping, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities and avoidance of communication.

Symptoms of depression in adults

1. Memory impairment or personality changes
2. Various, unexplained physical pains
3. Fatigue
4. Loss of appetite
5. Sleep disorders
6. Loss of interest in sex - not due to a medical condition or medication
7. You often want to stay at home instead of socializing or engaging in new activities
8. Suicidal ideation, especially in older men

Symptoms of depression

Psychological symptoms of depression

• Persistent bad mood or sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Feeling low self-esteem
• Frequent congestion
• Persistent guilt
• Irritability and intolerance of others
• It is difficult to make decisions
• You often feel anxious

Physical symptoms of depression

• you move or speak more slowly than usual
• changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased but sometimes increased)
• constipation
• unexplained pains
• lack of energy
• low sex drive (decreased sex drive)
• sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep at night or waking very early in the morning

Social symptoms of depression

• avoidance of communication with friends and decreased desire to participate in social activities
• you neglect your hobbies
• difficulties at home, work or family life

Grief and depression

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between grief and depression. They share many of the same characteristics, but there are also important differences.

Grief is a completely natural reaction to loss, and depression is an illness.

People who are grieving may experience symptoms of depression, but these usually improve over time. For some people, bereavement can lead to depression.
When you are grieving, it is normal to feel sad. Some other symptoms of depression are rarely associated with grief and loss, such as suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms, and feelings of hopelessness or guilt.

What factors can cause depression?

Genetic predisposition - depression is more likely for those whose family (parents, brothers, sisters) have documented cases of depression or other psychological disorders.

Trauma in childhood - experienced stress or violence (physical, sexual, emotional) in childhood can increase the risk of depression.

Biology of the brain - Depression is thought to involve specific biological changes in the brain, particularly related to neurotransmitters responsible for regulating brain processes. These changes can be influenced by genetic traits, previously experienced diseases, especially those affecting the central nervous system, abuse of psychoactive substances, and many other factors.

Psychologically traumatic events - the death of a loved one, betrayal of a loved one, divorce, financial problems, job loss, serious injuries, can cause depression or other mental disorders.

Environmental factors - living near people with harmful addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling), caring for a relative with a disability, a toxic environment (at home, school or work) and similar circumstances can promote depression emergence.

Use of psychoactive substances - about 30% of persons addicted to psychoactive substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.)), are depressed.

Chronic diseases - such as arthritis, asthma, glaucoma, oncological diseases, diabetes, heart diseases, nervous system disorders, etc., can cause depression

Using certain medications - medications for Parkinson's disease, sex hormone replacement therapy, corticosteroids, beta blockers, benzodiazepine, and others.

7 factors aggravating depression

There are several factors that can make depression worse, so it's important to know how to recognize them, manage them and when to seek help.

A bad mood is a normal part of life that everyone has to deal with periodically. For many people, negative emotions come and go, but for others, sadness becomes a constant state. If you feel sad or depressed for a long time and it has a noticeable negative impact on your daily life, you may be suffering from depression.

Anyone who has experienced depression knows that symptoms can't always be controlled, whether it's an avalanche of negative emotions you can't seem to escape, or a lack of motivation to do activities you used to enjoy.

While the best thing to do is seek help, lifestyle changes can also go a long way in alleviating the symptoms of depression. Knowing what's causing your depression is the first step to feeling better. You can then take the appropriate steps to improve your emotional well-being in whatever seemingly difficult situation you may find yourself in.

7 factors that can make depression worse:

1. Negative interpretation of situations (pessimism)
When it comes to your mental health, it is very important to assess whether you tend to evaluate life situations too negatively - rejecting any positive attitude. Psychiatrists distinguish the three most common models of negative thinking:

Emotional reasoning is convincing yourself with stories that are not based on real facts. It might look like this:
"I feel like I'm not a good friend, so it must be true."
Undervaluing positive things - dwelling on negative things and deciding not to see the positive sides of the situation. You may be thinking, "I failed to properly complete a work task assigned to me, and although I have recently received praise from my supervisors for previous tasks, it does not matter. I'm a loser."
All-or-nothing thinking - when a person thinks in extremes (or black and white). An example might be: "Nothing good ever happens to me" or "I always fail."
Negative thought patterns are a common component of depression, so learning how to change this way of thinking can be helpful.

