Sometimes it seems like the further ahead we get in terms of medical science, the more things we have to treat using that science. No one knows if it is because there are illnesses that are just becoming widespread or if we were simply not recognizing illnesses that were already present. One problem that seems prevalent across the world and has not seen its fair share of research is that of chronic headaches. In the limited research that has been done about chronic headaches researchers believe they have found a correlation between chronic headaches and depression; it has been termed chronic depression headache.
Not Just in the Head
Millions of people each year suffer from depression and many of them suffer from chronic depression headache and do not realize they are connected. A chronic depression headache is not like a migraine, it is usually considerably more frequent and not nearly as severe. These headaches can affect the sufferer 15 days out of each month, may be more, and can last anywhere from 15 minutes to days on end. It was believed that the people who suffered from these types of headaches were the types that held tension in and the headaches were a symptom of that built up tension in the muscles of the face, head and neck. What has been found is that these headaches are likely due to chemical and hormonal shifts in the brain, the same chemical changes found in patients studied for depression. There is an imbalance between serotonin and the endorphins it interacts with to keep a mental and emotional balance which results in the chronic depression headache.
The Victims
The vast majority of people who suffer from the chronic depression headache are women who have an incredible amount of stress in their lives. In particular women who are financially unstable, working mothers, single parents, people who are poorly educated and substance abusers. These people do not just suffer from the headaches, but other physical complaints such as pain and bowel troubles. The other attributes of chronic depression headache may be due to outside issues such as irregular eating habits, physical inactivity and menstrual problems. All of these things add to the stresses that cause the headaches and keeps the intolerable cycle going for extended periods. In addition, the headaches lend the sufferer to emotional instability which can lead to social problems with family, friends, coworkers and in educational settings. With so many issues associated with chronic depression headache, it is no wonder few over the counter treatments do any good. It is believed that the presence of chronic depression headache is an indicator of depressive illness and should be treated.
Treatment
Some form of specialized treatment is necessary to improve the symptoms of chronic depression headache. There are many treatments available which include:
Drug therapy – some prescription medication may be able to alleviate the headaches and other physical symptoms
Relaxation techniques – massage, yoga and guided meditation can help improve symptoms and reduce tension as well as teach the sufferer self treatment methods
Exercise – regular exercise is a definite mood booster as is posture correction (a little known fact)
