Agitated depression is characterized by feelings of irritation, restlessness, anger, insomnia, fidgeting, and racing thoughts. In fact, agitated depression is a very frequently diagnosed states of depression. Instead of the usual manifestations of depression of being gloomy and sullen and sluggish, agitated depression is seen as restlessness, insomnia and panic attacks.
It is not entirely clear why you may develop agitated depression, mental health professionals state that the likely triggering factors include:
- A major change in life – such as breaking up, divorce, death, losing a job or relocating to another place.
- A chronic illness
- Chemical imbalance
- Substance abuse
- Personal or family history
Symptoms Of Agitated Depression
- Agitated depression is absolutely contrasting to the other forms of depression. Instead of feeling sad and gloomy, and weary, people are irritable, restless and angry.
- They are very anxious, restless, talk a lot, will have outbursts of complaining and shouting; cannot sit still and have racing thoughts.
- In agitated depression, the individual will also feel a sense of hopelessness and may have suicidal thoughts.
- Occasionally, he will show signs of mania too.
- It is also common to develop delusions and / or hallucinations.
How To Deal With Agitated Depression
- Those having agitated depression are commonly prescribed ‘mood stabilizers’. These have to be taken every day and for a stipulated period of time. Confer with a mental health professional; he will help recognize and understand your specific triggers and will also help you deal with controlling these triggers.
- Agitated depression calls for a multi-disciplinary approach – medications, therapy and love and support from family.
- It is very vital for you to bear in mind that not seeking medical attention for agitated depression can result in bipolar and suicidal states. Moreover, when you take the prescribed drugs, it is very essential that you adhere to the regimen. Never stray from your physician’s orders even if you feel happy and positive or are tired of taking them. This severely hampers the progress.
- Treatment comprises of anti-depressants, sedatives, and anti-psychotics
- Psychotherapy is decidedly beneficial too, and it is advised that combining psychotherapy with medications will proffer long-term benefits.
- Your healthcare expert will also advise certain lifestyle modifications – such as daily exercise, improving your diet, sticking to a consistent sleep pattern, and pursuing a hobby.
- Yoga and Tai Chi have been proved to be exceedingly helpful in helping you calm down, disconnect from the world, become composed and handle situations better. These techniques, with their free flowing and fluid movements will benefit you a great deal by reducing mental chatter, diminishing restless anxiety and making you feel tranquil.
- Meditation is a very effective tool in dealing with the symptoms of agitated depression. Try the following meditation technique; it has had successful results.
- Sit cross legged on the floor. Keep your back straight. Lower your eyes and focus on a spot about 3 feet in front of you. Breathe normally, using your abdomen rather than the chest. Relax any part of the body that feels stressed. Inhale and exhale evenly; at every exhalation count. When you reach 10, begin again. Notice whether you are distracted by sounds in the house or on the road, smells, temperature changes or other nagging thoughts. Keep track of your distractions. Notice if your irritation level reduces over a period of time.