Depression affects many of us at various stages of our lives. If it hasn’t affected us personally, we know someone who has been affected by it. We can feel sad and depressed for a variety of reasons such as relationship difficulties or being rejected by a lover, losing a job, divorce, workplace conflict, financial difficulties, or the death of a loved one.
However, depression is more than just feeling sad. It is usually longer lasting and can have life-altering consequences that can destroy your self-esteem, health, and well-being. It can also affect your job and personal relationships. It is commonly characterized by melancholic moods that typically last longer than two weeks. Many people describe it like a dark cloud of desperation descending on their lives.
Symptoms of depression may include some or all of the following:
§ Lack of concentration, impaired decision making ability
§ Constant feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, emptiness, or melancholy
§ Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
§ Feelings of hopelessness and negativity
§ Fatigue or lack of energy
§ Reduced libido, sex drive
§ Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking early in the morning
§ Overeating, loss of appetite
§ Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
For this type of depression, it is best to see a medical professional for treatment. They will usually recommend some form of psychotherapy and most commonly prescribe an antidepressant or a treatment program that consists of a combination of both.
For some of the other causes of depression, cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended to address dysfunctional personality traits, stress, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns.
вторник, 28 апреля 2009 г.
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