1. Baby Blues?
Depression most commonly affects women. A woman may experience severe feelings of worthlessness after the birth of a child, worse than the common "down" feeling most women feel when they become mothers. This condition is known as postpartum depression. Women may feel dumbfounded by the responsibilities of their new role, leading to an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or anxiety. Also, women going through menopause can exhibit irritability, fatigue and a seemingly incurable sense of pessimism due to changes in hormone levels that lead to depression.
2. It Happens to men, too
Men often complain of problems sleeping when they suffer from depression. Interrupted sleep cycles, rising very early or insomnia are common. Men often lose interest in activities that they normally enjoy and become irritable and frustrated. They may turn to alcohol for relief of their depression or take part in dangerous behavior. Men can become workaholics to avoid confronting their depression, but delaying treatment can lead to increased anger and abusive behavior.
3. Teenage Depression
Teenagers may have "mood swings," but when they have eating disorders or talk of suicide, treatment for depression may help. Kids in their teens have difficulty defining themselves and their place in society. This can lead to stubborn feelings of sadness, emptiness or restlessness. Note comments about feelings of worthlessness and an inability to concentrate or remember things in a depressed teen.
4. Offer to Help
People with constant physical ailments like cramps or muscle aches can suffer from depression. When these complaints don't subside even after medical intervention, treatment for depression may solve the problem. Often, recognizing depression in yourself is difficult. Don't hesitate to help someone you think is depressed by offering to accompany them to their doctor and sharing your concerns about their behavior with their physician. They might not know it yet, but they might need help.
5. Medication can do the Trick
When a person experiences sadness to the point that it interferes with their normal life, depression may be the cause. If a person can't adjust their attitude or get out of the funk they're in on their own, medication may help. Medicines prescribed for depression may take some time and dosage adjustments to work effectively, so people should work with a doctor until they come up with the right solution.
