Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Depression

At times everyone feels blue. We all have days when we do not want to get out of bed or cannot shake the feeling of sadness. Depression, however, goes beyond this.

What is Depression?

Depression is an illness which is common but often misunderstood. It can occur without people realizing that they have it. Many people ignore the signs of depression, and some cope with it by abusing alcohol and/or drugs. Many perceive depression as an illness that carries with it such fear and shame that it prevents them from asking for help. It is not a personal weakness; it is an illness that can be for the most part successfully treated.

What Causes Depression?

No one knows exactly what causes depression. Several factors, alone or combined, may be at work. For some, an obvious stress may bring on depression but for others, depression may occur without an apparent reason. Researchers have also found that some people with depression have a chemical imbalance.

Signs of Depression
Depression can occur without people knowing that they have it. Many people ignore the signs of depression. When a depressed mood persists for several weeks, deepens and eventually starts interfering with work and social life it becomes an illness, or clinical depression.

Some signs of Depression are:

·         Disturbed thinking
·         Feelings of sadness or irritability
·         Loss of interest or pleasure in activates once enjoyed
·         Changes in weight or appetite
·         Changes in sleeping patterns
·         Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
·         Inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions
·         Fatigue or loss of energy – withdrawal
·         Restlessness or decreased activity noticed by others
·         Complaints or physical aches and pains for which no medical causes can be found
·         Thoughts of suicide or death
·         Feeling overwhelmed
·         Depression, if not treated, can last many months or years

P/S: Always check yourself and people around you for the sign of depression. Get professional help if you sense that you’re feeling abnormal depressed. Prolong depression without treatment can be extremely harmful.

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