Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of Americans. It is critical to identify the early signs of depression and treat it before the condition worsens. While depression affects people in different ways, common symptoms include changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, loss of energy, chronic physical pain, lack of concentration, and loss of interest in daily activities. Some people may feel extremely irritable, sad, worthless, or indifferent. Those with severe depression may have thoughts of suicide. 

Depression symptoms range in severity and length. Some patients experience major depressive episodes (incidents of severe depression lasting several weeks), while others experience recurrent, mild or moderate depression intermittent with temporary mood lifts over several years. Some depressed people also have bipolar disorder (BD), a related mental health disorder that causes severe shifts in mood, energy, and activity. When depressed people experience a manic episode, they exhibit common symptoms of major depression coupled with extreme mood fluctuations.

Depression is caused by a complex chemical imbalance in the brain. While it is not directly linked to a gene, depression is believed to be hereditary. It can also be triggered by traumatic life events, drugs, alcohol, or chronic health problems.

There are several treatment options for people diagnosed with clinical depression. Depending on the severity of the condition, effective treatments include therapy, medication, support from loved ones, and lifestyle changes. Mental health professionals work closely with patients to identify the source of their depression and teach coping mechanisms. Antidepressant medication can also relieve some of the symptoms of moderate and severe depression.