Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
Possible causes of depression include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.
Depression is very common, with over 3 million cases per year. Fortunately, depression is treatable by a medical professional and could be resolved within months. Effective treatments such as talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two proves to normalize brain waves associated with depression.
If you think you of someone you know has depression please watch out for the following symptoms:
- Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness
- Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep
- Whole body: excessive hunger, fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness
- Behavioral: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, or social isolation
- Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
- Weight: weight gain or weight loss
- Also common: poor appetite or repeatedly going over thoughts
How to Get Help
If you feel or you know that you have depression, contact a trained therapist for talk therapy sessions.
If you are diagonosed with depression, remember that you are not alone! As said before, depression affects millions of people in the United States every year. Fortunately, it is treatable, and getting help is the best thing you can do for yourself. The good thing is, depression doesn't stay with you forever, if you do get help, you can feel better!