Depression
We all have experienced times in our lives when we have felt
sad, tearful, and just low. These are normal emotions of life, but if you find
these feelings taking control and not easy up in frequency, you may be
experiencing depression. Depression can make it difficult to function daily and
enjoy a quality of life if left undiagnosed.
Learning about depression—including its signs, symptoms,
causes, and treatment—is the first step to overcoming the problem. This article is to be used as a tool, not
to diagnose depression. If you think you are suffering from a form of
depression, contact your family physician.
What is Depression?
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and
thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels
about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is
not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a
condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot
merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment,
symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however,
can help most people with depression.
Common signs and
symptoms of depression
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
- Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
- Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
- Sleep changes. Insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping throughout the day, is a sign of depression.
- Anger or irritability. Feelings of agitation, restless, or even violent behavior are some other signs of depression. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
- Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
- Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
- Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
- Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
Types of depression
Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different
types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what
type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most
effective treatment.
Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in
the brain, and is not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that
depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social
factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping
skills matter just as much, if not more so than genetics. However, certain risk
factors make you more vulnerable to depression.
Causes and risk factors
for depression
- Loneliness
- Lack of social support
- Recent stressful life experiences
- Family history of depression
- Marital or relationship problems
- Financial strain
- Early childhood trauma or abuse
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Unemployment or underemployment
- Health problems or chronic pain
The road to
depression recovery
Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different
in different people, so are the ways to feel better. What works for one person
might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases.
If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, take some
time to explore the many treatment options. In most cases, the best approach
involves a combination of social support, lifestyle changes, emotional skills
building, and professional help.
Sources: http://helpguide.org,
medicinenet.com, webmd.com
1 comments:
Identify the Signs of Depression, so this kind of syndrome can be gettable before it becomes Major Depressive Disorder. So never avoid Symptoms of Depression and stay mentally sound.
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