Depression is an illness in which feelings of sadness, grief and despair overwhelm your emotional well being. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder affects 14.8 million adults in the U.S. When symptoms of depression become overwhelming and do not go away, they can lead to a second set of health risks that need to be addressed by a medical professional.
Definition
Depression or major depressive disorder is more than just occasionally feeling blue or sad. According to the Mayo Clinic, clinical depression is an actual medical illness. It is a chronic problem that affects your feelings, behavior and thinking patterns. You may feel worthless and find it difficult to complete day-to-day activities such as spending time with family and functioning well at your job. If left untreated, it can overtake your life.
Symptoms
The Suicide Awareness Voices of Education website explains that symptoms of depression are different with each person based on her age and treatment stage. Depression causes real physical changes in the brain. It is generally caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters that produce the physical symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include intense sadness, feelings of hopelessness, sadness and worthlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, physical pain, crying and thoughts of suicide. Unresolved, these symptoms can trigger other health problems such as hypertension, panic disorder and anger.
Causes
The depression website by Glaxo Smith Kline explains that depression can result from myriad causes. The causes of depression may include a pessimistic attitude that includes poor self esteem and a negative outlook on life. If you have experienced a great deal of stress and trauma in your life, you could develop depression. If you have a family history of the illness or family members who have committed suicide, you are at risk for the illness. Chronic health problems or being diagnosed with a terminal illness can also cause depression. If the depression is unresolved it could impact your quality of life.
Effects
Not treating your depression can cause serious harm to your emotional well being and your overall health explains the Helpguide website. If left unresolved you could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms such as harming yourself, drug and alcohol abuse or not eating a healthy diet. You may also isolate yourself from family and friends and give up on things that were once important to you. Depression can lead to failure to take care of yourself through proper hygiene and upkeep of appearance.
Treatment
Treating your depression is essential in order to prevent complications. Treatment includes initially getting an affirmative diagnosis from a medical doctor or psychologist. He will rule out any possibility of an underlying medical condition that could cause symptoms of depression. The Psychology Information Online website explains that most treatment involves psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy will help you recognize your cause of depression and assist you with developing positive life goals and making the changes you need to reduce stress and cope with your problems better. An antidepressant such as Cymbalta or Lexapro may be prescribed to help you think more clearly. In some cases an anti-anxiety medication may also be prescribed for help with accompanying anxiety or panic disorders.
