Depression
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If you are feeling depressed, does it mean you have depression? Everyone feels depressed at some point in his or her life. There is a major difference between feeling depressed and having depression. Depression is usually not considered a state of mind. Depression is linked to physical changes in the brain. Depression is connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry signals in your brain and nerves.
Depression Triggers
There are several factors that can trigger depression. There is some indication that genetics may play a role in who gets depression. Major life changes have been shown to be a trigger for depression also. Trauma and stress in your life can lead to depression as well. Many times people who suffer from medical illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and obesity can also suffer from depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can be diagnosed from a variety of symptoms. A constant lack of energy and the inability to concentrate may be signs of depression. If you go through long periods of feeling depressed and these feelings are interfering with your daily activities like work, and school, you may be clinically depressed. If you often get irritated at loved ones, friends, or co-workers, for no apparent reason, you may be depressed.
Depression and the Impact on Health
The immune systems of people who suffer from depression are usually in a compromised state. This may add complications to any illness they are suffering from as well as lead to other illnesses.
Treating Depression
In order for a doctor to effectively treat someone for depression, the depressed person must seek medical help. Unfortunately most people with depression never seek medical help. The majority of those who never seek help would benefit from medical treatment.
Depression is usually treated with a combination of medicines and therapy. Finding the right medicine and the right therapist often takes time. Treating depression can be depressing at times. That being said, the alternative is even more depressing. Left untreated, depression will usually continue to worsen and the impact on your life and lives of everyone around you will continue to be negative. If you feel you are suffering from depression, seek medical help immediately. The sooner depression is diagnosed and treated, the quicker it can be controlled.