Depression is a recurrent illness which has been affecting people worldwide. It is not like any other illness where the problem manifests itself in some visible form which makes the affected person aware that there is a problem. Depression normally silently creeps up making subtle changes in the behavior of the person which initially are put down to temporary mood changes. Even the affected person cannot recognize the footfalls of depression. But, gradually the days get filled more and more by unhappiness, despair, sadness and melancholy. Normal everyday activities, which were done with happiness and satisfaction not too long ago, suddenly become monotonous and become a source of sadness. Since there are no outward physical problems which can be noticed and rectified, the depression symptoms are normally first noticed by the people who are in immediate contact with the affected person. If the symptoms are noticed early by someone knowledgeable, then it is a stroke of luck for the affected since corrective measures can immediately be taken. However, if the situation drags on, then it can become quite serious by the time it dawns that it is a mental illness of dangerous potential.

Types of Depression and its Symptoms:

Major Depression:

This is a state of mind where hopelessness, sadness, grief and misery take hold of the thoughts of the affected person. When the mind is cluttered with such pessimism then it affects all other activities like working, social life, eating, sleeping, etc. Activities which were once considered a source of joy become a burden. There is loss of interest in sex and appetite decreases. There is a feeling of guilt, worthlessness, pessimism, social withdrawal, etc.

This debilitating mental state has its effect on the health of the affected. There is unusual fatigue, irregular sleep, unexplained restlessness, irritability, trouble concentrating, digestive problems, headaches, etc.

Dysthymia:

This type of depression is a less severe type but lasts longer than other types of depression. It is less severe in the sense that it does not disable but prevents the person from feeling fine and slows down the pace of work. People with dysthymia, sometimes also get affected by major depression.

Manic Depression (bipolar disorder):

Symptoms:

• Feeling of elation
• Irrational anger or irritability
• Significant sleep deprivation
• Talking rapidly at high pitch
• Thoughts and speech becoming illogical
• High sex drive
• Increase in energy
• Unsuitable social behavior
• Faulty judgment

This disorder normally affects judgment, thinking and social conduct which causes problems and embarrassment like random or unsafe sexual escapades or ill-advised business decisions, which may be taken by a person affected by manic episodes.

Causes of Depression:

• Hereditary
• Stressful environment
• Chronic illness
• Serious loss
• Financial problems
• Difficult relationships
• Undesirable changes in life patterns
• Psychological factors
• Discrimination
• Unemployment
• Lack of income source
• Divorce
• Economic problems
• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse

Medications which can help ward off depression:

It has been found that when a person is in depression the levels of certain chemicals in the brain decrease. Medications which increase the levels of these chemicals are used to treat depression.

SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. During depression this chemical takes a dip. When the amount of serotonin increases due to the medication, the feel good factor takes over from the feel sad factor thereby providing relief from depression.

Help for depression can also be sought from the following:

• Psychiatrics
• Psychologists
• Family doctor
• Mental health counselors
• Community mental-heath centers
• Health maintenance organizations
• Hospital psychiatry departments
• Private clinics
• Community groups
• Employee assistance programs