Mental health professionals can help you do this. They will help you identify which thinking style you identify with and give you tips on how to deal with negative attitudes in various situations.

2. Low Self-Esteem
Your self-esteem can also directly affect your mood and behavior.

When a person's self-esteem is low, he tends to judge himself badly and think badly about himself, or even speak badly. It would be helpful to learn to recognize this and reduce negative self-views. It would also be helpful to ask your family and friends what strengths they can name in you.

Here are some tips to boost your self-esteem and reduce your negative self-image:

• Ask loved ones what your strengths are
• Try not to compare yourself to other people because we all live different lives
• Write down what you are grateful for
• Practice mindfulness and rational thinking - meditation can help

3. Isolating oneself from the outside world
Persistent avoidance of socializing can be another symptom of depression. When you're not feeling well, it's normal to want to be alone, but doing so all the time can make your emotional state even worse.

Instead, taking responsibility for maintaining a social life can help. Start by setting small goals and over time it will become more of a habit.

It would be very helpful to set a specific, measurable, realistic and timely goal to encourage you to interact with people. For example: contact one family member or friend by text or short call each week for the next four weeks.

4. Relationship problems
Whether you have problems with a family member, a friend, or stress with your significant other, these can also exacerbate symptoms of depression. This is why finding a healthy form of communication is so important.

In a conflict situation (during verbal disagreements), it is recommended to look for a situation where both sides win - so that both parties feel good at the end of the conversation. One of the ways to achieve this is to try to say "you" as little as possible during the conversation and to say "I" more often.

You can also talk openly with loved ones about your emotional well-being and what you need from them to feel supported. In some cases, you may need professional help to understand how best to express yourself, be heard and understood.

5. Stress
Stress can increase the severity of depression. Studies conducted in 2020 in the US show that chronic exposure to stress can lead to episodes of depression.

Stress chemicals are the root cause of many depressive symptoms. Whether it's changes in appetite, hypertension, or a weakened immune system, these symptoms can be the result of chronic stress, which can eventually trigger or exacerbate depression.

For many of us, stress comes from spending too much time helping others and not paying enough attention to ourselves and our own needs. If you feel that you are in such a situation, try to practice saying "no" more often when you feel it is necessary. It may seem strange or wrong to do this, but you will soon realize that saying "no" will not harm you. On the contrary, the person will start to respect you more over time because you are able to draw your own line, which is a characteristic of a strong and confident person.

6. Sleep disorders
Even 70 percent of depressed people report experiencing sleep disturbances. For some, sleep disorders can be the cause of depression, while for others, sleep disorders can exacerbate depression that has already developed. In any case, good and quality sleep is probably the most important factor in maintaining strong emotional health.

Lack of sleep typically leads to low energy, increased stress, and irritability, which are common symptoms of depression. And the feeling of irritability and stress can lead to distraction when going to bed and general difficulty falling asleep, resulting in a "vicious circle".

The opposite can also happen - some people with depression experience hypersomnia, i.e. when they sleep too much and feel too tired during the day as a result. According to the data of the study conducted in 2016, it was found that hypersomnia can worsen the symptoms of depression and complicate the treatment.

There are many ways that help you fall asleep more easily, you can read about them in this article. One of the ways to deal with sleep disorders is to try not to use a mobile phone or watch TV for 1 hour before going to bed, and it is also important to create a suitable atmosphere for sleep (turn off the lights, close the curtains/blinds, etc.).

You can also try to move more during the day so that you feel more tired at night. It can be walks, yoga exercises or a visit to the gym. Try to choose something you enjoy so that exercise becomes part of your daily routine.

7. Alcohol
Depression combined with alcohol use creates a dangerous combination that forms a destructive cycle. A 2019 study shows that people suffering from depression often tend to resort to alcohol, and increasing alcohol consumption can exacerbate depression symptoms.

