What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
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What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
While depression shares several similarities with grief, it is different from the sadness associated with a traumatic life event. While both involve feelings of sadness and loss, a person suffering from depression is often filled with self-loathing. In contrast, grief typically includes positive feelings that accompany the emotional pain experienced. Furthermore, major depressive disorder (MDD) causes persistent feelings of sadness. These feelings can disrupt daily life, lead to chronic health conditions, and affect relationships.
Women and men have different symptoms of postnatal depression. In men, symptoms include tiredness, irritability, and anger. While women show symptoms of sadness and worthlessness, men’s depression usually involves feelings of guilt or shame. Children with depression often refuse school and exhibit irritability and sulkiness. Many depressed adolescents suffer from co-morbid anxiety and eating disorders. Although depression in women may be difficult to identify in children, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Although major depression does not cause cancer, it increases the risk of heart disease. Cancer-stricken people may be at greater risk for developing depression. Depression has also been linked to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease. Over half of overweight people develop mood disorders. Finally, depression significantly impairs an individual’s ability to work. In addition, people suffering from depression are more likely to be unemployed and have lower income. There are many causes of depression and the symptoms that accompany it.
People suffering from SAD experience depressive symptoms in the fall and winter, and are more likely to be affected by this condition in northern climates. Treatment for SAD is usually light therapy. This involves exposing patients to bright light units to help regulate their body’s internal clock. In addition to light therapy, patients with SAD may be prescribed antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and psychotherapy. But what are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?
If you think you may be suffering from depression, tell your friends and family about your feelings. Tell them that you need support, and ask them to support you. If you cannot find a friend or family member who understands your condition, consider seeing your doctor. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe a treatment plan that will help you return to a normal life. While you’re suffering from the symptoms of depression, it’s important to remember that it is not a personal weakness.
Although depression can be treated with various methods, research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective. It should show results in as little as eight weeks, with symptoms largely resolved by 12 weeks. When therapy fails, antidepressants should be considered. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms for more than two weeks, however, you may want to seek help. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek support and treatment as soon as possible to prevent a full-blown depressive episode.
If you’ve tried all the treatments and still don’t see an improvement, electroconvulsive therapy (TMS) or vagus nerve stimulation may be appropriate for you. These treatments may work through changes in the chemical messaging of the brain, but the results are not permanent. Depression is often misdiagnosed, so you need to see a psychiatrist for help. You might also benefit from counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as regular exercise.
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