Learn to Fight Depression

6 Parts:

What is Depression?

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Degrees of Depression

Ways to Fight Depression

Tips Tricks & Warnings

Comments

Symptoms that a depressed person experiences may not seem that serious at first. Maybe they suffer from stomach trouble, being overly tired, or they might have chest pains. They may even find themselves waking up in the middle of the night for no reason. Maybe they are dealing with a change in eating habits - possibly eating less and losing weight, or eating more and gaining weight. I'm sure many people have experienced these things, and they can happen from time to time.

However, what if we have these problems all the time? We just may feel that we have no energy, and have lost all interest in life. Maybe we even will get feelings that we don't want to live anymore. Than we know something more serious is going on. Depressed people can find it difficult to act on the most simplest tasks each day, such as brushing their teeth, preparing a meal for themselves, or even getting dressed.

There are different kinds of depression Acute depression may last for weeks or months, and then go away. Things that will cause that to happen in our lives often include the death of a loved one, a divorce, or an illness. Chronic depression on the other hand, can last month after month.

Research has shown that one cause of depression can be a chemical imbalance of the brain where there would be a lack of serotonin. Thankfully, doctors can prescribe medications to help their patients ease their depression. Sometimes, though, they are not effective.

Also there could be environmental causes or events that happened in a person's childhood that can cause depression. No matter what the cause, how can a person cope or fight against their depression? Trying to win the fight against it doesn't mean that we will never have a sad moment again. We will, but we can take steps to make things better. Drugs do not always help those who are depressed. Trying to think positively will help. What other things can help?

Melancholia is a silent cry for help. Some people think that depression, just like any other emotional state, will just go away after some time. Individuals who suffer from depression are often left to fend for themselves. These people are afraid to be misconstrued as crazy, dangerous, or inadequate. This is precisely the very same thinking that has kept women and men sufferers mum about the perils of depression. Contrary to popular belief, depression is not just plain mood deviations or temporary state of sadness - this is in fact a real health hazard and a medical condition that needs immediate treatment.

Normal people experience myriad emotions. It lingers in them and affects their day-to-day grind. Outbursts of happiness, sadness, fear, or anger can occur. Sadness in itself is not a psychological dysfunction especially if it is triggered by certain events in a person's life. Heartbreak could leave you sad or even moping for a few days or weeks but it does not always account for depression. However, there are certainly quite a few cases linked to relationship mishaps which lead to anxiety attacks or depression. Unlike the typical "blues" or sadness, depression persists for a much longer time and symptoms tend to aggravate over time. You cannot just snap out of depression in an instant. This is a common illness, which needs to be deciphered by a medical expert.

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   Persistent feeling of lowliness or sadness

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   This pertains to a constant, intense, and prolonged feeling of sadness which could be accompanied by crying spells.

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2. 2
   Lack or reduced interest in leisure activities or socialization

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   An individual who used to have active involvement in varied sports events may suddenly lose significant interest in these activities. A lot of clinical depression sufferers withdraw from usual activities and lack the desire or enthusiasm to go out or communicating with family, friends, and colleagues.

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3. 3
   Significant changes in appetite

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   One characteristic of a depressed individual is going to extremes such as either eating less than usual or more than usual, which are both considered hazardous to health.

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4. 4
   Restlessness and unusual daytime fatigue

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   Depression would hit the strongest during the daytime as people with this condition would appear anxious, agitated, and tired.

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5. 5
   Sleeping problems occur

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   Most individuals who are experiencing depressive symptoms either have trouble sleeping or do the exact opposite - sleep way too much.

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6. 6
   Morbid thoughts of committing suicide

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   This becomes apparent specifically with individuals who are experiencing severe depression. They will often blurt out declarations about killing themselves or the desire to die and end it all. It is wise to note that most suicidal individuals eventually make attempts - so take heed. Most often than not, when a clinically depressed person tells you that he is going to commit suicide, he really has plans to do it (and he might).

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7. 7
   Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness or guilt

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   A depressed individual is often easily provoked or affected by certain words, actions, or untoward events. However, unlike normal people, they cannot just let things take their course; instead feelings grow in intensity and become highly volatile at some point. Most depressed individuals are unable to contain anger and frustrations and could potentially vent it in a dangerous way.

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8. 8
   Experiences difficulty concentrating performing tasks

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   Focusing on specific tasks or chores (even the simplest or routine ones) can be very challenging for someone who has clinical depression. Getting organized and solving problems proves to be very trying. Dealing with work, personal, and social pressure and demands can be overwhelming and could lead to worsening of depressive and anxiety symptoms.

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There is more to depression than meets the eye. Signs and symptoms of depression relatively vary from one person to another depending on multitude trigger factors. The type, frequency, and severity of these symptoms would then reveal the degree of depression that an individual experiences and how it affects a person's life in retrospect.

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   Mild Depression - People who are suffering from this first stage of depression does not seem to notice that he or she has a medical condition, nor does anyone else

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   The individual is functional yet may feel some form of irritability, mood swings, and reduced enthusiasm for certain activities, but everything is tolerable and looks normal. The person can go by without necessary treatment or medication and can get better after some time.
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