Stress Guide 101: What Is Depression? A Base Guideline

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

What Is Depression? A Base Guideline

By: Robert Langtry

Depression is a serious medical condition, which needs to be treated by a qualified doctor. It is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. You cant just simply snap out of it. Depression isnt a state of mind that you can alter at will. Depression involves physical changes in the brain that is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.

Causes of Depression

In most cases, depression is a combination of many different factors. Depression can be brought on by stress and turmoil in your life. Financial problems, a death in the family or the ending of a relationship or marriage, can start a person to descend into a state of depression. Any dramatic or unwelcome changes in your life, such as losing a job, can bring on a bout of depression.

If you or a love one has a serious medical condition, the fear and stress associated with this type of situation can cause a person to become depressed. Even medicine used to treat a serious illness can have a side effects that can cause depression.

There is a genetic component to getting depression. Sometimes depression runs in families and can be inherited. Depression can also appear in people with no family history of depression. Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Environmental and psychological factors can trigger a bout of depression. Depression can occur in people with psychological disorders, such as mental illness and anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression varies from person to person. Depression feels like you are in a black hole of despair and there is no way to escape. It leaves you with a profound feeling of emptiness that makes you believe there is nothing you can do to ever experience happiness again. A depressed person loses all interest and pleasure in the daily activities they once loved. A depressed person can become so distraught that thoughts of death and suicide frequently occurs.

People that are depressed feels hopelessness and sadness every day of their lives. They may have trouble sleeping or may sleep too much. They might eat too much or barely eat anything at all. People suffering from depression have trouble concentrating and focusing on anything in their daily life. Making decisions is overwhelming and there is a strong and inappropriate sense of guilt. Fatigue and loss of energy is another symptom of depression. Some depressed people feels worthless, lack self-esteem and have a negative outlook on life. They cant see past their current situation, so they dont believe their lives can improve. Depression causes people to abuse alcohol and drugs in an effect to self-medicate their depression.

Treatment of Depression

Depression is treatable. If you are suffering from depression; get medical help immediately. The first step in treating your depression is to talk to a healthcare professional to discuss various treatment options. Taking antidepressants can put you on the road to recovery. They will make you feel better so you can reclaim your life and find enjoyment in the wonders of everyday life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Robert covers to vast world of Depression. Running the site DepressionLearning.com, he has had the opportunity to look at the depression disease right in the eyes. With knowledge from depression symptoms to depression treatments, Robert continues his research in the never ending attempts to find the ultimate cure.