Depression

Drained of energy, desire, and hope; you look for relief. It is normal to feel down and drained once in a while, possibly after a stressful or traumatic life event. But when does the blues transform into depression? It is a combination of intensity, frequency, and duration of the symptoms. Simply put, the blues turn into depression when it disrupts living a normal life.

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Symptoms

People experience depression differently. Each encounters a distinct combination of symptoms at varying severity, frequency, and duration. Jack struggles to pull himself out of bed; oversleeping, not eating, and lacking energy. Conversely, Janet appears normal and happy to her peers, while constantly battling thoughts and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and sadness. Her depression occurs regularly, every few months; each bout lasting for several weeks. Where Jack’s symptoms are sparked only by traumatic events and can last for years.
 

Common Symptoms

Causes

Biological Differences: Brain changes
Chemical Changes
Hormones
Inherited Traits

Treatments

Therapy

• Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Interpersonal Therapy
• Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT)

Medicine

Things you can do on your own

• Exercise
• Eat Healthy
• Socialize
• Keep a Journal
• Meditate
• Yoga

                                       Set Yourself Free

Additional Resources

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-signs-and-symptoms.htm
http://www.webmd.com/depression/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977
https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/depression