As we all suffer through the hardships and pressures of coping daily, a percentage of our population fails to adjust and yields in to depression. Characterized by overly intense feelings of pain, anger and grief, depression is a disorder that can alter one’s personality and perspective. It is a grave disease that has taken roughly 20 million individuals in the United States.
Many believe that the figures on depression will inevitably increase over the years. An understanding on why and how this disorder is manifested can help us curtail the growing number of its victims. The battle with depression has been long and arduous as many of those suffering from this disease fail to identify and accept that they are under depression, and this could lead to a far more alarming scenario which could result in death. As depression attacks the mind, its manifestations can run the gamut of physical, mental and behavioral changes.
Disinterest – when a person falls into depression, he would normally start showing signs of disassociation at an early stage. This disinterest is usually shown by withdrawal from activities that were previously a source of happiness for that individual.
Changes in patterns – regular routines such as sleeping and eating may also be targeted by depression, under this disorder a person may demonstrate an increase or a reduction in their sleeping and eating patterns which eventually may result in a significant weight gain or loss.
Drastic mood changes – a most common sign of a depressive disorder is that of their frequent and ceaseless mood changes and temper outbursts. Other emotional displays of depression include feelings of humiliation, despair and sadness that can also heightened to bring about disturbing behaviors.
Loss of energy – a depressed person would normally complain of weariness and fatigue as his energy is significantly reduced by the strong negative emotions.
Mental instability – an individual who is depressed also becomes incapable of rational judgment and they usually display ineffectiveness especially when it comes to decision making.
Knowledge of these symptoms can help you or someone that you love cope with depression. Keep in mind that this is a disorder that is both preventable and treatable, the earlier you see these signs and seek help, the faster you can see yourself triumphing over this disease.
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