02/03/2022
Depression
What is Depression
Depression is a medical condition that affects your mood and ability to function. Depression types include clinical depression, bipolar depression, dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder and others. Treatment options range from counseling to medications to brain stimulation and complementary therapies.
Depressive symptoms include feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. The condition can also cause difficulty with thinking, memory, eating and sleeping. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder (clinical depression) means you have felt sad, low or worthless most days for at least two weeks while also having other symptoms such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, or change in appetite.
Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death. Fortunately, treatments can be very effective in improving symptoms of depression.
What causes depression?
Various factors can cause depression:
Brain chemistry: Abnormalities in brain chemical levels may lead to depression.
Genetics: If you have a relative with depression, you may be more likely to become depressed.
Life events: Stress, the death of a loved one, upsetting events (trauma), isolation and lack of support can cause depression.
Medical conditions: Ongoing physical pain and illnesses can cause depression. People often have depression along with conditions like diabetes, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Medication: Some medications have depression as a side effect. Recreational drugs and alcohol can also cause depression or make it worse.
Personality: People who are easily overwhelmed or have trouble coping may be prone to depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression can affect your emotions, mind and body. Depression symptoms include:
Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried.
Not enjoying things that used to give you joy.
Being easily irritated or frustrated.
Eating too much or too little.