Alcohol, as a natural depressant, has a negative effect on brain function, thus worsening the symptoms of depression.
One of the ways to combat this is to reduce or completely give up alcohol. Often, alcohol consumption can be related to the negative influence of people around (who are prone to alcohol consumption). Situations when depression starts to interfere with daily life, activities at home, school, work, personal hygiene or social life signal the fact that specialist help may be needed.

Let's summarize
One of the potentially helpful ways to manage symptoms of depression is to identify the factors that can make depression worse and begin to gradually change these habits.
Factors that can make depression worse include stress, sleep disorders, and unhealthy eating habits. However, it is important to remember that depression is not your fault, and you are not alone.

Talking to a mental health professional can be a great first step to feeling like yourself again. A therapist can help you learn strategies to manage your depression symptoms and develop healthier habits.

How to fight depression?

1. Accept yourself and your challenges
Millions of people suffer from depression, so it is realistic that people around you have also faced it. Sometimes we don't think about the fact that the people around us are struggling with similar challenges, emotions and obstacles.
Openness and love for yourself and what you are going through can help you overcome depression.

2. Remember that tomorrow is a new day
Inner emotions and thoughts change every day. Keeping track of your feelings and mood while journaling can help you remember this.

If you didn't manage to get out of bed or meet your goals today, remember that you haven't lost your chance to try again tomorrow.

3. Focus on the details, not the big picture
Depression can darken our memories, imbuing them with heavy emotions. You may find that you often focus on the negative aspects of situations instead of noticing the positives.
It is necessary to learn to stop this over-sharing attitude. Take time to notice and appreciate what was good. If it helps, record the important moments in writing - write down what was positive about that particular day or event. Record your achievements and enjoyable activities.

By understanding the meaning you attach to individual events, you can begin to shift your mind from the big picture to the smaller, positive details of life that bring you benefit and joy.

4. Do the opposite of what the "voice of depression" suggests
The negative voice you often hear in your head can discourage you from activities that could be beneficial and positive for you. By learning to recognize this voice, you can learn to overcome it and change your decisions.

For example, if your thoughts say that inviting your friends to an event will be boring or pointless, tell yourself: "Maybe so, but maybe the evening will leave unforgettable and fun moments." By channeling your thoughts in this way, you will soon discover how the inner voice can be misleading and not always in line with reality.

5. Be in nature
Being in contact with nature can be a great way to ease the symptoms of depression. A short walk in the park, relaxing on the meadow, or just being outside can help you relax and restore your emotional balance. Feelings and sensations awakened in the midst of nature have a positive effect on our mind and body, helping to calm down and revive the spirit. So even small moments spent outdoors can give you new energy and change your mood. Nature offers the peace and relaxation our soul and mind need to recover. Breathing in the fresh air, watching the unique views of nature, listening to the chirping of birds or the gurgling of water - all this helps to get away from everyday worries and brings joy back into our lives.

6. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of making a long list of tasks, consider setting small goals. Setting and achieving these goals can provide a sense of control and achievement and help motivate yourself.

Achievable goals can be:
Don't clean the whole house - just take out the trash.
Don't rush to organize the entire closet - organize one shelf or drawer.
Don't wash all the accumulated laundry - sort the piles for later.
Once you've done one small task, tackle another, and then another.

7. Physical activity
Physical activity is an invaluable tool in the fight against milder forms of depression. Regular exercise can be just as effective as traditional treatment methods. Setting yourself a goal of at least 20 minutes of exercise a day can not only improve your mental state, but also encourage you to take up new activities.

Walking, dancing, running or riding a bike can become not only a pleasure, but also a new source of energy. Although depression can suppress your desire to move, it is important to understand the importance of this and try to maintain consistency. Why not invite a friend to join you or share your sports plans with loved ones so they can encourage and support you? Over time, regular exercise will become not only a habit, but also a source of good mood.

Yoga classes can also become a great companion in the fight against the shadows of depression. Try different yoga poses that you can discover online. Yoga breathing exercises and meditation not only calm the mind but also help restore inner balance, providing relief to those suffering from depression.

8. Create a flexible daily routine
If symptoms of depression interfere with your normal daily routine, having a planned but flexible daily schedule can help you regain a sense of control. This plan does not require the entire day to be planned in detail.

Focus on creating a routine that is free-flowing but structured to help maintain consistency and daily rhythm.

