Depression: Signs and Symptoms

We all feel down at one time or another and being sad on occasion is something that comes with everyday life, but if you find yourself feeling sad all the time, you might be suffering from depression. It is very important that you understand the signs and symptoms of depression if you are going to deal with the problem in an effective manner.

Depression is a problem that affects millions of Americans each year, and in many cases, the symptoms are ignored or pushed aside, which can lead to other problems, such as alcohol and drug abuse, self-harm, and even suicide. Understanding the danger signs can help you realize when to seek help from medical professionals before it's too late.

There are many things that trigger depression-a chemical imbalance, the loss of a loved one, unemployment, a divorce, financial problems, and recently, depression has also been linked to heredity factors as well. Even if you have bounced back from life's setbacks before, if you are especially hard hit by an event, it can trigger an episode of depression, even if you have never had depression problems in the past. In order to recognize whether or not you need help, understanding and recognizing the symptoms are the most important factors in treating the problem.

Some of the major signs of depression are sleeping too much, losing interest in things that you once loved to do, feeling angry, anxious, or aggressive toward others, especially without due cause, a marked decrease in proper hygiene, and drastic changes in appetite. While these symptoms may vary from person to person, they are a common thread when it comes to diagnosing depression, and if these symptoms are ignored, it will only lead to more troublesome and dangerous behavior.

If depression goes untreated, in many cases, it can lead to self-harm and suicide. Suicidal thoughts and actions are the end result of untreated depression, as the problem is a mental slippery slope with degrees of severity.

If you have several of the symptoms mentioned above, the best thing to do is to see a doctor right away before the condition worsens, particularly if there is a history of depression in your family or if you have experienced a traumatic event. Don't ignore the signs and symptoms of depression-get help because the sooner you understand depression and the impact it can have on your life, the sooner you can conquer it and live a happier life.