Depression

What is Depression 

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.Alsocalledmajor depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

 Main Causes of Depression 

• Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.
• Certain medications. ...
• Conflict. ...
• Death or a loss. ...
• Genetics. ...
• Major events. ...
• Other personal problems. ...
• Serious illnesses.

                SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION 

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.

• In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
• In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.

Depression symptoms in older adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:

• Memory difficulties or personality changes
• Physical aches or pain
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
• Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
• Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

                  Effects of Depression 

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help.

• Take steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and boost your self-esteem.
• Reach out to family and friends, especially in times of crisis, to help you weather rough spells.

• Start meditation for relaxation. 

• Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening.