Are you suffering from depression?

Life is full of ups and downs, but when the down times last for weeks or month at a time, you may be experiencing symptoms related to depression.  Depression is an emotional ailments that involves the body and mind or physiology and thoughts.  It affects eating and sleeping patterns, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think.  It is different from feeling "blue" or down for a few hours or a couple of days.  It is not a condition that can be merely wished away. 

What causes depression?

There is no single cause of depression.  There are many reason why one may become depressed:

• Hormonal factors- menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, or menopause.
• Stress- at work and home, caring for children, and for aging parents.
• Family history- inherited; it can also occur in people without a family history of depression.
• Trauma & Life Changes- loss of a loved one, divorce, and relocation.
• Medical Illness- stroke, heart attack, or cancer.
• Chemical Imbalance- substance abuse, prescription drugs (side effects).
• Self-Negligance- constantly putting others before yourself, mistreating yourself, depriving yourself of happiness, "I don't have time for fun".

What are the signs of depression?

Not all people with depression have the same symptoms.  Some people may only have a few, and others may experience more of the following:  

• Feeling sad, anxious, or "empty"
• Feeling hopeless
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
• Decrease of energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Sleeplessness, early morning awakening, or oversleeping and not wanting to get up
• Change in eating patterns, significant weight loss or gain
• Thoughts of hurting self
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Easily annoyed, bothered, or angered
• Constant physical symptoms that do not get better with treatment, such as headaches, upset stomach, or other forms of pain.

****The above signs are ONLY a few symptoms of depression. The above list DOES NOT diagnose one with having depression.