Understanding Depression

Harsh Gupta

Business Anaylst

Major depressive disorder (depression) is not just a temporary mood, and it's not a sign of personal weakness.

Depression is a serious medical condition with a variety of symptoms.

Emotional symptoms can include sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, restlessness, and trouble concentrating or making decisions.

Physical symptoms can include fatigue, lack of energy, and changes in weight or sleep patterns.

Additional symptoms of depression may include vague aches and pains, irritability, anxiety, and thoughts of death or suicide.

There are many theories about the cause of depression.

One common theory is that depression is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord.

Where Does Depression Hurt?

Someone with depression might think or say any of the following:

"I feel sad all the time and just don't feel like myself."
"I don't enjoy being with my friends or doing any of the things I usually love to do."
"I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately."
"Sometimes I feel like my life is not worth living anymore."
"I feel like I don't have any energy."
"I'm not really interested in eating."
"Even after a long day, I still feel restless."
"I feel so indecisive and that I can't make any decisions."
"I just feel so worthless."

Research suggests that about two-thirds of people diagnosed with depression talk to their family doctors first about physical symptoms.

Seek Help

Many people suffer in silence with depression.

Some are ashamed or afraid to seek help; others try to downplay the severity of their symptoms.

It's important to remember that depression isn't something that's "all in your head."

Take Suicidal Thoughts Seriously

Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it's important to take such thoughts seriously.

If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately:

Call your doctor
Go to the emergency room
Call 911
Call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Family History May Be Important

People with a family history of depression may be more likely to get the disease, but anyone can become depressed.

Sometimes the triggers are external — for example, relationship troubles or financial problems.

At other times the disease may begin with physical illness or hormonal shifts.

Depression also may occur without any identifiable trigger at all.

Who Does Depression Hurt?

Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.

It is a condition that impacts individuals of all races, ethnicities and income levels.

Unfortunately, many people with depression avoid seeking treatment because they worry about what others will think of them.

They don't realize how widespread this medical condition is:

Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression
People with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the disease
People with chronic or debilitating medical conditions may also be susceptible to the disease
A major life change, even a happy one like becoming a new parent, increases the risk of developing depression

The fact is depression affects plenty of people who don't have any obvious risk factors.

Symptoms of Depression

Some of the most recognized symptoms of depression include a profound feeling of sadness or loss of interest.

You may be surprised to learn that people with depression often experience a broad range of other symptoms.

In general, if you've been experiencing some combination of the following emotional, physical, or associated symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, and they clearly interfere with your life, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day

Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities

Feelings of worthlessness

Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt

Thoughts of death or suicide

Trouble making decisions

Fatigue or lack of energy

Sleeping too much or too little

Change in appetite or weight

Trouble concentrating

Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down

Don't let this list of symptoms scare you.

Treatments and therapies are available to help with the symptoms of depression.

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