Depression

Not everyone who struggles with depression experiences it in the same way. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms vary, depending on the person.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent thoughts of hopelessness and/or helplessness
• Noticeable personality changes or extreme mood swings
• Extreme feelings of anger and irritability
• Loss of interest in once-loved activities or hobbies
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Significant changes in eating and sleep patterns
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment

Expert mental health professionals don’t know what causes depression. As with many mental illnesses, there may be a variety of factors, including:

• Biological differences. People who suffer from depression have changes in their brains. The meaning of these changes is still unknown in many cases.
• Hormones. Changes in the body’s balance of hormones can cause depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other health conditions.
• Inherited traits. Depression is more common is people whose biological relatives also have this condition.
• Pre-existing health conditions. Depression is more likely to occur with certain illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Difficult life changes. Difficult life changes like financial struggles, divorce or the loss of a loved one can cause, or worsen, depression.

Coping with, and recovering from, depression requires action. But taking action when you’re depressed can be difficult. Just thinking about the things you can do to feel better can often seem overwhelming.

The key to recovery is to start with a few small goals – and to reward yourself for each accomplishment. You may not have much energy, but you likely have enough for a short walk around the block. This may seem small, but your efforts quickly add up. And for all the energy you put into your recovery, you’ll get so much more in return.

Start with these tips:

• Reach out to trusted friends and family members. T
• Challenge your negative thinking. 
• Take care of yourself.
• Get regular exercise.
• Eat well. 

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance