Many of us have heard the word "depression," some of us have even self diagnosed ourselves as being depressed, but what causes it and what are the common symptoms? The exact cause of depression is unclear, but the following factors may make someone more prone to depression than others: specific distressing life events (e.g. a loss or failure), biochemical imbalances in the brain, psychological causes (e.g. constant pessimistic outlook on life), or there may even be a genetic link.
Everyone experiences feelings of unhappiness, decreased self-worth, self-blame, sadness, disappointment, and emptiness throughout their lives. Normally, these feelings pass after a short-time. It is when these feelings become severe and long-term is where depression may complicate life.Other common symptoms are feeling helpless or hopeless, sleeping more or less than usual, eating more or less than usual, having difficulty concentrating or making decisions, loss of interest in taking part in activities, avoiding people, overwhelming sadness or grief, feeling unreasonable guilt, loss of energy, and severe cases may include thoughts of death or suicide. These feelings (after a serious loss or disappointment) may last for a short or long time depending on the person, the severity of loss, and the support available to help the person cope. Clinical depression also lasts varying lengths and may end naturally after several weeks or months. With treatment, it may end more quickly.
Most people are helped through treatment with medications and/or psychological counseling. Patience and non-judgmental support from family, friends, and self-help groups can make a big difference.
If you or someone you know requires more help than friends or family can provide, contact a qualified health care professional, such as a physician, to find additional support.
Information Source:
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87
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