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Depression is a mental disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide.

Depression is of 2 types: The sad kind, also known as major depression, or dysthymia; and manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with being wild and reckless.

There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with depression. The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. If you are unable to or if you are embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose.

An individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating since some other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions.

The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions and those could be :

What are your symptoms?

How long have you had these symptoms?

How do these signs impact your regular responsibilities?

Have you felt like this before?

Have you been treated for depression before?

If so, what treatments were you given and which worked best?

Do any of your family members suffer from depression?

If yes, were they treated for depression and which treatments worked best for them?

Do you use drugs or drink alcohol?

Have you been thinking about death or suicide recently?

There is no laboratory test that can diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on the person’s reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the questioning process, your medical history and your family’s medical history. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support. It is very essential that the family be supportive of the individual suffering from depression through this difficult time.

Facts :

Depression is quite a common illness, affecting approximately 121 million people worldwide.

Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary stages.

Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.

In conclusion, depression like most illnesses can be cured, only if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an important role in the treatment.

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