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

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 family doctor or other physician you visit, will begin his diagnosis by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:

What are the symptoms that lead you to believe you may be suffering from depression?

How long has it been since you’ve had 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 yes, were they treated for depression and which treatments worked best for them?

Have you used drugs or consumed alcohol recently?

Have you been thinking about death or suicide recently?

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.

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

Facts relating to depression :

Depression is quite a common illness, affecting approximately 121 million people worldwide.

Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary stages.

Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.

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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