More than 8% of people in North America will suffer from Depression at some period in their lives. I see it often as a physician and it is very painful and distressing. Contemporary research has found that depression, in addition to causing emotional changes, also physically alters the brain.
Unlike sadness, depression is very different. It involves a host of signs and symptoms, and sadness is just a part of the complex array of feelings that accompany the condition. Often a patient will come to the doctor complaining of a headache, backache or fatigue when the real culprit is depression associated with a chemical change that has occurred in the body. Physiologically, depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain characterized by a decrease in serotonin.
If you think you may have depression, consider the brevity of the condition and seek medical help. Like most diseases getting help early can make a world of difference in terms of prognosis and overall outcome. Furthermore, beware of falling prey to any cultural or societal stigma associated with depression. While the dialogue around depression has become more open and acknowledged, many people still feel ashamed to come to terms with their symptoms.
Here are the most common symptoms that usually accompany depression and what medical professionals will use to first diagnosis a possible case of the condition:
• Sleep disturbance
• Profound or unrelenting sadness
• Pain unrelated to injury
• Constant fatigue
• Anxiety
It is important to identify and treat depression as it has way of exacerbating existing conditions. For example, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and back pain are more prevalent in people who suffer from depression.
If you feel that you may have depression ask yourself these questions. They will help you to assess your mental status and see if you need to see a doctor.
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DO YOU CARRY A SAD FACE?
This self assessment will help you assess your symptoms and help you better understand whether you may be experiencing depression. If you answer positive to one of more of these questions you seek to consult your doctor.
Anhedonia: Have you lost interest in usual activities? Do you find that you are incapable of enjoying anything?
Sleep: Do you have problems sleeping? Maybe you sleep excessively or too little. Has there been a noticeable change in your sleep pattern?
Appetite. Have you noticed a change in your appetite? Have you experienced a sudden loss or gain in weight? Have you lost interest in your favorite foods?
Dysphoria (bad mood): Are you irritable, aggressive, touchy or defensive? Are you easily frustrated? Is anger always lurking in the background of your life?
Fatigue: Are you always tired? Do you lack energy to do things that brought you pleasure in the past?
Agitation: Are you agitated, always moving excessively, or feeling on edge? Or maybe you feel the opposite, withdrawn and lethargic?
Concentration: Do you have difficulty paying attention or focusing? Do you find it almost impossible to focus on the task at hand?
Esteem: Do you have low self esteem or feelings of worthlessness or guilt?