Author: Ivy Loewen

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
- Depression can be a very physical experience with extreme fatigue in body and mind.
- Depression is more than just feeling sad. When you have depression you feel hopeless and that you can't see your way out.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:
- Having negative thoughts and feelings about yourself - Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Withdrawing from friends and family - Feeling anxious, nervous, or restless
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy - Feeling sad or “down”
- Having difficulties on making decisions - Change in appetite
- having trouble concentrating - having thoughts about death or suicide

RISK FACTORS / CAUSES OF DEPRESSION:
- Family divorce - Viral infections
- A break up - Chronic inflammatory syndrome
- Death of a loved one - Dementia
- A big move - Traumatic brain injury
- Conflicts at home - Vitamin B12 deficiency
Other times depression just happens. Depression can be caused by bodily, psychological and environmental factors, or a combination of all three. Sometimes, depression can be genetic, which means that if someone in your family has had depression problems you may be more prone to developing it.
IMPACT ON LIFESTYLE:
- It impacts all aspects of everyday life including eating, sleeping, working, relationships, and how a person thinks about himself/herself.
TREATMENT:
- It is very important to seek professional help if you have been experiencing four or five symptoms of
depression for more than twice a week.
PROGNOSIS:
- If untreated, depression may last about 6 months to several years.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE:
- Counseling. Talk to someone close to you about how you feel.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy can help overcome the powerful negative thoughts that are part of depression.
- Antidepressants can be effective if depression is severe or goes on for a long time. They may help feelings of
anxiety and help you to deal with problems effectively again.
- Get some regular exercise. This will help you keep fit and hopefully, sleep better. Do jobs around the house
to take your mind off thoughts that make you depressed.
- Eat well, even if you don't feel like it.
- Don’t lose hope.
- PRAY.
MICAH CAMPANIA :)

DEPRESSION