Understanding Depression
Many people may become overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, fear, or loneliness in response to life stressors. In the face of stressful situations, it is perfectly normal to experience these emotions, as they are generally temporary. However, individuals who suffer from clinical “depression” experience emotions significantly more severe and negative, both of which are more persistent. This is classified as a “mental disorder” characterized by intense and persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness and general loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Those who are diagnosed are strongly advised by medical professionals to seek help, so understanding the disease and its potential risk factors are important for living a normal life.
Depending on one’s age and sex, individuals with the disease experience different behaviors and emotions. For instance, depression in women generally manifests as feelings of guilt and worthlessness; on the other hand, men often experience anger, hostility, and fatigue. Depressed teenagers usually show irritability and anxiety that can influence impulsive behavior or self-harm.
There are many different types of depression, with the most common being Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Affecting over 16 million individuals nationwide, MDD is the leading cause of disability in the United States among American adults and is more common in women. This branch of depression is characterized by general symptoms of intense feelings which may include worthlessness, guilt, disinterest, and suicidal thoughts. Aside from MDD, there are many other variations of depression that are less common and are usually more specific to particular life stressors or their cycle of symptoms. For example, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that has similar symptoms to MDD but tends to occur during certain times of the year.
Depending on one’s age and sex, individuals with the disease experience different behaviors and emotions. For instance, depression in women generally manifests as feelings of guilt and worthlessness; on the other hand, men often experience anger, hostility, and fatigue. Depressed teenagers usually show irritability and anxiety that can influence impulsive behavior or self-harm.
There are many different types of depression, with the most common being Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Affecting over 16 million individuals nationwide, MDD is the leading cause of disability in the United States among American adults and is more common in women. This branch of depression is characterized by general symptoms of intense feelings which may include worthlessness, guilt, disinterest, and suicidal thoughts. Aside from MDD, there are many other variations of depression that are less common and are usually more specific to particular life stressors or their cycle of symptoms. For example, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that has similar symptoms to MDD but tends to occur during certain times of the year.
A person with Manic Depression, also known as Bipolar Disorder, emotes severe mood swings, and usually, they are overwhelmingly negative.
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Depression and anxiety are not the same condition, but they are similar and show a strong correlation with one another. Generally, those with anxiety show symptoms or nervousness, irritability, and insomnia. Rather than having symptoms of fatigue or lack of interest in activities like a person with depression, anxious individuals usually have more energy but direct that energy towards apprehensiveness and stress. Though anxiety is not proven to cause depression, people who have depression often have had anxiety earlier in life.
As a prominent and debilitating disorder that is widespread across the world, depression is a major area of focus for health professionals; extensive research is carried out on individuals living with this condition. Progress is being made to understand the nature of the disease; in doing so, research can figure out not only how it affects individuals differently but also how patients can be treated.
As a prominent and debilitating disorder that is widespread across the world, depression is a major area of focus for health professionals; extensive research is carried out on individuals living with this condition. Progress is being made to understand the nature of the disease; in doing so, research can figure out not only how it affects individuals differently but also how patients can be treated.
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