Signs & Symptoms of Depression - Are You At Risk?

Depression Although we all feel down from time to time, if a blue mood persists over several days, it could signal depression. Contrary to what you might have heard, clinical depression is not laziness, a character defect, or something you can “snap out of.” It’s a medical condition that needs treatment if it’s not to get worse, or even life-threatening. Here’s what you need to know about it :

Emotional Symptoms An overall loss of interest in daily life. Everyday activities and even leisure pursuits may seem pointless. There’s also a feeling of hopelessness or worthlessness. In the most extreme cases, there are thoughts of death or suicide.

Physical Symptoms Sleeping too little or too much; a lowered energy level; problems like headaches or lower back pain that may become chronic or fail to respond to treatment; and either weight loss or weight gain.

Significant Consequences Depression can affect the ability to perform on the job and can damage family relationships and friendships. The ability to make decisions is also decrease.

Suicide People who are depressed are at higher risk of suicide. Signs include talking about death or making a plan. Other, less obvious indications include hostile behavior or even giving away many possessions.

Who Gets Depressed, And Why? Women are twice as likely as men to get depressed, and people who have a depressed parent or sibiling are also at high risk. Although there’s still a lot of research to be done, experts think that depression may be due to brain chemicals, neurotransmitters, that become unbalanced.

Kids and Depression It’s been estimated that about one in 40 children are suffering from depression. Kids with depression may behave aggressively or have little interest in school, hobbies or even making friends.

Medication Antidepressants can alter levels of the brain chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect depression. There are dozens of medicines available, and sometimes a few have to be tried before the right medicine (or the right combination of medicines) is found. Medicines may work best when combined with therapy.

Exercise And Light Getting physical for 20 to 30 minutes per day helps release endorphins, feel-good brain chemicals. For people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression related to gloomy weather in winter), a light box can help. Ask your doctor about the right kind of box for you.

Therapy Therapy can help, whether it’s cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on changing behavior, or more extensive therapy that examines underlying issues and past events.

Make Contact Joining a depression support group in your community or place of worship will bring you into contact with people who understand how you feel. An online support group is another option. Along with other therapies and lifestyle changes, feeling connected to others can go a long way toward conquering your depression. Additionally, pets can bring you outside of yourself by providing diversion and giving you unconditional love and affection.