The stresses of everyday life and responsibilities can be overwhelming. They can cause some people to experience sadness. This is commonly known as “feeling blue”. Normally, these feelings pass quickly and do not require treatment.
However, when feelings of intense sadness — including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless — last for days or weeks and keep you from functioning normally, you may be depressed. Depression is a serious but treatable disorder that effects millions of people, from young to old and from all walks of life. Depression gets in the way of everyday functioning and causes tremendous pain. Depression doesn’t just hurt those suffering from it—it impacts everyone around them. Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all – instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.
What was once satisfying and enjoyable can be frustrating. Everyday activities become overwhelming and tiring. You become an observer to your own life. It can be like watching a movie, except it’s you.
Depression can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals that control a person’s mood. This can be a result of a loss or disappointment although sometimes there is no reason at all. Depression is no one’s fault. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Depression is a treatable condition. There are several types of treatment available. They can include a variety of talk therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Psychodynamic Therapy, Anti-Depressants, and Life-Style changes. A combination of one or more of these therapies can help turn around your emotional life.
Some Symptoms of Depression are:
- Feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in everyday events
- Changes in sleep habits and fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Trouble with concentration