About 9.5% of the American population suffer from depression each year. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.
Depression symptoms vary and with time, the severity changes. An initial inherited disorder is depression which is caused by stress or life threatening illnesses and this is according to experts. Certain diseases are the other causes as well as mental illnesses, drugs, alcohol, and medicines. Women experience depression more than men because of hormonal swings, pregnancy, menstrual cycle changes, pre-menopause, post-menopause, and miscarriage.
What are the common symptoms?
Emptiness, anxiety, or unshakable sadness. Feeling an overwhelming hopelessness that is accompanies by pessimistic feelings. Feeling helpless, worthless, and extreme guilt. Besides loss of energy, metabolism and energy levels slows down. Feeling constantly fatigued. Unable to focus and be decisive because of a sense of helplessness. The development of extreme insomnia and loss of sound sleep. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Eating binges or loss of appetite. Being irritable, restless, and having a short temper. Physical afflictions like having chronic pain for no reason, digestive disorders, or headaches.
If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. A thorough examination is what your doctor will give you in order to rule out any underlying medical problems and physical causes for depression. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.
You need to erase negativity from your mind and take matters in hand. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. You can change your life as long as you can set a few goals for yourself. Meditation, relaxing, and enjoying music are the things you should try out. New activities that absorb your time and interests are the things you should try out. You can participate in group activities and go out and meet people. It’s better if you stay away from negative people. Instead, enjoy a movie, family outing, ballgame, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is considered to be a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. Prescribed during extreme cases are electroconvulsive therapy and light therapy.
Seek help from your family physician or health care provider if your depression escalates. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone there will help you through your crisis and extend a helping hand.
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