Dealing with depression can be extremely difficult both for the one who suffers from it and for the sufferer’s friends and family. While most people feel blue or are sad every now and then, a person suffering from depression is in a perpetual state of feeling low. Such a state should exist for over two weeks along with some other symptoms for the condition to be declared as depression. It is a major medical condition and does not in any way imply a weakness in a person. Explore this article further to understand what depression is all about. The very first sign of depression is the change in emotional behaviour of a person. A depressed person is usually sad and loses interest in the activities of his daily life, including the ones he previously found engaging. There is a feeling of hopelessness and guilt and a general feeling of being worthless. People suffering from depression are haunted by recurrent thoughts of suicide. A person suffering from depression also begins to exhibit certain physical symptoms. These include increased fatigue and weakness, inability to fall asleep or sleeping excessively, indulging in over-eating or losing appetite altogether and frequent bouts of headaches, body aches, cramps and pains. The effects of depression in one’s daily life can be grave depending on the severity of one’s condition. It affects one’s behaviour in a social setting, impacts relationships, careers, activities and interests and the like. Depressed people might find their concentration ebbing and they find themselves in a state where they are unable to make decisions. Depression can be life-threatening as sufferers tend to have a negative attitude towards themselves, other people and towards life in general. They may be aggressive in their behaviour, or may withdraw completely from social interactions and may have increasing thoughts of hurting themselves. While anyone can go through a trying period in their life, people who have a family history of depression are at an increased risk. Women are more likely to suffer from depression compared to men. There could be several life situations which cause one to be depressed. Researchers believe that the brain structure in a depressed person gets altered where chemicals known as neurotransmitters are thrown off-balance. A tragic event in one’s life could trigger such alterations as can bereavement from a loved one or losing one’s job. Certain medications might also be responsible for such side-effects. Other reasons for triggering depression could be substance abuse, changes in hormones or seasonal fluctuations. While there are no bodily tests that can really detect depressions, personality and behaviour tests can help determine changes in moods, attitudes and behaviour in a person and the intensity or severity of depression. Depression can be combated with the aid of talk therapy. A talk therapy with a consultant usually aims at altering the negative thoughts and emotions of a person to positive, heartening ones. Another way of treating depression is through medication, usually, antidepressants. It often takes both medications and talk therapy to provide effective treatment for depression. Change in lifestyle goes a long way in healing both the body and the mind. Regular exercise, balanced diet and an adequate sleep are required to maintain a balanced functioning of the body and the brain. Depression can be treated effectively by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For more severe types of depression light treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, trans – cranial magnetic simulation and several other such treatments are employed. Maintaining a positive outlook towards life is really what is required to bring one out of a depressive condition. Playing with pets, running around with children, sharing a laugh with your colleagues or watching a comedy movie is all that might be required to uplift one’s mood. Depression being a more continuing state of negativity, one needs emotional support from his or her loved ones. An adequate support from family and friends combined with the right treatments can help combat depression in a person effectively.      

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