Are you Really Depressed?
Depression is one of the most common and globally misunderstood disorders. How common it is, is proved by the fact that one out of every four women is a sufferer of depression and one out of every six men would have definitely been into depression at some point of time or other. But the disorder is such that it affects everyone in the family and friend circle. Identification of depression is important as it is the leading cause for suicide and unfortunately most of the cases go unrecognized. Depression symptoms are easily recognized by women while men though they feel tired and lack concentration fail to name these symptoms as depression.
Symptoms of depression
- Loss of interest in activities that appeared pleasurable once.
- Dissatisfaction with life
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Loss of energy
- Feeling useless or hopeless
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Health problems pose great concern
- Headaches and muscle pain
- Feeling of sorrow or crying frequently
- Worry and self-criticism
- Difficulty concentrating and in coming to a decision
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Feeling helpless
- Feeling alone in the world
- Deep pessimism about the future
- Self blame for trivial short comings
- Changes in diet and sleep patterns.
Experiencing some though not all of the above symptoms are a definite cause for concern and a visit to the doctor is an immediate necessity. These symptoms that you experience might be signs of depression and they frequently surface as physical and psychological problems. If these symptoms are noticed among friends or relatives then it should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
Normally people feel sad or depressed at some time or other in life especially in response to stressful events. These are natural reactions and should not be mistaken for depression. But if the feelings persist for more than fifteen days then it is a case of clinical depression and seeking medical intervention is vital. Depression sufferers are many but fortunately this is a disorder that can be easily cured. At times the doctor may recommend treatment by electric shock. This is safe and effective and nothing to fear of.
Identification and treatment of depression assumed a new meaning when mice were researched upon in Texas. Mice are quite friendly with each other. But when certain mice were conditioned to become depressed and later experimented upon they showed short term and long term betterment of their conditions in response to anti depressants. Researchers also identified that a protein BDNF when absent in mice prevented them from getting depressed in socially difficult situations. Further study in this line might throw fresh light on clinical identification of depression in humans.