Ever been depressed? If you answered yes, you joined the human race.
Depression in all its faces, is one of the most common of human experiences.
It affects all age groups, sexes, races, nationalities, social classes, religions, etc! No one is immune to feeling depressed.
Depression can span from being a little moody or feeling the blues and all the way to crippling major depression and everything in between.
Symptoms How can you tell if you or someone you know is depressed? How can you tell if it needs urgent attention? There may be ordinary feelings of sadness but if it hangs around and has some friends like guilt, feelings of worthlessness, loss of appetite or loss of energy then perhaps its a deeper mood.
If you're unable to handle your job or your school work because of the mood then it may be time to look more closely at what's going on.
On the extreme end, suicidal thoughts may be seen in intense depression, or feelings and gestures of the inability to just get out of bed and participate in life.
Causes So what's causing the depression and who is responsible? There isn't one explanation or one treatment.
Sometimes depression comes and goes as a result of some obvious event in your life, like your dog dies! Postpartum depression is connected with hormone levels following pregnancy.
Death of a spouse, separation or divorce typically results in a bout of depression.
People experiencing poverty are more likely to suffer depression than those with a comfortable income.
Women experience depression twice as frequently as men.
The stress of everyday living can also result in depression.
The list of possible causes goes on including S.
A.
D.
(seasonal affective disorder), suffered when there is less light to stimulate the brain during the winter months, especially in the northern latitudes where the days are much shorter.
Drug addiction plays a huge role in depression.
So you can see that there is no one cause and nobody really wants to be depressed.
So how do people overcome depression and what are some of the treatments? Treatments Treatments range from simple exercise to antidepressant medicine and hospitalization.
There is a broad range of natural treatments.
Many depressions like the ones due to events and situations are resolved by time and changing ones' circumstances.
You can usually lighten up the depressed state or completely be rid of it by applying yourself to a treatment form.
Exercise seems to raise the level of mood altering chemicals in the brain, resulting in a brighter mood.
Diet and nutrition can play a role in easing depression.
There is also the matter of sleep: too much or too little can really throw the emotions out of whack; you need the right amount.
The right amount of sleep can be a powerful force against depression.
Relaxation techniques can have profound effects and long lasting effects on your mood.
And there's something for everyone! Yoga to relax the body/mind, Tai Chi, dance, breathing exercises, silent meditation, guided meditation, and walking meditation.
There is body work such as acupressure, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
You might also consider the power of prayer, joining a support group, or socializing with more positive people.
There are herbal extracts and supplements and vitamins that are used to combat depression.
The number and types of treatments and cures can be overwhelming.
It's important to first look closely at your condition.
You might seek professional or friendly help and advice.
The vital part is to take the next step into some form of treatment.
Remember that depression is a normal part of life and that the sooner you address the issue the sooner you will begin to feel better.