As the medical and psychological issues increased day by day, more questions start to worry us. What do I have and how to deal with it? Will my life be normal again?
However, when we have to recognize and accept one of the most serious psychological conditions like depression, there’s only one thing that comes to mind. What is depression?
To start with, The World Health Organization defines depression as one of the most disabling disorders in the world. Depression affects one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their lifetime. Statistics of The World Health Organization show that 21% of women and 12% of men in the USA will experience an episode of depression at some point in their lifetime.
Unfortunately, Depression is not only a serious condition, but it is also a very common one. It is an illness of the brain caused by changes in brain chemistry. We can say it is a brain disorder which doesn’t affect only our psychology and behavior. It also affects our thoughts and expectations of life. Some of the factors that contribute to the onset of depression are stress, difficult life circumstances e.t.c.
Here are some common symptoms people with depression experience:
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Fatigue and decreased energy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
Loss of pleasure in life
Overeating or appetite loss
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
Furthermore people with depression don’t all experience the same type. Some of them are:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Dysthymic Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cyclothymic Disorder
- Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition
- Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Postpartum Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
If you have come to a point you know what is depression and want to find out how to treat this condition, then I can tell you that there are some options. Depending upon each individual’s symptoms, you can treat depression by choosing one the following. Either you can start medication which you have to continue for six or more months or you can consult a psychotherapist and he will advise you what’s best for your condition.
In conclusion if you want to learn more about depression you can watch the link below and also visit the World Health Organization.
By Eirini Konstantopoulou, Truth Inside Of You.
