Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders globally. It is characterized as a mood disorder that causes a recurrent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. In the United States alone, more than 16 million adults suffer from depression each year. Not only does this mental health condition cause people to lose pleasure from everyday life, it can also lead to suicide in its most extreme form. It is a condition that is not defined by a specific age group, gender, or ethnicity.

Many people suffer from depression and aren’t aware of it. Therefore, it is important for you to educate yourself about this widespread epidemic so you can help yourself and the ones around you who unknowingly suffer from it.

Below we will discuss the symptoms and causes of depression:

Symptoms of depression

Feelings of helplessness: Feeling like nothing will work out the way you planned, and that there is nothing you can possibly do to improve your current situation.

Sleep disturbances: Experiencing one of these extremes—insomnia or oversleeping. People usually do this to deal with unresolved emotions and resort to distractions.

Anger and irritability: Getting random outbursts of anger on trivial matters, and feeling constantly agitated and restless.

Increased self-loathing: Feeling of worthlessness and guilt over past mistakes and personal character. Being unforgiving towards ones faults and mistakes.

Loss of interest: Not finding pleasure in activities once found pleasurable.

Physical: Experiencing immense fatigue and tiredness. Strong migraine headaches and digestive problems may also occur.

Sexual: Experience a lack of sexual desire and sexual performance.

Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or engage in overeating. Depression can either lead to weight loss or weight gain, and appetite changes differ according to each individual.

Causes of depression

Brain structure: The parts of the brain linked to mood, thinking, sleep, and appetite change when you’re depressed.

Genetic factors: A long history of depression in the family can increase the chances of its onset, but this also varies according to each individual.

Drug use: A prolonged history of drug or alcohol abuse can increase your chance of developing depression.

Life events: Early childhood trauma or similar disturbing events over the course of ones life can trigger their depression.

It is important to note that there exists no single cause of depression, and sometimes it can develop without an obvious case. Some common treatments include a healthy fitness regime, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and in severe cases, the use of medication.

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