Introduction

Some may find depression as something minor that affects only the way you think, but that is not true. Depression not only makes you feel under the weather all the time, but 94% of people diagnosed with depression reported having physical symptoms as well.

I wrote this because I have been diagnosed with quite major depression and I wanted to look up on it. And why not just put it up for you to see?

Summary

What is depression?

Depression is a medical illness with both emotional and physical symptoms.

noun: sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy
noun: a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity

What are symptoms of depression?

- Stress
- Headaches
- Worry
- Vague Aches
- Overwhelmed
- Sadness
- Sleep Problems
- Back Problems
- Loss of Interest
- Fatigue
- Difficulty to Concentrate
- Difficulty to Make Decisions

What's wrong?
You probably don't feel like how you used to be. People usually aren't born depressed. You probably have lost interest in things you used to enjoy (for instance visiting relatives, video games, drawing). You may be more irritable and can be easily upset and end up crying and feeling bad at the end of the day. You need to assess the situation if you are suffering these symptoms because most likely you have depression and taking care of it is the most wise thing to do.

How did I get this way?
Being depressed is just a regular condition like high cholesterol or heart disease and it's obviously not your fault. Depression is a medical condition that is believed to be caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain and throughout the body. The imbalance can be triggered by an event that happened in your life such as a loss of someone close to you or an injury of some sort. Depression may also be related to heredity and has passed down to you. Regardless, depression is a real medical illness and people can't just 'snap out' of it without help.

What can I do about it?
Don't wait. Use the checklist following to discuss with your doctor including any physical symptoms that many people don't recognize as part of depression. Be open about how you feel and tell your physician completely what's going on so they can help you. Address all physical and emotional symptoms.

Scientific

Two Vital Chemicals Are Key

Many experts believe depression is caused by an imbalance of naturally occuring chemicals. They are called Serotonin and Norepinephrine, in the brain and body.

In the brain, the two chemicals are thought to be associated with mood and emotion.
These same chemicals are thought to be associated with regulating and reducing feelings of pain that come from the body.

Experts believe that if these chemicals are out of balance, the effect can be felt in both the brain and the body. You can feel both the emotional and painful physical symptoms of depression. Remember, it is a real medical illness that can affect several aspects of your body.

Survey
Review this list developed by the University of Michigan and check all that apply to you.

_ I am often restless and irritable.
_ I am having irregular sleep patterns - either too much or too little.
_ I don't enjoy hobbies, my friends, family or leisure activities anymore.
_ I am having trouble managing my diabetes, hypertension or other chronic illness.
_ I have nagging aches and pains that do not get beter no matter what I do.
_ I have trouble concentrating or making simple decisions.
_ My weight has changed a considerable amount.
_ Others have commented on my mood or attitude lately.

_ I have thought about suicide.
_ I have a family history of depression
_ I feel that my functioning in my everyday life (work, family friends) is suffering because of these problems.
_ I have had several of the symptoms I checked above for more than two weeks.

I often experience:

_ Digestive problems
_ Headache or backache
_ Chest pains
_ Vague aches and pains like joint or muscle pains
_ Dizziness

Key questions to ask your doctor

- Am I depressed?
- Could my aches and pains be related to depression?
- Could medication help me feel more like myself?

How to help your depression by yourself

-Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
-Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
-Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
-Participate in activities that may make you feel better. Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
-Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
-It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted.
Before deciding to make a significant transition—change jobs, get married or divorced—discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
-People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
-Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
Let your family and friends help you.


Interesting facts about depression

- Women experience depression about twice as often as men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women—particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.

Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, 3 to 4 million men in the United States are affected by the illness. Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it. In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.

- In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness

References

- Cymbalta packet (Cymbalta)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)