Depression

Let me ask you a few questions. Do you know what the early signs of depression are? Can you tell if someone you know is depressed or not by watching him closely? Better yet, can you tell if you are depressed or not by observing yourself carefully?

Nine out of ten times, people say 'no' to these questions. They simply have no idea what depression is and what it can do to their life. If you are one of them, please make sure you read this article fully.

Depression is a mental disorder which affects millions of people around the world every year. Statistics show that nearly 4% of depressed people tend to commit suicide. This does not mean that depression is a fatal disease. It is a mental disorder which can be treated reasonably easily when diagnosed at the right time.

The problem, however, is that most people are not aware of depression signs and they do not know if they are actually depressed or not. Hence, there is usually a significant delay in getting professional help. Below is a list of the most common symptoms of clinical depression.

The most common signs of depression can be divided into two types - physical signs and mental signs.

Physical signs

• Considerable weight loss or weight gain
• Insomnia (finding it difficult to sleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Reduced sex drive
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Persistent headaches, stomachaches, joint pains, and cramps despite taking medications
• Reduced energy level

Mental signs

• Finding it difficult to concentrate on anything
• Lack of clarity in thoughts
• Tendency to dissociate from the crowd and be alone
• Pessimistic attitude
• Feelings of self guilt and helplessness
• Feeling sad or empty all the time
• Suicidal tendencies

If you suspect that you have these depression signs, get in touch with a physician immediately. He will be able to assess you properly and find out if you are actually depressed . Once he confirms that you are indeed suffering from clinical depression, here's what you need to do.

1. First of all, do not panic. It is hard to remain calm and composed when you are depressed, but all you need to remember is that depression is not some kind of incurable disease. It is a disorder and can be treated easily.

2. Physicians usually suggest antidepressants to treat the signs of depression. While antidepressants are certainly effective, they cause a lot of side effects. In fact, a lot of people stop taking these medications because of these side effects. So, you can try natural medications which are highly potent and at the same time very safe.

3. Even though some of the depression signs are physical, it is actually a mental disorder. It is all in your mind. So, psychotherapy plays a very important role in treating it.

4. Your role is just as important as the doctor's role in treating clinical depression. You need to make some changes in your lifestyle and strive to change your outlook towards life.

You should eat well, exercise regularly, and take your medications regularly. Whenever you feel dejected, go out and meet your friends to divert your mind. You can also join help groups and prayer groups to meet likeminded people.

I hope the article cleared some of your doubts about the signs of depression. Once you understand the nature of a problem, it becomes easier to treat it. So, keep these things in mind, take the right kind of medications, get over depression, and live a long, happy life.

Article written by Norman Holden who is a passionate advocate of natural health and a researcher of depression alternative treatments.