Definition
Depression is a “whole-body illness, involving you body, mood, and thoughts.
Causes
Biochemical - studies show that people with depression have physical changes in their brain.
Genetic - some studies show that depression is more common in people whose biological family members also have the condition are more likely to get the condition.
Environmental - situations that are difficult to cope with, like losing a loved one, financial problems, or even high stress are also causes of depression.
A few other causes might be loneliness, lack of social support, financial strain, early childhood trauma or abuse, or even relationship problems.
Effects
Depression effects everyone around you. If you are someone who is depressed then most likely your friends and loved ones are being effected by it too. Everyone is trying to help you through it and get you the treatment you need.
Treatments
There are many options for treating depression but you want to make sure that you pick the right treatment for you. You will want to talk to your doctor about what kind of treatment is right for you. A few treatments are
Antidepressants
Herbal Supplements
Therapy
Depression in Women
Studies suggest that women experience depression up to twice as often as men. Hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women. Many women are particularly vulnerable to becoming depressed after the birth of a baby. Normally it’s the birth of her first born baby.
Depression in Men
Men are less likely to suffer from depression then women, but three to four million men in the United States are effected by depression. Men are less likely to admit to having depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it.
Depression in the Elderly
It’s not normal for older people to be depressed. Most older people feel satisfied with their lives. Depression in older people is usually dismissed as a normal part of aging.