Depression

“15% of people with major depressive disorder die by suicide” (Major). Major depressive disorder or the common term depression is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. Major depressive disorder and clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. mental disorder Depression is usually characterized by low mood, accompanied with low self-esteem and by the loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities.

First, to be diagnosed with depression the person has to have five or more symptoms of depression for at least two weeks. Some symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, fatigue or lack of interest, thoughts of suicide, withdrawal from usual activities or even pessimistic. Also, if the person has been experience signs of insomnia, in which the person has sleep problems.

Also, the exact cause of depression is unknown but researchers believe it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which may be heredity or caused by events a person’s life. Some types of depression seem to run in the family, but depression can occur for people who do not have a family. Also, stressful life changes or events can cause depression. Men and women of all races, ages and economic levels can have depression.

Furthermore, Depression is a chronic illness that usually requires long-term treatment, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychological counseling or other treatment. Depression can be treated in variety of ways but usually with the help of medications and counseling. Studies show that it is better for a person suffering from depression to combine antidepressant drug therapy with psychotherapy. Another treatment is called Electroconvulsive is a treatment that causes seizures by means of an electric current. Electroconvulsive may improve the mood of severely depressed or suicidal people who do not respond to other treatments. Also, research is now being conducted on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which alters brain function in a way similar to ECT, but with fewer side effects. Use of light therapy for depressive symptoms in the winter months and interventions to restore a normal sleep cycle may be effective for relieving depression. It is important for the depressed person to live a healthy lifestyle while undergoing treatment. This includes avoiding drugs and alcohol, which makes depression worse. Also, eat well-balance meals, get regular exercise and sleep and even seek supportive relationships.

In conclusion, depression can affect anyone at any age. If a person with depression does not seek medical help then the mental disorder might become worse and make the person commit suicide.