Depression is a mental health disorder which involves the feelings of being sad, and sometimes may lead to loss of interest in life, loss of hope and decreased energy. This affects the way we live, the way we sleep, the way we eat, the way we look at ourselves and towards our surroundings most especially the way we look towards life.
How do we know if we’re depressed? There are lots of signs in order for us to know if we’re depressed. First, we don’t have a good mood. If one person is depressed he or she has low self-esteem. The motivation is poor and there’s also a feeling of guilt. He or she has a lack of enjoyment and often times irritable. There’s also a difficulty in making decisions. Oftentimes, he or she feels hopeless and helpless to the point of having a thought of committing suicide. Other symptoms includes feeling worse first thing in the morning, reduced sex drive, anxiety, obsessional worries, acts, ruminations, or images or thoughts of harming someone else.
More women are experiencing depression as women are more emotional than men. However, depression also strikes men. What are the causes of depression? There’s no exact cause of depression. It depends on the person what causes his or her depression. But, one cause may be heredity. It’s already running in their family. Biochemical makeup and Psychological makeup may be one of the reasons also. Stressful life events and fluctuating hormone levels can affect to one’s depression. And, other factors such as such as general medical conditions and certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse including burnouts can also lead to depression.
Those who had the family history of depression and those who already had a depression before have more chances of having depression. It also includes those persons with low self esteem, with severe medical disorders, including those other diseases, who are taking medications, with a love one who is seriously ill, persons who abuse themselves with drugs and alcohols and those who had a traumatic and stressful experience are more prone of having depression.
All of us feel sad sometimes. No one is exceptional. It is a normal reaction to be sad when there’s an unhappy moment. It’s normal to cry when we are hurt or when we are in pain. We know that someone is in need of a treatment when the person is having those symptoms of depression with more than 2 weeks or even more. If the person is having suicidal thoughts, this is even a strong indication that she really needs a treatment.
How to get diagnose depression? There are steps in order to diagnose depression. First, you should be able to determine if you are just sad or you’re already having clinical depression. Then, if you think you are not just simply sad, instead you’re having a clinical depression, see your doctor or a psychiatrist. Don’t be shy to tell what you feel to your doctor so that he can give you the right treatments. You may also decide what treatment you want. You may choose counselling or treatment with a medicine. You should also find time to exercise because it helps to release stress. You can do it at least 3 times a week. Ask for the help of your friends and your family. They play a big role in our lives and they can really help you in times of your depression. After these steps, you may feel better. Just don’t rush, in time, you will get over depression.