Depression
Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving behaviour, emotion, and thoughts. Depression may result from a single traumatic life event, numerous cumulative life problems and personal disappointments over time, or without any obvious life crisis
Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events.
Research has shown that depression is more common in women than in men, and that it often runs in families. It is also more prevalent in people who have experienced trauma or abuse, or who have a history of substance abuse.
Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness or emptiness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and changes in appetite or weight. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressant medications can help to regulate brain chemistry and improve mood, while therapy can help individuals to identify and address the underlying causes of their depression.
Depression can last for short or long periods of time, depending on the person, the circumstances, and the support available. Therapy can help to end the depression more quickly.
Many people do not realize that they are depressed, or they wait too long to get treatment. Yet 1 out of 20 people experience depression in their lifetime. It is much more common than people think!
Remember, DEPRESSION IS TREATABLE!
COMMON SIGNS OF DEPRESSION IN ADULTS:
☐ Feelings of sadness most of the time
☐ Don’t enjoy usual activities like hobbies
☐ Change in appetite/weight
☐ Loss of purpose or meaning
☐ Change in sleep patterns
☐ Don’t feel well rested in morning
☐ Feeling restless, sluggish, or fatigued
☐ Feelings or worthlessness or guilt
☐ Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
☐ Thoughts of suicide or death
☐ Decreased sex drive
☐ Avoiding other people/isolating self
☐ Irritable or frustrated easily
☐ Loss of energy
☐ Feeling empty, sad, or anxious
☐ Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or guilt
☐ Difficulty sleeping, waking early in the morning, or
oversleeping
☐ Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or
digestive problems that do not have a clear physical
cause and do not go away with treatment