9. Find time for your favorite activities
Depression can cause a feeling of absolute exhaustion, which sometimes seems stronger than any desire to do what you like.
Don't give in to this fatigue and find time for activities that bring you pleasure or meaning. It can be playing a musical instrument, painting, hiking in nature or riding a bike.
Incorporating activities into your day that are meaningful and enjoyable can boost your mood and energy, which in turn encourages continued engagement in activities that help combat symptoms of depression.

10. Listen to your favorite music
Music has a special power to affect our emotions and moods, so it can be a wonderful tool in combating the symptoms of depression. Listening to your favorite music can not only give you moments of pleasure, but it can also help you reduce stress, inspire peace, or even give you strength. Music can be varied - from soothing melodies to energetic rhythms that encourage movement or dancing. Incorporating music into your daily routine, such as listening to it in the morning, doing housework, or relaxing in the evening, can help you regain a sense of joy and relieve symptoms of depression. Listening to music can become one of the most effective ways to improve your mood and renew the colors of your life.

11. Spend time with loved ones
Depression often leads to a desire to withdraw from loved ones, but socializing and spending time with loved ones can help reverse this temporary state.
When you can't meet in person, calls or video chats can also be very valuable.

Try to remind yourself that these people care about you. Resist possible thoughts that you are a burden to others. You need communication - they probably do too.

12. Express Your Feelings
Consider blogging about what you're going through. Then, when the feelings have subsided, write about that too. Research shows that journaling can be a useful method for improving mental health.

Writing down your thoughts can help you express your feelings more clearly. It can also help you keep track of your symptoms on a daily basis and identify their causes.
You can set a goal to write for a few minutes each day or week. The most important thing is that what you want to write about depends only on you - you create the rules yourself.

13. Try something new
By repeating the same actions every day, we activate only certain areas of the brain. But trying new things can provide a sense of satisfaction, improve your overall well-being, and even strengthen your social connections.

To take advantage of this benefit, consider trying a new sport, creative activity, or cooking technique.

14. Try volunteering
By volunteering and donating your time to help others, you can kill several rabbits with one shot - spending time with other people and doing something new.

You may be used to getting help from friends or family, but helping others can also help your mental health and reduce symptoms of depression.

In addition, people who volunteer also experience physical benefits. These include reduced blood pressure and improved sleep.

15. Try meditation
Stress and anxiety can prolong the symptoms of depression. By discovering relaxation techniques, you can reduce stress and add extra joy and balance to your day.

Research shows that practicing mindfulness can help you significantly improve your well-being and feel more connected to what's going on around you. This activity can be:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Blogging
• Deep breathing

16. Practice Gratitude
When you do something you love or discover a new activity you enjoy, you can do more for your mental health if you take the time to give thanks for it.

Practicing gratitude can have long-lasting positive effects on your overall emotional well-being.

17. Practice a healthy and balanced diet
There is no magic diet to cure depression. But what you put in your body can have a real and significant impact on how you feel.

Some people also feel better and have more energy when they avoid sugar, preservatives and processed foods.

You can start with a diet of lean meat, vegetables and grains. Try to limit the use of stimulants such as caffeine and sugary drinks and depressants such as alcohol

18. Avoid alcohol and/or drugs

Reducing alcohol and drug use is an essential step in reducing symptoms of depression. Alcohol and drugs may provide a short-term sense of relaxation, but in the long run they only increase the symptoms of depression and can lead to various mental health problems. Alcohol is a depressant that negatively affects mood and emotional state, and drug use can disrupt the brain's chemical balance. Reducing or completely eliminating these substances can lead to improved mood, better sleep quality, and overall improvement in emotional health. It is important to remember that a healthier lifestyle is one of the main steps in overcoming depression.

19. Practice a quality sleep routine

Quality sleep is one of the keys to overcoming depression and feeling better. Sleep patterns directly affect our emotional state and mental health. Inadequate sleep—either too little or too much—can exacerbate symptoms of depression, cause mood swings, and lower energy levels. Therefore, it is very important to create a healthy sleep routine that helps the body relax and recover effectively. This includes having a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, and reducing stimulation before bed, such as avoiding bright light from electronic devices (phone or TV) or noise for 1 hour before going to bed. The bedroom should be a cozy and calm place that promotes relaxation. After a good night's sleep, the day starts with more energy and the mood is more stable, which is extremely important in the fight against depression.

