Depression - A Silent Enemy of Modern Times 

Every one of us at least once in our life experienced sadness without a particular reason. Feeling down, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy are typical feelings that every now and then can appear out of nowhere, but if the abyss of sadness each day becomes bigger and bigger, and you feel like you are doomed to sink in its darkness, then the problem can be more serious.

What is Depression?

Depression is commonly used to describe a range of negative feelings that interfere with our everyday life and include persistent feeling of sadness combined with a loss of interest. Depression is more than just being upset or experiencing sadness. It can make you feel hopeless about future, worthless or guilty, and even lead you to thoughts about death. Depression is a state of mind that will not just go away - it is a serious condition that can have a profound negative impact on your life.

What are The Main Symptoms of Depression?

Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between clinical depression and ordinary sadness, though there are a few common symptoms those suffering from some form of depression may regularly experience

• Irritability or depressed mood nearly every day
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Loss of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Constant feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Having problems concentrating and making decisions
• Nagging thoughts about suicide or death

If you experience at least 5 of above-mentioned symptoms over a period of two weeks or more, there is a chance you may be experiencing clinical depression. The most notable symptoms showing that something is wrong in your life are: loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy as well as depressed mood most of the time.

Common Types of Depression*

Major depression. The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are usually pleasurable.  Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. For some people with severe depression that isn't alleviated with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective.

Persistent depressive disorder. Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression refers to low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity of major depression. Many people with this type of depression type are able to function day to day, but feel low or joyless much of the time. Other depressive symptoms may include appetite and sleep changes, low energy, low self-esteem, or hopelessness.

Bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder—once known as manic-depressive disease—have episodes of depression. But they also go through periods of unusually high energy or activity. Manic symptoms look like the opposite of depression symptoms: grandiose ideas, unrealistically high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, thoughts and activity at higher speed, and ramped-up pursuit of pleasure including sex sprees, overspending, and risk taking. Being manic can feel great, but it doesn't last long, can lead to self-destructive behavior, and is usually followed by a period of depression. Medications for bipolar disorder are different from those given for other depression types, but can be very effective at stabilizing a person's mood.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This type of depression emerges as days get shorter in the fall and winter. The mood change may result from alterations in the body's natural daily rhythms, in the eyes' sensitivity to light, or in how chemical messengers like serotonin and melatonin function. The leading treatment is light therapy, which involves daily sessions sitting close to an especially intense light source. The usual treatments for depression, such as psychotherapy and medication, may also be effective.

What are the Main Causes of Depression?

• Traumatic past experiences that happened in childhood can have a profound and dramatic effect on your ability to deal with difficulties and put you at risk of developing depression in later life.
• Stressful situations such as death of someone close to you, unemployment, leaving home, can serve as a trigger for depression to develop, leading to the feeling of utter misery.
• Irrational, negative thoughts and beliefs may contribute to a "hopeless" way of perceiving reality and put you in a cycle of fears that result in anxiety and depression.
• Dealing with long-term health problems.

Depression is a serious mental illness that can significantly and negatively impact your well-being and requires clinical intervention. Unfortunately, many of us feel too hopeless to ask for help while we are in the midst of dealing with depression, thinking that we are the only ones in the world who are dealing with such feelings – this is simply not true. With the help of a therapist, you’ll be able to identify underlying causes of your depression and find meaningful solutions that can help you return to full, happy and productive life, where you can achieve your true potential as a human being.

*(most common types of depression data taken from health.harvard.edu)