Depression: Meaning and Symptoms

The young popular blogger that committed suicide recently as a result of depression(read the story HERE) pushed me to do a research on Depression. 99% of suicide cases are associated with depression.

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. Depressed people can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt, or commit suicide.

Left untreated, the symptoms of depression can negatively impact the sufferer's activities,

relationships, and career. Depressed people often have trouble concentrating and making decisions. They may stop participating in activities they used to enjoy, including sex, as well as no longer spending time with loved ones. In severe cases, depression can be fatal as the result of homicide or suicide.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

-Emotional Symptoms

The most prominent symptoms of depression are usually a sad or irritable mood and/or loss of interest in all or most activities that used to be pleasurable. Patients may also experience guilt despite having done nothing wrong, as well as feeling worthless, hopeless, and/or have recurring thoughts of wanting to die, kill, or otherwise harm themselves, as in cutting or burning themselves.

-Physical Symptoms

Depression can sometimes be associated with physical symptoms. Examples may include the following:

• Tiredness and low energy level
• Trouble sleeping, particularly early morning waking
• Sleeping too much
• Aches or pains, especially headaches, muscle cramps, or digestive problems (for example, stomachaches, diarrhea, or constipation) that do not improve even with pain focused treatment
• Feeling or seeming slowed down or agitated

Depression can worsen many other medical problems, especially those that cause chronic pain. Certain brain chemicals affect pain and mood, and treating depression tends to improve the symptoms and outcomes of many physical illnesses.

-Appetite Symptoms

Some individuals with depression experience an increase or decrease in appetite, which may lead to substantial loss or gain in weight.

More on Depression

• Causes and Cure for Depression 

Reference: Medicinenet.com , Helpguide.org , Wikipedia