Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects your whole body including your mood and thoughts. It touches every part of your life. It’s important to know that
depression is not a weakness or character flaw. It’s a chemical imbalance in your brain that needs to be treated. If you have one episode of depression, you are at risk of having more throughout life. If you don’t get treatment, depression can happen more often and be more serious. Depression is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Other factors also play a role. It also tends to run in families. Depression can be triggered by life events or
certain illnesses. It can also develop without a clear trigger. While each person may experience symptoms differently, these are the most common symptoms of depression: Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Loss of interest in almost all activities Appetite and weight changes Changes in sleep patterns, such as inability to sleep or sleeping too much Slowing of physical
activity, speech, and thinking OR agitation, increased restlessness, and irritability Decreased energy, feeling tired or "slowed down" almost every day Ongoing feelings of worthlessness and/or feelings of undue guilt Trouble concentrating or making decisions Repeating thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide (Note: This needs emergency treatment) If you have 5 or more of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks, you may be diagnosed with depression. These feelings are a noticeable change from what’s “normal” for you. The symptoms of depression may look like other mental health conditions. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is depression diagnosed?Depression can happen along with other medical conditions. These include heart disease, or cancer, as well as other mental health conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery. A diagnosis is made after a careful mental health exam and medical history done. This is usually done by a mental health professional. How is depression treated?Treatment for depression may include one or a combination of the following:
With treatment, you should feel better within a few weeks. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years. Continued treatment may help to prevent depression from appearing again. Depression can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. It’s important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and do not reflect reality. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. Meanwhile, consider the following:
When to call your healthcare providerIf you have 5 or more of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks, call your healthcare provider:
Key points about depression
Depression: What You Need to Know as You AgeGet the help you or a loved one needs, and get the latest expert insights on coping and preventing this mood disorder.
Depression and Sleep: Understanding the ConnectionDepression and insomnia often go hand in hand. Know the connection between the two, and learn how to recognize symptoms and get treatment for both. Which symptom is expected when caring for a client with the diagnosis of major depression?sadness or depressed mood. lack of interest or pleasure in almost all activities, especially those that used to be pleasurable. trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time. fatigue or lack of energy.
What symptoms must be present for a patient to be diagnosed with major depression?It is diagnosed when an individual has a persistently low or depressed mood, anhedonia or decreased interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts.
What are 5 of the main symptoms of clinical depression?Symptoms - Clinical depression. continuous low mood or sadness.. feeling hopeless and helpless.. having low self-esteem.. feeling tearful.. feeling guilt-ridden.. feeling irritable and intolerant of others.. having no motivation or interest in things.. finding it difficult to make decisions.. Which physical symptom is seen in a patient with depression?Physical symptoms are common in depression, and, in fact, vague aches and pain are often the presenting symptoms of depression. These symptoms include chronic joint pain, limb pain, back pain, gastrointestinal problems, tiredness, sleep disturbances, psychomotor activity changes, and appetite changes.
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