Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and home. Contrary to popular belief, it is not something that you can snap out of. You must seek professional help if you think you have depression.
What causes depression?
There is no single cause of depression. There may be a variety of triggers and many different causes. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event such as divorce, loss of a life partner, chronic illness, or work-related stress can be the cause. Most often than not, many causes combine together to trigger a major depressive disorder.
Signs and symptoms:
- Disturbed sleep
- Change in appetite. This is often a poor appetite and weight loss. Sometimes the reverse happens with comfort eating and weight gain.
- Tiredness or loss of energy.
- Agitation or slowing of movements.
- Poor concentration or indecisiveness.
- Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive guilt.
- Recurrent thoughts of death. This is not usually a fear of death, more a preoccupation with death and dying. Sometimes these thoughts progress into ideas about, and even plans for, suicide.
- Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression.
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. If you or someone you know have thoughts about suicide, immediately call an ambulance and seek emergency help.
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007