Depression: what you need to know

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day to day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living (Mayo Clinic).

It’s not a weakness and you can’t simply snap out of it just like that. It may require treatment, and most people with depression get better with medication, psychotherapy or both. One thing about depression is that it may come and go like most symptoms which some may refer to as episodes.

It is very important to know the causes and symptoms of depression even though sometimes it goes undiagnosed and untreated especially in adults.

How do you know you’re depressed? You know you are depressed or about to be depressed when:

1. You feel sad, tearful, empty or hopeless.
2. Most of the times you are angry, irritable and frustrated over small matters.
3. You lose interest in things you usually engaged in, like sex, sports and hobbies.
4. You have sleep disorders; insomnia or too much sleep.
5. You feel tired and lack energy to do physical work.
6. You lose appetite, lose weight or eat too much.
7. You are anxious, agitated and restless
8. You feel worthless, and guilty of past mistakes
9. You have trouble thinking, concentrating, remembering things and even making decisions.
10. You have physical issues like back pain or headaches.
11. You think of death, suicide and may even attempt suicide and these thoughts reoccur if nothing is done.

Causes

Depression is usually caused by a combination of biological, economic, environmental, genetic and psychological factors and can happen at any age. It can also be related to certain illnesses and in cases of helplessness.

Major risk factors include;

• Personal or family history of depression.
• Certain physical illnesses and medications.
• Major life changes, trauma or stress.
• Economic downturn and hardship.
• Loss of a loved one.
• Some personal traits like low self-esteem, self-critical or being pessimistic.

What to do when you have any of the above symptoms:

If you feel any of the above symptoms, first step is to book appointment with your doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. You can be placed on antidepressants.

Secondly, you can talk to a friend, family member or a loved one.

If you have a close spiritual leader, either in church, at work or anybody else you trust, please do well to talk to them, and fast too.

You can also engage in some social activities that will help to take your mind off any problems at hand.

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