Major Depression is the leading cause of disability in persons aged 5 years and older according to data from the World Health Organization. Depression is the most common of all psychiatric disorders. Depression has a great impact upon society in the form of impaired functioning, weakened family and social relationships as well as lost work and productivity and increased usage of health resources.
 
Feeling blue on occasion is a normal part of life, so are feelings of sadness that are associated or caused by certain events such as a death or changes in life style or work prospects. However, depression that is a lingering overwhelming, emotion or despair is not normal. Other symptoms of abnormal depression include: 
 
  • you can’t sleep enough or you sleep too much  
  • you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
  • you feel worthless and hopeless
  • you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
  • you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
  • you are constantly irritated or become enraged even at small things – and this is new for you  
  • you have thoughts that life is not worth living, or have a plan for how you would end it (Seek help immediately if this is the case)
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Depression has many avenues and so does the road to recovery. There are many different treatment options available for persons suffering from depression. Be aware that you may have to try many different treatments or variations of treatments until you find one that eliminates or reduces your symptoms to a manageable level. 
 
Don’t allow yourself to become isolated. The first step is to seek help for your depression. There is hope. Depression is a medical illness, and seeing a doctor does not mean that you are weak. Continuing to try to overcome the problems yourself will only lead to exhaustion and will worsen the depression.
 
Also, continue to go out and see family and friends even though you do not feel like it or do not want to. Make sure that you continue to look out for your nutrition, and if you are not sleeping tell your doctor. Sleep deprivation will worsen depression. Trying to get some form of exercise every day will also help you to sleep and will alleviate depression symptoms.
 
There is no need to continue in the black hole of suffering. Make a decision of strength and stand up for yourself….seek treatment.
 
 
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician
or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal
health and necessary treatments.