Depression

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Depression

Depression is a common mental disorder that can be characterised by excessive sadness. Any one can experience sadness or intense grief. Such feelings are unavoidable. They are reactions to life’s incessant stress. This stress can arise from the environment. A depressed person feels gloomy and looses interest in daily activities. Age and class seems to be no bar for depression. Old and dependent persons - particularly those who have no financial resources and women in childbearing days are usual victims of depressive. Even young and growing children experience depression. People of all social classes, all countries and all cultural settings

In depressed state individuals get a feeling of hopelessness and dullness. This not only lowers their self-evaluation but also makes decision making difficult, at times even leading to suicidal attempts. Depression causes changes in the way individuals think, feel, and behave. Therefore, it not only affects the victims but also people around them, their family and friends.

	Causes
	Symptoms
	Treatment

Causes

Actual cause of depression is not known. There are a number of events that may lead to depression. These events may be - loss of a loved one, fear of failure, financial setback, social rejection, relationship problems, and separation from family. Vulnerability to depression increases in case the individual has low self-esteem and a pessimistic outlook in life. An acute or chronic physical illness may also lead to depression.

It has been found that depressive disorders run in families. Women are twice more vulnerable to depression than men.

Symptoms

Individuals suffering from depression experience impairment in ordinary functioning. Atleast four of the following symptoms are found in individuals having depression:

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, decision making
Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
Sleep disturbances -insomnia, excessive sleeping
Eating disturbances -loss of appetite and weight, or increased appetite and weight gain
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, and worthlessness
Loss of energy
Feeling fatigued and being slowed

Depressed individuals suffer from anxiety attacks. They feel intense fear for no reason. Their heart palpitations increase, and they experience dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath and irritation. Due to some unpleasant experience in past there is a feeling of guilt. Depression causes changes in the way individuals think, feel, and behave.

Treatment

Psychotherapy and antidepressant medication or a combination of the two is the most effective treatments for depression. Depending on the nature and severity of depression, treatment is given.

If it is a mild or moderate depression, psychotherapy is the most appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy enables the individuals to learn effective ways of handling their problems. It also helps them to change their negative thoughts and attitudes.

Though many individuals benefit from psychotherapy, some require treatment with antidepressants. In case of severe depression, medication is recommended along with psychotherapy. Anti depressants only help the patients to feel better by providing quick symptom relief. Medication does not cure depression, it only treats the symptoms.

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