DEPRESSION AND HOW IT AFFECTS US.

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior,feelings and sense of well being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions, and may contemplate or attempt suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains, or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may also be present.

Doctors do not know the exact causes of depression. It is believed that chemical changes in the brain are responsible. This may be due to a problem with your genes. Or it may be triggered by certain stressful events. More likely it is a combination of both.

Some types of depression run in families. Other types occur even if you have no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression, even children and teens.

Depression may be brought on by:

• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Certain medical conditions, including undereactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain
• Certain medicines such as steroids
• Sleeping problems
• Stressful life events, such as death or illness of someone close to you, divorce, childhood abuse or neglect, loneliness (common in the elderly), relationship breakup

Symptoms of depression can include:

• Agitation, restlessness, and irritability, anger
• Becoming withdrawn or isolated
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Feeling hopeless and helpless, worthless, guilty, self-hate
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
• Sudden change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Treatment »

  Depression can be treated. Treatment includes medicines, talk therapy, or both.
  If you are thinking about suicide or are very depressed and cannot function, you may need to be treated in a hospital.
  WARNING: Children, teens, and young adults should be watched closely for suicidal behavior. This is especially true during the first few months after starting medicines for depression.
  Women being treated for depression who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop taking antidepressants without first talking to their provider.

  Prevention

  Do not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. These substances make depression worse and may lead to thoughts of suicide.
  Take your medicine exactly as your doctor instructed. Learn to recognize the early signs that your depression is getting worse.
  Keep going to your talk therapy sessions. Counseling is just as effective as taking medicine.
  The following tips may help you feel better:
  • Get more exercise.
  • Maintain good sleep habits.
  • Do activities that bring you pleasure.
  • Volunteer or get involved in group activities.
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Try to be around people who are caring and positive......