Depression Symptoms

Major depressive disorder is a condition that affects the body as well as the mind and is characterised by feelings of hopelessness, self-loathing and general apathy.

Symptoms vary between sufferers, however the majority tend to have difficulties with their memory and general concentration, feel extreme lethargy and fatigue and exhibit a loss of interest in activities that they would normally enjoy.  In addition they might have physical aches and pains and harbour thoughts of death and suicide.

While it is normal for sufferers to have their first depressive episode while they are in their mid-twenties, there are increasing reports of teenage depression being recorded.

Major depressive disorder does not discriminate and affects both sexes and people of varying socio-economic levels. There are, however, more recorded cases of women having been diagnosed than men. This has been largely attributed to the fact that men are more reluctant to look for help with depression.

There are no known specific reasons as to what causes depression although it is believed that it might well run in families and can be exacerbated or triggered by substance abuse and major life events such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce.

In the case of teenage depression, events such as failing in school, breaking up with a boy or girlfriend or even normal hormonal fluctuation may all trigger a depressive episode. Teenagers are thought to be at high risk of depression due to their general lack of identity and direction at the adolescent stage of their lives.

Those who recognise or suspect the symptoms of depression in themselves or others will be glad to know that they can find depression help and that there are various methods which can be used to treat depression.

New drugs such as ketamine are being used alongside traditional remedies in the form of antipsychotics, antidepressants, talk therapy and other therapies in the treatment of depression.

In addition, it is becoming increasingly accepted that making small changes in lifestyle such as eating healthier food, exercising regularly and resisting the urge to isolate oneself all contribute to assisting in recovering from or avoiding further episodes of depression.

With a combination of the right treatment and positive steps towards self-help, major depressive disorder can be managed to allow the sufferer to continue with their everyday life without the spectre of depression hanging over them.