UNDERSTAND WHAT IS DEPRESSION

Feeling sad or depressed due to some  loss, life's struggles, or self-esteem getting hurt , is normal reaction of human , But when feelings of intense sadness sets in which  includes feeling of helpless, hopeless, and being worthless  for many days to weeks and starts effecting your normal functioning, then it is something more than sadness. Which in clinical term is called depression 

How do you know it is not sadness ? but depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses don't all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.However when you have at least five to six following symptoms for a period of more then two weeks then you must see a doctor and start treatment without further delay : 

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Loss of energy and  fatigue every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration , indecisiveness, and problem in  remembering details
• Lack of sleep of excessive sleep on daily basis
• Loss of interest or pleasure in all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide 
• Restlessness or being slowing  down
• Sudden significant  loss or gain in weight
• Irritability, restlessness
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Overeating or appetite loss 

However one of the key sign of depression is either depressed mood or loss of interest in activities which you use to  enjoy earlier. .

What Are the Main Causes of Depression ?

There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following: 

• Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to depression later in life.
• Certain medications. Some drugs, such as isotretinoin, the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
• Conflict. Depression may happen due to biological vulnerability and get aggravated  from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
• Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
• Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning that there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases
• Major events. All good or bad events which are milestones in your life can trigger depression such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married, losing a job getting divorced ect.
• Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing depression.
• Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.

NOTE ; how to over come depression with doctors and self help will be taken up on next post