What is depression?  Information on depression tends to vary greatly in its explanations and advice depending on the view point from which it is written – medical or lay. This is written for the lay person in mind – the ordinary guy in the street who wants easy to understand depression info.

Depression is so much more than just feeling a bit down.  Many people use the word loosely to describe a normal feeling of being fed up because life appears to be a bit flat at the moment.  Perhaps it’s Monday morning, you’ve had an enjoyable weekend and now you have to get ready and go to work.  No this is not depression.

Clinical depression is so much more than this.  It is not possible to pull yourself out of it. It is not a hole that you can get out of alone. It must be recognised as an illness and not just a pessimistic outlook.

Causes of depression

There appear to be various causes of depression. Different paths which lead to a black hole deep in the brain.

Sometimes depression is due to the genetic make up of the individual and can in this case be handed down through the family.  It will often be seen to crop up through succeeding generations.

It can be brought on by the abuse of drugs.  Just trying a drug once can have a catastrophic effect which will last a lifetime. Or the continual use will bring about dramatic changes in a persons perceptions.

For some depression takes over a person’s life due to stressful circumstances. Such happenings as the death of someone close or being made redundant or even reaching significant birthdays can trigger depression.

Symptoms of depression

The symptoms of depression can include feelings of low self worth bringing about sadness and a view of life which is very bleak.  This may lead to physical and mental fatigue and an apathy with regard to what is happening around them.  Sufferers lose interest in everything that they found enjoyable in past times. This may include such things as loss of appetite leading to weight loss, general fatigue and lethargy, sleep problems and a loss of sex drive.

Treatments for depression

Treatments of depression depend on the form of the illness as well as the person needing help. Some sufferers can be helped through periods of depression by counselling alongside medication. This counselling will probably entail looking at aspects of events in life and trying to identify any triggers which can then be rationalised.  Of course, it is not always possible to pin down any main cause. Regular aerobic exercise often provides a good outcome for some as this produces a calm outcome and a sense of wellbeing.  However, many need to consult medical practitioners to obtain a suitable prescription for anti-depressants

Knowing about this illness helps both sufferers and carers.  For more information about depression, visit Depression-FAQs.com

Jean Taylor became interested in the illness when members of her family were diagnosed with depression. This led her to research alongside the experience which was thrust upon her. She has now set up a website: http://www.depression-faqs.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/depression-info-1649836.html