What is Depression?

It is a illness  which involves the body, mood and thoughts that affects a person’s sleep, food, physical functions and social interactions.

Everyone feels low, gloomy at some point of time;Feelings of being fed up as a response to stressful life, or to difficult situations are usually short-lived; they will usually pass on their own.

 But when the condition persists and affects the day-to-day functioning, without being able to cope is called Depression.

 Its good to remember,that Depression is not a disease,it’s a common illness just like Common cold;but can turn into serious illness if left untreated and It’s definitely not a Stigma!

Sometimes people may not realize how depressed they are, when they have been feeling blue for a long time. Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment as they think it’s shame not being able to cope.

One must learn to seek help and talk about it to anyone he feels close with.

Often the symptoms include-

• Persistent Sadness
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Lack of energy and Fatigue
• Poor concentration levels
• Loss of interest and pleasure in favourite activities like watching TV,Sports etc.
• Undue feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness
• Feelings of helplessness and inadequacy.
• Loss of self-confidence and low self-esteem
• Avoiding people & events
• Finding it hard to function
• Loss in appetite
• Loss of sex drive
• Physical aches and pains
• Self-harm
• Despairing thoughts such as “Life’s a Waste” etc.
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide & death
• Self-harm

 As a general rule, if you have four or more of these symptoms almost everyday for over two weeks, then you should seek medical help.

If you have depression or If you know someone who is depressed,then do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one delays,the greater the impairment can be.

See a  professional as soon as possible.

And to know more on  the topic, 

Click on the following links which my friend Avissado has shared with us.

http://healthmad.com/mental-health/how-depression-affects-us/
http://healthmad.com/mental-health/depression-and-heart-disease/
http://healthmad.com/mental-health/how-depression-affects-adolescents/
http://healthmad.com/mental-health/main-causes-of-depression/

 When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those around you.

Mental illness of one individual can become family illness.

 So,Please continue to educate yourself about the topic called Depression.

Good Reading again!