Look, listen and learn....

Not everyone who is depressed, experiences every symptom. Although it is often termed as 'MENTAL ILLNESS', clinical depression often has, as many physical symptoms as mental. If these have been experienced for more than two weeks it is essential to seek help.

Some common symptom and sign of depression include:

Severity of depression symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time. Some of them may be as follows:

 
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism.
You feel that life has/is ''passing you by''.
You feel that life has/is ''passing you by''. Social activity may feel hard or impossible.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
You feel exhausted a lot of the time with no energy.
You feel as if even the smallest tasks are sometimes impossible.
You spend a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong, what will go wrong or what is wrong about yourself as a person. You may also feel guilty sometimes about being critical of others (or even thinking critically about them).
Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.
You feel a burden to others.
You sometimes feel that life isn't worth living.
You feel you have no confidence.
You have difficulty sleeping or wake up very early in the morning and can't sleep again.

Physical Symptoms of Depression include:

Changes in weight - either significant loss or gain in weight.
Restlessness, fatigue.
Physical aches and pains, sometimes with the fear that you are seriously ill.

Severe Symptoms of Depression include:

Thoughts about death or suicide.
Increased heart beat.
Poor concentration, memory or attention.

 

There are also other illnesses which may produce comparable symptoms to depression, and that require a very different treatment. Your doctor will be able to test for these.

The way our thought process works, how depression affects our biology and where the physical symptoms of depression come from are the most vital pieces of information needed to ''understand depression''.

Symptoms needed to meet criteria for ''depressive episode'':

A Depressed Mood, Loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy and decreased activity
B Reduced concentration, reduced self esteem and confidence, ideas of guilt and unworthiness pessimistic thoughts, disturbed sleep, diminished appetite, ideas of self harm.
 
Mild depressive episode - at least 2 of A and at least 2 of B
Moderate depressive episode - at least 2 of A and at least 3 of B
Severe depressive episode - all 3 of A and at least 4 of B


What are the Causes of Depression and the factors that play a role in depression ?

Like any disease, there is not a single cause for a depression.

Depression is a combination of biological, genetic and psychological factors. At the biological level, depression results from abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. This can be caused by changing levels of hormones, explaining why many people first experience depression during puberty.

Depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that carries signals in your brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. In fact all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have psychological components as well.

Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with negativity or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.

It is important to remember that all of the depressive disorders are treatable conditions.

 

Let's talk about.....

Adultery Dissatisfaction
Anorexia Nervosa Divorce / Separation
Anxiety Gambling Addiction
Being worried Loneliness
Bulimia Nervosa Phobias
Chronic Pain Rejection
Conflict Stress
Death and Loss Suicidal Thoughts
Depression Violence
Despair    
       
       
Warning: if you have moderate depression or suicidal tendencies please seek the advice of a doctor/ therapist or dial 9-1-1.


 

 
 
 
 

 

 
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