Have you faced the question-am I Depressed?
Quite often when we see lows in our life and when our spirits are down we tend to question ourselves standing in front of the mirror-“am I depressed”? Especially happy faces around us make us think and doubt ourselves whether we are victim of depression.
What is depression?
Life has its ups and downs. With each downs or not so good occurrences in life creates sadness. However the sadness is often temporary and we come out of it after a few days. This is occasional sadness but depression is when this sadness overpowers you and you cannot in any way overcome it. This state interferes with normal functioning in life where you suffer and at the same time cause a lot of pain to your loved ones. This state or depression is a widespread and a serious illness nowadays.
Am I depressed? What are the symptoms?
People in depression may not undergo the same experience. Symptoms vary from person to person. However the common symptoms are:
· Low energy and fatigue.
· Constant sadness with an empty feeling.
· Being pessimistic and feeling hopeless at all time.
· Feeling guilty, helpless and worthless.
· Irritation and restlessness.
· Losing interest in hobbies or any activities including sex.
· Suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts.
· Insomnia or excessive sleeping
· Lack of concentration and difficulty in remembering and making decisions.
· Loss of appetite and overeating.
The above are enough signs to answer your question-“Am I depressed?” If you notice the above symptoms in you then consult a doctor to get help.
Find out the several forms of depression
There are different types of depressive disorders. They are:
1. Major depression
2. Dysthymic disorder
3. Minor depressions including
4. Seasonal Affective Disorder
5. Postpartum Depression
6. Psychotic Depression
Causes of depression
Environmental, psychological, biological factors combining with certain genetic characteristics are responsible in causing depressive disorders in a person. Depressive illness is a sort of brain disorder.MRI reports have shown that brain of a person having depression look different from a normal person’s brain. The section of brain that is involved in appetite, thinking, sleep, and mood appear different.
Depressions often run in families. However depression might occur in a person who does not have a family history of this illness. Apart from this any kind of trauma, loss of loved one or a crisis in life or relation may trigger bouts of depression.
A senior person contended with life never has this question, “am I depressed?” in their mind in spite of having physical problems and illnesses. Grief or sadness does not require medical treatment like depression does. Although grief that persists for a longer period of time might require medical help. Depression during childhood often continues in times of adulthood if not treated in time. Treatment of depression is effective even in the most complicated of cases. So if circumstances leave you grieving and lamenting for days and question pops in your mind, “am I depressed?”, then first thing you should do is to visit a doctor.