What is Depression

Posted on October 27, 2009
Filed Under Health & Fitness | Leave a Comment

We hear more about depression now than ever before. But what really is depression? A person who suffers from depression may feel loss of interest in everyday activities in the life. Symptoms of sadness, hopelessness and helplessness are common among individuals suffering from depression. It is such a condition which can affect people of different ages. One of the most common behavior that depression sufferers exhibit is isolation from people around them. They have low self-esteem and have negative thoughts.

It can be caused by heredity or it can also be caused by the hormones in the body. Stress is one of the leading causes of depression. Level of stress varies from person to person and the reasons for causing stress vary as well. One person may get stressed by financial difficulties where in other cases, lack of proper nutrition could be the reason for the stress.

Young people and adults take alcohol and drugs to combat this condition. However that does not helps and only make it worse. Some people become angry and anti-social thereby closing doors of help from family and friends. It is not only a person suffering from depression but people around him/her are affected as well. Performance in school, college or work can also be affected.

Medical doctors believe the some people are more susceptible of having depression than the others. However there is yet no way to tell that when depression starts. This condition must never be left untreated. Consult a doctor when you feel that you or your loved one shows any signs of depression. A psychologist can prescribe anti-depressants. the way anti-depressants work is by changing the chemical balance in the brain causing the mood to change. This type of treatment however is not long term. Doctors may suggest to change diets and take herbal remedies and this has caused remarkable improvement in the patients. Another type of therapy called Cognitive behavior therapy is also given to a person at the time he/she feels depressed. This method is preferred over medicines since the results can last for a longer period of time.

Social Bookmark It