Depression is a disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide.

Depression is of 2 types: The sad kind, also known as major depression, or dysthymia; and manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with being wild and reckless.

It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with this illness.

Some other severe medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions. So an individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating.

The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:

What are the signs you’ve been experiencing?

Since when have you experienced these symptoms?

How severe are your symptoms?

Have you had these symptoms before?

Have you been treated for this illness before?

If yes, what treatment was given and which worked the best?

Do any of your family members suffer from depression?

If so, were your relatives treated for depression and of the treatments given to them, which worked best?

Do you use drugs or drink alcohol?

Have you thought about death or suicide?

There is no current laboratory test that can be used to diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on your reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the interview, your medical history and your family’s medical history. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support. It is very essential that the family be supportive of the individual suffering from depression through this difficult time.

Facts :

Depression is common, affecting close to 121 million people worldwide.

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.

Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary stages.

Less than 25 % of those affected by Depression have access to effective treatments.

Family plays an important role in the treatment of depression. In conclusion, depression like most illnesses can be cured, only if it is detected in time and is treated.

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