Introduction to Depression
Depression is a serious psychological disorder that requires
medical treatment. Some people say they are depressed from time
to time but occasional feelings of sadness that do not have a
prolonged impact on daily activities is not true depression.
True depression, however, can be treated and if you or someone
you know is showing signs of depression, it is recommended that
you get to a doctor immediately because without proper treatment
depression can lead to physical and financial problems. The
tricky part is sometimes recognizing the symptoms because many
people affected by depression do not realize the severity of
their disorder.
Many people suffer from depression without realizing that their
disorder can be treated. Understanding the symptoms of
depression is the first step to better health. Once you are
aware that you or a friend is suffering from clinical
depression, you can seek medical attention or encourage your
friend to consult their physician about their symptoms. Some of
the symptoms of depression include persistent sad feelings,
feeling hopeless, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed
activities, feeling worthless, lack of energy, difficulty in
concentrating, loss of memory, change in sleeping patterns,
change in appetite accompanied by either extreme weight loss or
gain, restlessness, physical pain that is unresponsive to
treatment and thoughts of death or suicide.
The aforementioned are some key signs of depression but it is
important to not that not all people suffering from depression
will experience all of these symptoms. If you or someone you
know is experiencing one or more of the above symptoms it is
advisable to visit your doctor and tell them about your concerns
of depression. If left untreated, depression can have a
significant effect on your lifestyle. Those who are depressed
sometimes feel worthless and these feelings can lead to
destructive behaviors. Additionally, those who are depressed
have trouble concentrating, making decisions and even sleeping
and this could make you less productive at work and put you at
risk of losing your job.