Depression is not just a sad feeling. It is a disorder affecting a person’s mood, feelings, behavior and interests. Depression is a serious mental condition, which requires treatment and help.
Symptoms:
- Changes in sleeping habits and hours: Having trouble falling asleep, or staying up till late.
- Changes in appetite and eating habits: Loss or increased appetite, which could result in loss or gain of weight.
- Hopelessness: Feeling hopeless and helpless are some of the most common symptoms. The person is pessimistic and feels like nothing good is happening in their lives.
- Loss of energy: Constantly feeling tired or exhausted and may not be in the mood to do anything.
- Low self-esteem: Feeling useless or non-important.
- Lack of interest and loss of energy: Losing interest in things that was once enjoyed.
- Physical aches and pains: Headaches, nausea, and upset stomach are some of the physical symptoms.
- Suicidal thoughts or actions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
You may be diagnosed with depression if you have five or more of the symptoms listed above over a long period of time. The diagnosis is done by a doctor or a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Speak with a specialist to learn about the treatment options that are available to you. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you include medications, psychotherapy, brain stimulation therapies, light therapy, exercise, and self-management strategies.
October is Depression Awareness Month and this is Mental Illness Awareness Week! Let’s all help raise awareness about Mental Health Conditions.
Do you or a loved one suffer from Depression? Contact us today and learn about our clinical research study opportunities on Depression.
Source: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
