|
|
 What is
Depression? |
 |
|
Depression is a type of mental
disorder that affects a person’s mood. It can affect your
thoughts, feelings, behavior, and overall health. Normal
feelings fall along a continuum from mild to intense, and
the same is true of depression. It’s normal to respond to
losses in ones life with sadness and gloom. But when these
feelings block a person from performing their everyday
activities or are out of line with the reality of a person’s
life, they are considered symptoms of a depressive disorder. |
|
Symptoms |
|
|
The symptoms of depression may
vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity
of the depression. Changes in Thinking: You may experience
problems with concentration and decision making. Negative
thoughts and thinking are characteristic of depression.
Pessimism, poor self-esteem, excessive guilt, and
self-criticism are all common.
Changes in Feelings: People
may feel sad for no reason at all. Some people report that
they no longer enjoy activities that they once found
pleasurable. You might lack motivation, and become more
apathetic. You might feel "slowed down" and tired all the
time.
|
|
 |
Changes in behavior during depression are reflective of the
negative emotions being experienced. People might act more
apathetic, because that's how they feel. You may experience
a dramatic change in appetite, either eating more or less.
Some people complain about everything, and act out their
anger with temper outbursts. In the extreme, people may
neglect their personal appearance, even neglecting basic
hygiene. |
| Common
Factors |
|
Things like financial problems, the breakup of a
relationship, or the death of a loved one can bring on
depression. You can become depressed after changes in your
life.
People who have low self-esteem and a negative outlook
are at higher risk of becoming depressed. Serious medical
conditions can contribute to depression, partly because of
the physical weakness and stress they bring on. Depression
can make medical conditions worse, since it weakens the
immune system and can make pain harder to bear.
Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and
(especially) substance abuse often appear along with
depression. |
|
. |
| .Related
Products |
. |
. |
|
