| Every year approximately 9.5 per cent of the | | | | restlessness. |
| American population suffers from depression. | | | | 10. Physical afflictions like headaches, |
| Depression is a grave illness that affects day to | | | | digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no |
| day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that | | | | particular reason. |
| controls the mind and its functions causing loss of | | | | If you experience any of the above along with a |
| appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep | | | | marked change in behavior do consult your |
| sense of despair. | | | | doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to |
| The symptoms of depression are varied and the | | | | rule out physical causes for depression as well as |
| severity changes with time. And, according to | | | | any underlying medical problems. Then if required |
| experts depression can be an inherited disorder, | | | | he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist |
| or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. | | | | or psychologist. |
| Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, | | | | Take matters in hand and try and erase |
| drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are | | | | negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life |
| seen to experience depression more than men | | | | terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and |
| and this is attributed to hormonal swings, | | | | hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself |
| menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, | | | | a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy |
| pre-menopause, and post-menopause. | | | | music. Start new activities that absorb your time |
| Common symptoms are: | | | | as well as interests. Go out and meet people and |
| 1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or | | | | participate in group activities. Avoid the company |
| emptiness. | | | | of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a |
| 2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied | | | | movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be |
| by pessimistic feelings. | | | | positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. |
| 3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and | | | | Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change |
| no sense of self worth. | | | | your world for the better. However do follow the |
| 4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of | | | | doctor's advice. Treatment can include: |
| metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by | | | | anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well |
| constant fatigue. | | | | as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases |
| 5. A sense of helplessness along with an | | | | electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are |
| increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness. | | | | prescribed. |
| 6. Loss of sound sleep and development of | | | | If your depression escalates or you are suicidal |
| extreme insomnia. | | | | seek help from your family physician or health |
| 7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. | | | | care provider. Do call a local health department, a |
| Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges. | | | | community mental health center, or hospital or |
| 8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations. | | | | clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and |
| 9. Irritability, short temper, as well as | | | | talk you through the crisis. |