People normally think of depression as being sad 24/7 and having suicidal thoughts along with self-harm.
It's isn't.
So the question is:
What Is Depression?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychological counseling or both.
What Are The Symptoms?
For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Other people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why. These may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that aren't your responsibility
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
What Are The Symptoms In Children And Teens?
Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.
In younger children, these may include:
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Clinginess
- Worry
- Aches and pains
- Refusing to go to school
- Underweight
In teens, symptoms may include:
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling negative/worthless
- Anger
- Poor performance/attendance at school
- Feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive
- Using drugs and/or alcohol
- Eating or sleeping too much
- Self-harm
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Avoidance of social interaction
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can demonstrate irritability without sadness or loss of interest. However, it is said that major depression can occur with ADHD.
What Are The Symptoms In Older Adults?
Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. The symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:
- Memory difficulties or personality changes
- Physical aches or pains
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep problems/insomnia
- Aches/Loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
- Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to social or doing new things
- Suicidal thinking or feeling
When Do You See A Doctor?
If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, a health care professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.
Do not self-diagnose yourself.
What Are The Causes?
It's not known exactly what causes depression. As with many mental disorders, a variety of factors may be involved, such as:
- Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
- Brain Chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.
- Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result with pregnancy and during the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum) and from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.
- Inherited Traits. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.
- Other Mental Illnesses. Depression can go along with other mental illnesses such as Progressive Tic Disorder/Tourette but more commonly, Anxiety.
