Depression : Symptoms and Causes

Introduction

Depression is actually a mood disorder that can occur in individuals of any age. A huge percentage of people all over the globe are suffering from depression these days. The person suffering from depression loses interest in activities or hobbies that used to be enjoyable once. Also, depressed people persistently carry an unexplained feeling of sadness that grows with time. Depression may permanently change the thinking, eating or sleeping patterns of an individual. Depression worsens with time, so seeking medical attention is important before it's too late. In its most severe form, depression may lead to suicidal thoughts and self harm. In this article, we will delve deeper into the primary symptoms and causes of depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Common symptoms of depression include

• Feeling hopeless, worried or persistently sad
• Low energy and fatigue
• Rapid irritation or frustration
• Trouble sleeping or too much sleep
• Headache and stomachache
• Sexual dysfunction
• Changes in eating behaviour
• Difficulty concentrating

What exactly causes depression?

There are various factors that contribute to this condition. Some of those are mentioned below.

• If your biological parents or siblings suffer from depression, then you are more likely to develop this condition.
• Imbalance of the neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can actively cause depression.
• Miserable life experiences, trauma or long-term isolation may also lead to depression.
• Chronic pain as well as certain chronic conditions such as diabetes can also be the reason for depression.
• Depression can also occur because of the side effects of certain medicines.

The bottom line

Depression is treatable through psychotherapy, medications and in extremely critical cases, brain stimulation therapy. Always remember, depression is a serious condition that requires proper medical guidance. As mentioned before, depression at its worst gives birth to suicidal thoughts. If you are suffering from depression for a long time, consider reaching out to a genuine therapist to discuss further steps to be taken. Try not to leave this condition untreated for too long.