Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes symptoms that affect how one feels, thinks, handles various activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. There are various forms of depression, such as major depression, Persistent Depressive disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression with psychosis.
Individuals with bipolar disorder also experience depressive episodes, during which they feel sad, indifferent, or hopeless, combined with a very low activity level. But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences manic episodes, which they might feel very happy, increase level of activity, or irritable.
Depression can affect anyone, it does not matter what age, race, gender or ethnicity. Women are more often diagnosed with depression than men. Men are often less likely to talk about, and seek help for their feelings or emotional problems, they are at greater risk of depression symptoms being undiagnosed or undertreated.
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms for at 2 weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
Persistent sad, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
Difficulty sleeping, waking early in the morning, or oversleeping
Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
Not everyone experiences every one of these symptoms, some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many symptoms. Depressive symptoms interfere with day-to-day functioning and cause significant distress for the person.
Depression can also involve:
Increased anger or irritability
Feeling restless or on edge
Becoming withdrawn, negative, or detached
Increased engagement in high-risk activities
Greater impulsivity
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Isolating from family and friends
Inability to meet the responsibilities of work and family or ignoring other important roles
Problems with sexual desire and performance
· If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
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