Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way an individual eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and about things.Depression is related to physical changes in the brain, caused by an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. There are three main types of depression. Major depression, it involves a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once enjoyable activities. A less severe type of depression is dysthymia which involves long-term, chronic symptoms keep a person from functioning well or from feeling good, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes. Some symptoms of depression are: Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, decreased energy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions, thoughts of death or suicide. Women are at a higher risk of becoming depressed; this may be due to hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. Men are comparatively at a lower risk of getting depressed but are more likely to be angry and hostile or to hide their condition with alcohol or drug abuse. Suicide is an especially serious risk for men with depression, who are four times more likely than women to kill themselves. Elderly mostly suffer from depression; they may have lost loved ones and have to adjust to living alone. They may become physically ill and unable to be as active as they once were. All these factors contribute to depression.
Depression Symptoms
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It's important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life's normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they've lasted - the more likely it is that you're dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help. 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. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
- Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; 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.
- 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.
