Depression

Depression

Depression affects a person’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The feeling differs from normal sadness or grief. Energy levels may be affected by depression. He or she may lose interest in daily activities and become irritable and sad for a prolonged period of time. Depressive disorders are common. Almost everyone is affected by it, regardless of their age or background.

It is common for people with depression, and sometimes even their families, to feel embarrassed and ashamed. Depression does not, however, indicate a weakness of mind or a flawed character. Depression is a medical illness. Depressed people are not “crazy” or “broken”. Depression is caused by changes in the brain’s natural chemicals. The most common cause of depression is a combination of family history (a person’s genes) and stressful life events.

It is also possible for health problems to contribute to depression or make it worse. Those who suffer from long-term health problems such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, cancer, or chronic pain often feel depressed.

It can be a big step toward feeling better just to acknowledge that the problem exists. It’s essential to recognize that depression is treatable.

What are the signs of depression:

The symptoms of depression may be difficult to notice at first. People experience them differently, and it is easy to dismiss them as “not feeling like myself”. The most common symptoms are:

Feeling sad or hopeless nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.

Losing interest in or not getting pleasure from most activities that used to be enjoyable, and feeling this way nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.