CBD oil benefits for depression

CBD oil (cannabidiol, or hemp extract) has gained a lot of attention in recent years as one of the alternative methods used to reduce the symptoms of depression. Although research in this area is not yet fully complete, early results show positive effects of CBD oil on emotional health.

CBD oil, by acting on the endocannabinoid system ( ECS), can help stabilize mood and reduce feelings of anxiety, which are often associated with depression. Research also suggests that CBD can improve sleep quality, which is important for managing symptoms of depression. Some studies show that taking CBD can stimulate the production of serotonin, the so-called happy hormone, providing a natural feeling of relaxation and well-being.

It is important to mention that the use of CBD oil should be combined with other aspects of a healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, in consultation with healthcare professionals. Although CBD oil is not a panacea, it can be a useful adjunctive tool in combating the symptoms of depression.

Treatment of depression: when professional help is needed

We all feel sad or depressed from time to time. So how do you know when the symptoms of depression have reached the level where you need professional help? Here's a good rule of thumb: If depressed mood lasts longer than two weeks, or seriously interferes with your ability to function in your work, family, and social life, or makes you think about or plan suicide, it's a good idea to see a mental health professional as soon as possible.

If you find yourself seriously thinking about suicide, make an appointment with a mental health doctor (psychiatrist or psychologist) as soon as possible.

If you feel that thoughts about suicide are constantly in your head, to the point that if within a few hours or days, without receiving any help, you will kill yourself - bypass the advice about visiting a doctor; just go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital immediately and tell them that you are feeling suicidal and you will get the help you need right away.

Emotional support over the phone is provided by:

"Youth Line"  - 8 800 28888
Opening hours: around the clock
Emotional support provided by volunteers

"Children's line " - 116 111
Opening hours: daily 11:00-23:00
Emotional support provided by volunteers

Line of Hope - 116 123
Opening hours: all 24/7
Emotional support provided by volunteers and mental health professionals

Women's Helpline - 8 800 66366
Opening hours: around the clock
Emotional support is provided by volunteers and mental health professionals

Don't be alone helpline for men - 8 604 11119
Opening hours:   daily 18:00-22:00
Emotional support is provided by volunteers

How to choose the right psychiatrist?

Seeing a mental health professional (psychologist or psychotherapist) for mental and emotional health can be a huge step. The first step is to find the right psychiatrist or psychotherapist who can provide you with quality help. But the question is how to begin this search and what to look for?

Here are some tips for discovering and choosing the right psychiatrist for your individual needs:

1. Find out about the specialties of a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists can focus their studies on specific areas in order to provide quality services to their patients. Some specializations you may look into include adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry. Psychiatrists may also have more experience in treating certain conditions such as

• Use and dependence of psychoactive substances
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Insomnia and sleep disorders

Explore psychiatric specialties or try psychiatrists with different backgrounds to expand your list of available providers. When narrowing down your search this way, think about what you hope to be treated for.

2. Consider gender
Finding a psychiatrist you feel comfortable with can depend on many factors, one of which is gender. This may mean that you prefer to see a psychiatrist of a certain gender, or you want a psychiatrist who has experience with patients of a certain gender: female, male, non-binary, or transgender.

3. Consider the specialist's age
When choosing a psychiatrist that is best for you, it is important to consider not only their specialty or gender, but also their age. Sometimes it is more convenient to communicate with a specialist who is closer to your age group. This can be important if you find it difficult to open up to someone who is significantly younger or older. A psychiatrist who is of a similar age may be able to better understand certain life experiences and challenges associated with your particular age group. This can lead to a stronger bond of trust and understanding, and thus better results.

4. Carefully review the reviews
When choosing a psychiatrist, it is worth looking for and evaluating the reviews of previous patients. These reviews can provide valuable information about the specialist's way of working, his approach to patients and his communication style. Online healthcare platforms, social networks or professional websites often have sections dedicated to patient reviews. By reading other people's experiences, you can better understand whether the psychiatrist's methods and personality traits match your expectations and needs.

