What Is Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad. People who are clinically depressed are not just moody or feeling “blue” for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very down—or in some cases, very anxious or extremely tired—for several weeks or months. Drug and/or alcohol abuse may also be signs of depression. Because depression can change the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves, it can have negative effects on all aspects of a person’s life, from school, to work, to family and social life.
Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages, and they may also influence a person''s mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can''t communicate effectively
Signs and symptoms of depression may include Depressed or irritable mood most of the
day—nearly every day
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day—nearly every day
A sudden change in weight or appetite
Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
Agitation or restlessness (observed by others)
Constant fatigue or loss of energy
Frequent feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
You don''t need to have all of these signs and symptoms to have depression. And remember that symptoms can vary from person to person. For instance, compared with depressed men, depressed women are more likely to experience guilt, weight gain, anxiety, eating disorders, or increased sleep. Depressed older adults tend to experience persistent sadness or "empty" moods.
Treatment Tips
Antidepressant medications work for many people—they can make you feel
better, and can improve or completely relieve your symptoms. But sometimes people have unrealistic fears or expectations about them. Some hope to feel better overnight; others worry that medications will change their personalities in ways they won''t like. Both extremes are unlikely. The first step towards getting better and staying better is to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
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