The National Institute of Mental Health released the following statistics for depression in 2010: it affects approximately 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in any given year; it is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44; the median age at onset is 32. Symptoms persist over a period of weeks or more, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. A variety of treatments, both medical and holistic, exists for depression, but many people never seek help. It is important to report any symptoms to a doctor or natural care provider, as the incidence of recurrence for untreated depression is high.
Disengagement
Depressed people often lose interest in activities they once found pleasurable. Work and play become insurmountable tasks. In a February 25, 2010 article in The New York Times Magazine, Jonah Lehrer writes that Charles Darwin's depression "left him not able to do anything one day out of three." People suffering from depression may avoid family and friends and prefer to remain indoors alone. When interacting with others, depressed people often seem preoccupied or not entirely present.
Lack of Concentration
Depression interferes with a person's ability to focus or make decisions. What once took a split second to decide now takes minutes, hours or even days. Both long- and short-term memory may suffer. Simple details such as the location of the house keys or the story on the news three minutes ago become impossible to remember.
Feelings of Worthlessness
Low self-esteem proves very prevalent among the depressed population. Feelings of worthlessness persist and completely cloud a person's self-image, says the National Institute of Mental Health. Thoughts of suicide may occur and should be reported to a health professional or crisis line immediately.
Sleep Disturbances
The sleep patterns of a depressed person tend to the extreme. Either they find themselves sleeping 10, 12 even 15 hours each day or they cannot fall asleep at all. Insomnia may also present itself as very early morning waking with an inability to fall back asleep. Over time, sleep disturbances may pose a serious health threat.
Appetite Changes
Depressed people may turn to food for comfort, gaining large amounts of weight. On the other hand, they may find themselves so agitated that they cannot eat at all, resulting in marked weight loss. Appetite changes can also become very serious over time, affecting other systems of the body.
