Depression: Define It Defeat It
A Definition of Depression
Depression is a disturbance in mood, thought, and body characterized by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt. Most people tend to feel depressed at one time or another; some people may experience these feelings more frequently or with deeper, more lasting effects. In some cases, depression can last for months or even years.
The most common type of depression, “feeling blue” or “being in a bad mood” is usually brief in duration and has minimal or slight effect on normal, everyday activities. In the next level of depression, symptoms are more intense and last for a longer period of time. Daily activities become more difficult but the individual is still able to cope with them. However, feelings of hopelessness can become so intense that suicide may seem the only solution. In severe depression a person may experience extreme fluctuations in moods or even a complete withdrawal from daily routine and/or the outside world.
Symptoms of Depression
* Changes in Feelings and/or Perceptions
* Crying spells or at the other extreme, lack of emotional responsiveness
* Inability to find pleasure in anything
* Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and/or helplessness
* Exaggerated sense of guilt, self-blame or failure
* Loss of sexual desire
* Loss of warm feelings toward family or friends
* Pessimism about self, the world, the future
Changes in Behavior and Attitudes
* Lack of interest in prior activities and
* Withdrawal from others
* Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
* Irritability, complaints about matters previously taken in stride
* Dissatisfaction about life in general
* Impaired memory, inability to concentrate
* Indecisiveness and confusion
* Reduced ability to cope on a daily basis
* Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Physical Complaints
* Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
* Loss of appetite, or at the other extreme, compulsive eating
* Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
* Unexplained headaches, backaches, and similar complaints
* Digestive problems including stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, and/or change in bowel habits
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