Depression is a medical condition. It is an illness affecting the mind and the body. Depression can cause emotional and physical problems. Understanding the symptoms of depression can help individuals seek treatment.
Emotional Symptoms
The emotional symptoms include increased irritability, loss of interest in normal activities, loss of appetite, problems with sleeping and feeling sad or down.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms include unexplained pains such as headaches or back pains, an upset stomach and a loss of energy.
Causes
Depression results from a variety of factors. These factors can include stress, medical illness, hormonal factors and a chemical imbalance.
Hurting Self
Depression can cause patients to have thoughts about suicide or other self-inflicted physical damage. Help should be sough immediately if these thoughts occur.
Help
People and places where help can be sought for depression include the family doctor, counselors, clergy, psychologists, psychiatrists and social service agencies.
