Most Common Disease Depression Found in Humans

Depression is different from normal sadness in that it interferes with your day to day life - your ability to
work, study, eat, sleep, or have fun. Some depressed people don’t feel sad but may feel empty, angry, aggressive, restless or apathetic.

Depression comes in many forms:

Major depression: characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. Left untreated, it typically lasts 6 months. It is common for major depression to be a recurring disorder.

Dysthymia : a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly depressed, although you may have brief periods of a normal mood. These symptoms last for around two years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): characterized by feelings of depression that are more prominent during the fall or winter when overcast days are frequent and sunlight is limited.

Bipolar Disorder: Though there are two different kinds of Bipolar disorder (I and II), both are generally characterized by cycling mood changes. Episodes of depression alternate with manic episodes, which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little to no sleep. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual.

COMMON CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION INCLUDE

Loneliness
Lack of social support
Recent stressful life experiences
Family history of depression
Marital or relationship problems
Financial strain
Early childhood trauma or abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse
Unemployment or underemployment
Health problems or chronic pain

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest in daily activities
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep changes
Anger or irritability
Loss of energy
Self-loathing
Reckless behavior
Concentration problems
Unexplained aches and pains

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE WITH DEPRESSION

A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
Talking or thinking about death
Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
Having a "death wish" or tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
Losing interest in things one used to care about
Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or changing a will
Talking about suicide

PREVENTION

It is important to seek help through a friend or a counselor if you feel depressed. A counselor can offer you ways to cope as well as prescribe any treatments that he or she sees fit.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to contact safety net resources on campus or call a suicide hotline (see below).

Treatment  Of Depression

People who suffer from depression cannot just “pull themselves together” and get better--they need treatment. The good news is depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Treatment usually involves cognitive behavior therapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two.

Cognitive behavior therapy: Cognitive behavior therapy can help you to identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
Antidepressants: Antidepressants include many types of antidepressants and other mood stabilizers. They can help lift one’s mood and ease the feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
You’ll need to work with your doctor to find the depression treatment that is most effective with the fewest side effects.