Depression Is More Than Feeling Sad

When you have depression, it's more than feeling sad. Intense feelings of sadness and other symptoms, like losing interest in
things you enjoy, may last for a while. Depression is a medical illness, not a sign of weakness. And it's treatable.

Symptoms of Depression
For major depression, you may experience a sad or depressed mood, or an inability to feel pleasure.

Some other symptoms are:

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
• Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Appetite changes, which may include weight gain or loss
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Slow speech; slow movements.

Causes of Depression
Depression is an extremely complex disease that can occur for a variety of reasons. A number of factors can increase the chance of depression

• Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life.
• Certain medications. Some drugs, such as Accutane (used to treat acne ), the antiviral drug interferon -alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
• Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
• Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
• Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait that may be inherited across generations, although the genetics of psychiatric disorders are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis .
• Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.
• Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can lead to depression.
• Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness.
• Substance abuse . Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

If you think or suspect you are depressed, see a doctor for proper diagnosis. The good news is there are a lot of treatment options available to you. Many people use a combination of treatments such as medication and psychotherapy. You and your doctor will discuss the best treatment option(s) for you.

Ref: webmd.com