Finding out the Signs for Depression

Signs of Depression:

Troubles and misfortuEscape-alcohol & drugsnes are a part of life. Everyone experiences unhappiness and sadness. Sometimes when things don't go our way, we tend to be disappointed and frustrated temporarily.

Depression can affect anyone. Depression is a psychological condition that changes us; how we think and feel, it can also affect our social behavior. Although, there are many other manifestations of depression, the tendency to be anti-social is prominent among those suffering from depression. Feeling sad at one time or another does not necessarily mean we are into a depression. Feeling tired and burnt out from our daily chores or work is not depression. These feelings are usually temporary and may pass in a few days or weeks as we get adjusted to the situation.

It is the lingering feelings of worthlessness and disappointment that should sound off your alarm. In depressive illness, recognition and acceptance of your state is very essential. Once identified, help and treatment could be taken successfully.

What are the signs of depressive illness?

Depression becomes an illness or called "clinical depression" when the feelings we have just described become severe and lingering. When these negative feelings start to interfere with productivity in life.

Some of the signs to look for are:

* Avoiding other people
* Sleeping more than usual
* Either eating more or less than your usual
* Overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief
* Feeling of worthlessness and helplessness
* Loss of interest in anything
* Going through your daily life dazed all the time
* Loss of sex drive
* Feeling unreasonably guilty all the time
* Loss of energy
* Thoughts of wanting to end your life
* It would be helpful if you try and assess if you have a number of these symptoms and start looking for depression help.

What causes depression?

Up until this time, there is probably no one cause of depression, neither is it fully understood. The following factors may make some people more prone than others to react to a loss or failure with a clinical depression:

* A biochemical imbalance in the brain;
* Traumatic life events
* Psychological factors that bring about a negative view of life

There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it. The depressed feelings we all experience after a serious loss or disappointment may last for a short or a long time. How long depends on the person, the severity of the loss, and the support available to help the person to cope with it.

It is important that we seek help as soon as we recognize the symptoms in our lives.