Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won’t go away, it may be depression. More than just the temporary “blues,” the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time, and just getting through the day can be overwhelming.

When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support, you can get better. But first, you need to understand depression. Learning about depression-including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment-is the first step to overcoming the problem. Life throws up innumerable situations, which we greet with both negative and positive emotions such as excitement, frustration, fear, happiness, anger, sadness, joy et al. Depression is prevalent among all age groups, in almost all walks of life. Cures for Depression are the first step to self-improvement and successful life. Persons of any age-children or adults, may develop depression symptoms. Even minor stress events can stir up depression symptoms depending on the personality type. Symptoms such as intense sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, sleep disturbances or oversleeping, change in appetite and decreased energy level; feelings of helplessness, and thoughts of suicide are sequels to stress-induced depression. 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. 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.

Signs and symptoms of Depression:

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted-the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook-nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain-a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete. Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things. Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves. Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts. The cures for depression are not the same as for other diseases. Depression is a disease of the brain and there is no cure other than to take steps to improve the brain.
Causes of Depression:
 About the causes of depression: environment vs. genetics; secondary to other illness; viral; how brain chemistry controls mood.

  • Chronic Pain and Illness
  • Genetics
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Brain Chemistry Imbalance
  • Female Hormonal Imbalance
  • Grief and Loss
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Drugs That Cause Depression