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All About Depression

It is very difficult for an individual or the family members to know whether he/she is suffering from depression or not but if you suspect you or someone you know suffers from depression, you owe it to yourself to learn as much as you can about this debilitating condition.

Though Depression is an abnormal behaviour it's a combination of physical, environmental, genetic and psychological factors. It affects the individuals thinking and the depressed person can get totally cut off from the rest of his/her world. It's a disturbed mood disorder. It can happen to anyone.

Understand depression

A case of depression and a person with a depressed mood are entirely two different situations. So its very important to understand if the person is suffering from Depression or not.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression as it affects many people . The key factor is learning how to cope with this disease.

Those who suffer from Depression are at a constant battle each day trying to cope with this illness. Depression is not something that can be turned off and on. When it is serious and not just the depressed mood,

Depression is a serious disease with serious symptoms. It is not to be taken lightly. Fortunately there are plenty of resources available to help people minimize and quite often eliminate this illness from their life.

Awareness programme could be conducted by experts in schools and colleges involving parent community along with the teachers. Since there are different forms and levels of depression, it is crucial for a person to seek professional assistance as soon as possible and not try to deal with this illness on their own.

There is a major difference between depression and depressed mood. Every individual becomes sad, grieved or depressed at one time or other in our life but these are only temporary feelings which may occur in an individuals life due to death in the family, losinga job, failure in a relationship, major financial loss etc. Time is the best healer in case of depressed mood.

Causes:

  • Age
  • Disturbance of mood
  • Disturbed circumstances at home or at work place
  • Parental conflict
  • Loss of a significant relationship
  • Death in the family
  • Unrealistic expectations by family members/self
  • Negative thinking
  • Serious illness
  • Failure
  • Consumption of drugs
  • Financial crisis

Depression is NOT the result of laziness, weakness, personal failure, or lack of will power.

Symptoms:

So, what exactly is depression? Basically, depression is when you are feeling down, low and hopeless for weeks at a time, not knowing what is to be done. Most of the time not even wanting to meet or talk to others.

Depression affects the way you think, how you interact with others, and how you feel about yourself. Prolonged depression can even last for months or years and normally has a negative impact on a person's mental, physical, emotional and social well being.

Individual suffers from high blood pressure or low blood pressure

Person always tries to isolate himself and keeps thinking all the time.

Depressed person is emotionally and mentally weak and disturbed.

Other symptoms of depression include dissatisfaction, anxiety, changes in appetite, disturbance in sleep pattern, loss of interest in every area of work and life , feelings of guilt, difficulty in concentration, agitation and fatigue.

Viral infections can also be a cause of depression like symptoms

Depression generally affects the way an individual feels about him or herself, eats and sleeps, and the way a person thinks about things. You or someone you know may be depressed if experiencing fiveof the following symptoms. Please note that a person may not actually experience all of the following signs or symptoms. However, if a person is experiencing several of these symptoms for at least two weeks, then he or she should seek professional help.

  • Mood is depressed for most of the day, almost everyday
  • Inability to experience pleasure or feel interest in daily activities
  • Changes in sleep
  • Suicidal thoughts, feelings and or behaviors
  • Functioning is significantly impaired
  • Loss of motivation
  • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
  • Appetite changes (increase or decrease);
  • Crying spells, sadness, irritability, and restlessness
  • Indecisiveness, poor concentration or diminished attention span
  • Loss of energy
  • Persistent sadness or feeling empty
  • Isolating from loved ones and friends

Remedy:

  • Depression is a treatable condition
  • Whenever possible the person suffering from depression should be advised to seek treatment through private therapist, clinic or hospital
  • Change the way you look, feel and live your life.
  • Depression is a serious issue, that should not be taken lightly
  • See how depression manifests and how recovery can happen through the stories of other patients suffering from and recovering from this disease
  • Diagnose depression and find out who to seek for support and guidance when seeking care for depression
  • Proper treatment can be initiated only if the diagnosis is correct
  • Be aware of the mind-body connection, understanding this connection can help one conquer depression permanently and successfully
  • Distinguish between true depression, sadness, and grief

Recognize depression in a timely fashion, so that early treatment can start and facilitate a faster and longer-lasting recovery

Your future, your life and your happiness may depend on it.

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