Depression

Did you know depression affects 1 in 15 adults in any given year? 1 in 6 people will experience depression at some point in their lives. The most common age group is teens and mid-20’s. Women are more likely to have depression.

Symptoms

What are some of the symptoms of depression? Well according to the American Psychiatric Association

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite, weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (could be severe enough to be observable by others)
Felling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

They say it must last two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning.

What it isn’t

When a loved one dies or you lose your job, ending a relationship, these are difficult times in one’s life. I know I have experienced several of them. These are just setbacks, to life. And these could be called sadness, or grief/bereavement.

Grief

Can be some painful feelings that come in waves and can last most of two weeks. Your self-esteem is usually maintained. Yes, you can have thoughts about death as you are wanting to join the deceased of a loved one.

Risk Factors

What type of factors can play a role in someone’s depression. Well,

Biochemistry
Genetics
Personality
Environmental factors

Treatment

This can range from Medication to talking to a psychiatrist. Yes, talking about what is going on in your life that is causing depression. You can do what is called talk therapy “Psychotherapy” and that could help a person in 10 to 15 sessions. You can also do what is called electroconvulsive