Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional and behavioral symptoms which may include several or all of the following:
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Self-critical or Self-blaming thoughts
- Guilt or Worthlessness
- Helplessness
- Apathy
- Hopelessness
- Thoughts about death
- Memory & concentration problems
Depression may also be manifest physically, through stomach pains, muscle tension, headaches, or physical sluggishness. It can also be associated with insomnia, changes in appetite, or diminished sexual desire. Depression and anxiety often go together. Excessive worry and obsessiveness about problems is often a feature of both depression and anxiety disorders.
A variety of conditions may lead to depression. Often, it is a combination of such conditions that causes depression in somebody who experiences its symptoms for the first time. Factors that may lead to or contribute to depression include:
- A family history of mood (depression) and anxiety disorders
- A Traumatic event or stressful life experience, including divorce, grief, or other loss
- Medical disorders such as hypothyroidism, dementia, chronic pain, stroke, or cardiovascular disease
- Having recently given birth (post-partum depression)
- Changes in seasons (Seasonal depression)
- Substance abuse
Diagnosing depression involves a clinical evaluation by a mental health practitioner. In addition to a clinical interview, psychologists may administer certain tests to determine the severity of depression symptoms and other factors that determine how depression manifests in a particular individual. A person must experience symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Although every case is unique and requires individual attention, there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
- Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based therapies
- Medication
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle