Depression commonly manifests physically,

through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted

or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty.

While the causes of depression are unknown,

a predisposition for it runs in families and

it can be triggered by trauma and adverse

life circumstances. Depression is diagnosed more

frequently in women and tends to display

differently in women than in men.

 

People tend to suffer higher rates of depression

after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and

anxiety often exacerbate each other and people

with depression commonly have difficulty

concentrating on tasks and conversations.

Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat

as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for self-harm.

 

Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:

• Apathy

• Sadness

• Guilt

• Exhaustion

• Irritability

 

Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:

• Talk therapy

• Medication

• Adopting a healthier lifestyle