Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis and a treatment plan consisting of medication, psychotherapy and healthy lifestyle choices, many people can and do get better. Some will only experience one depressive episode in a lifetime, but for most, depressive a disorder recurs. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.
More than 19 million U.S. adults—nearly 8% of the population—had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. People of all ages and all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression, but it does affect some groups more than others.
Symptoms:
Depression can present with different symptoms, depending on the person but for most, it changes how they function day-to-day, and typically for more than two weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of concentration
- Loss of energy
- Lack of interest in activities
- Hopelessness or guilty thoughts
- Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)
- Physical aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
Causes:
Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or something else—but it can also occur spontaneously.
Several factors can contribute to depression:
- Trauma: When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression.
- Genetics: Mood disorders, like depression, tend to run in families.
- Life circumstances: Marital status, relationship and/or financial issues, where a person lives.
- Brain Disorders
- Other Medical Conditions
- Alcohol/Drug Use
Reference:
nami.org
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