Some Facts and Signs of Depression

The signs of depression vary from one individual to the other.



A depressed person may not show all the symptoms of depression. According to one’s age, sex and culture, the signs of depression are exhibited. Adults and more commonly the elderly are more prone to develop depression than children and teenagers.



A previous history of depression can be a trigger for developing depression in the future and having a close relative with signs of depression may cause depression in the person.
 
Women are more prone to developing depression as they go through such physical cycles as menstruation, pregnancy, breast-feeding, child rearing and menopause. The hormonal imbalances caused due to these factors and the emotional changes related to them are responsible for depression. They have many roles to play at home and at work and fulfill several responsibilities.



These factors may foster depression if not dealt with appropriately. Women are more likely to accept that they are depressed and seek treatment. Men are more likely to suppress any depression sign through the use of alcohol or substance abuses.



They do not easily acknowledge that they are showing signs of depression or resort to treatment. So, their depression is seen only as a drug or alcohol abuse and not diagnosed in its proper form. People from all kinds of social background and of all age groups are susceptible to developing depression.



But some groups of individuals are more disposed to developing certain types of depression than others. Depression is one of the main effects of physical stress which disturbs an individual’s mental balance.

The signs and symptoms of depression vary from one person to the other and may change over a period of time.



Some depressed people are extremely sad while others do not feel any emotions at all. They may lose or gain weight rapidly, develop insomnia, are either very active or extremely listless, have low self esteem, are unable to concentrate on any task, are easily annoyed and develop various body aches and pains. Depressed people feel helpless to overcome any adversity, find everything bleak and hold negative views about themselves. In severe depression, people develop suicidal thoughts as the only solution to their problems. To cure depression, antidepressants, other forms of medication and professional help become necessary. Depression does not necessarily indicate a weak character and it can also be treated with positive thinking and meditation.