Are You Depressed?

Are you experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness, diminished interest in daily activities, anxiety and insomnia, decreased or increased weight loss or gain? Have you loss your appetite, or perhaps snacking more frequently, has your concentration diminished? Have you observed these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, months, or years? Are you knowledgeable of depression - a mood disorder characterized by the described signs and symptoms above? According to The Johns Hopkins Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies, the condition is twice as common in women as in men and usually episodic. Many people with depression may suffer from bipolar disorders, chemical imbalances, or Dysthymia. It is also thought to be associated with medical, genetics (although no specific genes have been identified), and environmental factors. Depression is not life threatening, but if left untreated, it can lead to thoughts of suicide, as 70% of suicides are depression related, but help is available.

Patients who suffer from depression have several treatment options such as anti-depressant drugs, counseling (Psychotherapy), and in severe cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy - an electric current that causes a brief convulsion. Light therapy may be effective when a person has seasonal depression, which stirs from seasonal affective disorders. Psychotherapy is beneficial if your depression developed after a crisis such as death of a loved one, loss of job, or other major life events. There are many remedies that can control depression, but recurrent episodes are likely. The good news is, the longer a person stays in treatment the less likely a relapse will occur. There are no reliable laboratory tests to diagnose depression, so physical and psychological evaluations are essential. Your family history of depression is relevant to establish diagnosis. Never feel embarrassed or ashamed to consult and seek professional advice or treatment. Depression is a mental condition that needs a loving support system. If you or someone you know have symptoms of depression, seek medical attention from a mental health professional. If you're having persistent thoughts of suicide, this is an emergency. Seek immediate medical treatment or contact your local suicide prevention hotline.

Tips taken from Maureen O'Sullivan, Senior Writer, of The Johns Hopkins Complete Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies