Depression

What is Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a continuous feeling of sadness, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in daily activities for a longer period of time. It affects your ability to think, sense, and behave and creates a feeling of misery and hopelessness. Sometimes people with depression may have suicidal tendencies. Depression can affect a person’s personal life, and general health to a large extent.
Depression is a serious medical condition that can be very dangerous if not treated on time, but you don’t need to worry much as people who seek treatment for depression observes significant improvements and lead normal life.

Causes and Symptoms of Depression

Causes:

The exact causes of depression are not known but there are a number of factors that could be responsible for depression such as:

1. Genetics – People with any blood relatives with depression are more likely to develop this condition.
2. Biological changes in the brain.
3. Environmental factors
4. Biological changes in neurotransmitter level
5. Childhood trauma
6. Psychosocial Factors – The combination of social factors and individual thoughts are responsible for depression.
7. Hormones – The imbalance of hormones can lead to depression in some individuals.
8. Brain Structure – People with less active frontal lobes have been linked to depression.
9. Certain Medical Conditions – People with certain medical conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, ADHD, etc are at higher risk of depression.
10. Drug Use – Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use could lead to depression.

Some risk factors associated with depression  are:

1. Low self-esteem
2. Being more self-critical
3. History of mental illness
4. A stressful event such as the death of a close person or relative, divorce, or financial problems.
5. Being gay, transgender, lesbian.
6. Certain medications (medicines for high blood pressure, sleeping pills, etc.)
7. Head injury

Symptoms:

People with depression show many signs and symptoms which can be identified easily such as:

1. Loss of interest in daily activities
2. Depressed mood
3. Fatigue or weakness
4. Feeling of loneliness, hopelessness, sadness, frustration, anxiety, and anger on small matters.
5. Irregular sleep patterns (loss of sleep or sleeping too much)
6. Loss of sexual desires and reduced sex drive
7. Suicidal thoughts
8. Slow movements,  impaired speech, and late response during conversations.
9. A feeling of being unimportant
10. Lack of concentration and decision making
11. Sudden Weight loss or weight gain, loss of appetite or increased hunger.

Preventive Measures for Depression:

1. Maintain an exercise routine as best as possible. A habit of pushing yourself mentally and physically helps keep mental spirits high and prevents the development of any negative emotions.
2. Avoid activities that make you tense, and prioritize intense or emotionally consuming activities based on your emotional availability. 
3. Stay away from tobacco products or alcohol as they evoke negative emotions or lead to disturbing addictions. They will worsen your depression or negate the effects of your medicines
4. Do not take unnecessary pills or prescriptions unless they are absolutely necessary and never without a doctor’s prescription.
5. Maintain a healthy sleeping schedule as disturbed or lack of sleep is one of the common causes of depression.
6. Stay away from people who are toxic or talk negatively with you. Don’t participate in conversations that make you feel down or bad about yourself.