Four traits of a good psychiatrist

How to understand if the psychiatrist you choose is suitable? There are four main things to consider:

1. You are given the opportunity to express your thoughts:
   You know your own feelings and experiences best. Therefore, it is very important that the psychiatrist listens to you carefully. Does he take your concerns into account? Do you feel encouraged to share your thoughts? It is important that you feel free to express your opinion about the future treatment plan for depression.
   
   
2. Empathy and understanding:
   No one likes to feel ignored or misunderstood, especially when it comes to mental health. A psychiatrist who is able to empathize with your experiences and take your feelings into account is an important factor in promoting openness and honesty during counseling and providing the greatest benefit in treating depression.
   
   
3. Time for your questions:
   You should never feel rushed when seeing a psychiatrist. Each of your questions should be given sufficient attention, providing detailed answers and discussing further steps if necessary. It is important to discuss your doubts and questions calmly and in detail.
   
   
4. Remembering previous meetings:
   A sign of a good psychiatrist is the ability to recall important facts from previous consultations (even if they were written down). This not only saves time, but also shows that the psychiatrist is listening carefully and cares about your treatment process. You shouldn't have to worry about repeating the same information over and over again. Each appointment should pick up where you left off last time, ensuring consistent and effective monitoring of your condition and treatment of depression.

What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologist, psychotherapist and psychiatrist are partly different professionals with slightly different competencies and treatment methods, especially when it comes to treating depression. A psychologist usually provides emotional support and psychological counseling, and helps to identify and suppress symptoms of depression using various therapeutic strategies.
A psychotherapist specializes in long-term therapy that addresses complex emotional problems and behavioral disorders, including depression.
On the other hand, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose depression and prescribe medication as well as provide psychotherapeutic advice. All of these professionals can help people with depression, but their methods differ.

Depression test: what is it?

The Depression Test is a list of relevant questions designed to assess the symptoms and severity of depression. This test usually consists of a dozen questions that help assess personal well-being, mood swings, and other symptoms of depression. A depression test is often used as the first step in determining whether a person is experiencing symptoms of depression and needs further help. It is important to mention that this test is not 100% accurate and is intended for reference only. Test results can be helpful at the start of a conversation with a health care professional, but a diagnosis of depression should be made based on thorough testing and professional evaluation. A depression test can be a great tool for identifying symptoms and encouraging people to seek help, but it shouldn't be the only basis for making a decision. You can also take the depression test online (link to depression test).

Burns Depression Scale

The Burns Depression Scale is a psychological assessment tool developed by psychiatrist David Burns. It is a self-report method used to determine the level and severity of depression. This scale consists of a series of statements that are answered on a scale that reflects the frequency and intensity of symptoms. The Burns scale helps people understand their emotional state, identify signs of depression and their intensity. Although this scale is useful for assessing depression and is widely used by psychologists and psychotherapists, it is important to emphasize that it cannot replace a professional medical assessment. The results of the Burns Depression Scale can be useful as an initial source of information when consulting with health care professionals and planning the further course of depression treatment.

Summary

Depression is a complex and often unpredictable condition that can manifest itself in both short-term and long-term periods. It is important to understand that treatment, although it does not necessarily always completely eliminate depression, can significantly alleviate its symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Effective relief of depressive symptoms often requires an individualized treatment plan that includes both medication and various forms of therapy. Each person is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is very important to communicate regularly with your health care professional to find the most effective treatment method together.

If you find that your current treatment method is not giving you the desired results, do not despair. It's not your fault, and there are plenty of other ways you can make yourself feel better. The most important thing is not to be afraid to ask for help and to find the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation together with specialists. Remember that depression is treatable and the right attitude and professional help can make a big difference in your daily life.

An increasing number of psychotherapists around the world are recommending their patients to try CBD oil, which is valued for its potential benefits in reducing stress and improving sleep quality, thus helping to combat the symptoms of depression. CBD oil can help you relax and reduce tension, which is important in the fight against depression. Additionally, CBD oil can help you fall asleep more easily and improve sleep quality, which is vital to effectively managing depression symptoms.