Depression
By: David K
What is depression?
Depression is a strong mood of sadness, discouragement, despair or hopelessness that lasts for a long period of time. It not only affects the persons mood, but can also affect their energy, motivation and concentration; interfering with their everyday life and the things they enjoy.
What are the signs of symptoms of depression?
Some symptoms include:
- Negative feelings or mood
- Pessimistic thinking
- Low energy and drive to do something
- Lack of concentration
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches and sleeping problems
- Social isolation
How does it affect a person?
Their general health and school performance could drop sharply. Their concentration, energy and motivation levels become lower, and body aches and pains start to occur more often. They may hurt themselves in unnecessary ways thinking that they are a failure or they are worthless. They may become more isolated and spend more time alone than with others, as well as changing their thinking to a more negative perception.
Why does depression occur?
There is no definite cause of depression. However, there are many items that cause depression, including inherited traits or a difficult environment. It could occur during stressful or difficult events, and the persons attitude towards life can trigger it as well. Outdoor elements can change the way a person's neurotransmitters work, causing the person to be depressed. Sometimes people develop the disorder for no particular reason.
How is depression diagnosed?
People with depression may not be able to diagnose themselves. They may think of themselves as just a failure or a bad student. Depression could be mistaken for poor attitude and just "not trying hard enough." The best way to tell if you have depression is to see a doctor, physician or a therapist to diagnose yourself.
How is depression treated?
Depression can get better with attention and care. Friends or others need to step in and help someone who is severely depressed. A therapist or a mental health professional will help you deal with depression. The therapist can help them understand their emotions, and help them feel supported and understood. Mental health professionals can evaluate depression and create the right plan to treat it. Getting support of any kind, especially from parents or adults they trust, is a great way to get help. They'll give you things to feel happy about, keep you company, and help realize the good things about you that already exist. In addition to others helping you, you could help yourself as well. Some simple things such as eating healthy, exercising and getting a good amount of sleep could help dramatically. Even focusing on positive emotions and staying with optimistic people is great as well. Do things that express your feelings, such as dance, art, or music. However, don't wait for depression to go away, get evaluation and care, and do what you can to care for yourself.
Interesting notes or facts
Often times, many people do not know that are diagnosed with depression. Many times they think of themselves to be a failure or worthless, and their failing school grades are mistaken for poor attitude and a lack of effort.However, in fact, they are diagnosed with depression, despite the fact that everything seems to be fine.