DEPRESSION on HEALTH is WEALTH with Elizabeth.

 On today's edition of HEALTH is WEALTH, we shall be discussing DEPRESSION.

 A lot of people hear the word "Depression" but do not know the meaning and what is embedded in this word.

 

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. This is 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, psychotherapy or both.

Now let's go to the symptoms of DEPRESSION.

Symptoms

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and 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

• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness

• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame

• 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

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. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

In females

Depression is nearly twice as common among women as men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Below are some symptoms of depression that tend to appear more often in females:

• irritability

• anxiety

• mood swings

• fatigue

• ruminating (dwelling on negative thoughts)

Also, some types of depression are unique to females, such as:

• Post Partum Depression

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

   

In males

A lot of men have feelings of depression or anxiety, according to the American Psychological Association.

Males with depression are more likely than females to drink alcohol in excess, display anger, and engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder.

Other symptoms of depression in males may include:

• avoiding families and social situations

• working without a break

• having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities

• displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships

Causes

The medical community does not fully understand the causes of depression. There are many possible causes, and sometimes, various factors combine to trigger symptoms.

Factors that are likely to play a role include:

• genetic features

• changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels

• environmental factors

• psychological and social factors

• additional conditions, such as Bipolar Disorder.

Depression 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, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
  

• In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.

Depression 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. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:

• Memory difficulties or personality changes

• Physical aches or pain

• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication

• Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things

• Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

When to see a doctor

If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, any health care professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.

When to get emergency help

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call your loved ones or your local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

• Call your doctor or mental health professional.

• Call a suicide hot-line number —if you have any in your country.
  

• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. If you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

  Click here to view treatments.

Now that you know that DEPRESSION is real and you now have an idea of what the SYMPTOMS look like, be your brother's keeper, help someone who might be in this condition and reduce suicide.

 

Till next time on our next Edition of HEALTH IS WEALTH, 

I still remain your humble host,

ELIZABETH.

I love you all!!!

Bye for now.