A Guide To Depression, Symptoms, science, solutions Options

[Paradox of Life]

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)

[yummy_delight]

This was really informative.

I can't thank you enough for this.

[fatal emotions]

Word.

[jennyjenny]

That, was really helpful. Because I just read it and a lot of things are related to me, and plus I've been feeling really sad/angry this whole summer.

[Bobblehead425]

i know that i was very very sad since i moved. only im not diagnosed with depression. i was under a lot of stress when i started school and almost every night i would cry my eyes out. i could never sleep. im better now though. but anyway, good information

[iheartjohn]

Talk about Postpartum Depression.


That's always a bitch.

[demolished]

i love it. i'm going to provide it in my pinned topic.

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

Yep. i knew that long ago.

[lKVNiiKINKYl]

after reading this, all except one symptom relates to me. i think i have depression...

[aera]

alot of them apply to me but i dont think i have depression.

[demolished]

alot of them apply to me but i dont think i have depression.

Maybe a talk would be nice. Sometimes when people see you sad or whatever. they talked to you about it. Maybe a talk with a doctor for help determination.

[*XLilAznGrl592X*]

thnx katt. o wow.. i thought i was over my depression.. but i have all but one symptom.. i think i have it..

[Teesa]

Thanks for sharing this with us. Really. I think a lot of people are misguided when discussing this subject..I know I was. Thanks again

[Mr. Slowjamz]

thx

[mai_z]

Ok ok, ONE symptom doesn't mean you have depression. This is really informative though. kudos for making it!

[x3chrissyx3]

I like you'r guide. However, I'm depressed myself, and I'm getting an MA in Psychology in May, so..

the symptoms above do describe the symptoms of depression, but they also describe some symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and Anxiety disorders. Or, they can be because you're merely stressed. The only way you'll be able to know that you're depressed is by going to a Psychologist. I don't think many kids realized that even if one key symptom is off, you're not depressed, but you are in fact, something else.

I mean, people who are depressed may hurt themselves and have all of the above, but people who are Borderline do the same, so you can't make assumptions.

Go to a doctor.

...and what people don't understand is that when you're depressed, you don't usually KNOW you are.

keep that in mind :/

[yukichan]

Wow..
A lot of them relate to me..
I think I'm depressed...

[demolished]

Wow alot of people are depressed.
I was wondering .. is that one of the reason you guys use cB ?

[elaboratedream]

Wow alot of people are depressed.
I was wondering .. is that one of the reason you guys use cB ?

meh, sometimes...

I'm deppressed... all of those things applied to me...
but I also have about a million personality dissorders (the most severe of which is borderline...)

[lbjshaq2345]

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

_ I am often restless and irritable.
x 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.
x I have nagging aches and pains that do not get beter no matter what I do.
x I have trouble concentrating or making simple decisions.
_ My weight has changed a considerable amount.
x Others have commented on my mood or attitude lately.
_ I have thought about suicide.
x 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.
x I have had several of the symptoms I checked above for more than two weeks

[elmogurly]

wow. you must have taken a while to put that together! nicely done!

[sheepy]

thanks(:
i guess.. i used to have? oh well..

[gOODpIRATE]

thank you. this is somthing that his been concerning me for a long time, but i didn't know where to go for...assistance...or more information about it. now this whole depression thing in beccomming a little bit more clear for me.

Wow alot of people are depressed.
I was wondering .. is that one of the reason you guys use cB ?

sort of... it burns time, and it keeps my mind off of things.

[cheerbee07]

mmm...i had looked up some of this on my own when i started having suicidal feelings...very helpful to have it all in one place...i think i need to talk to my doctor i hate going to the doctor lol..thanks again

[PinkTrash]

yeah, awhile ago i had a bit of a depression / emotional problem.. but its faded now :) lists reminded of myself thoe

[callmesox047]

same here, i even had to see a shrink and i was on anti depressants. im good now though

[vehvih]

x I am often restless and irritable.
x I am having irregular sleep patterns - either too much or too little.
x I don't enjoy hobbies, my friends, family or leisure activities anymore.
? I am having trouble managing my diabetes, hypertension or other chronic illness. [sometimes I don't eat when I don't feel like it]
_ I have nagging aches and pains that do not get beter no matter what I do.
x I have trouble concentrating or making simple decisions.
_ My weight has changed a considerable amount.
x Others have commented on my mood or attitude lately.
_ I have thought about suicide.
? I have a family history of depression
x I feel that my functioning in my everyday life (work, family friends) is suffering because of these problems.
x I have had several of the symptoms I checked above for more than two weeks.

[mysteriouscris]

I like you'r guide. However, I'm depressed myself, and I'm getting an MA in Psychology in May, so..

the symptoms above do describe the symptoms of depression, but they also describe some symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and Anxiety disorders. Or, they can be because you're merely stressed. The only way you'll be able to know that you're depressed is by going to a Psychologist. I don't think many kids realized that even if one key symptom is off, you're not depressed, but you are in fact, something else.

I mean, people who are depressed may hurt themselves and have all of the above, but people who are Borderline do the same, so you can't make assumptions.

Go to a doctor.

...and what people don't understand is that when you're depressed, you don't usually KNOW you are.

keep that in mind :/

Yeah, that's true. But I had a feeling I might be depressed, but I didn't know the extent of it. It turned out to be a really bad depression coupled with anxiety disorder..ahhh teh joys of senior year lol But i saw a doc, and though I'm not like perfect, I'm so much better, so it's always good to see a doc and make sure you're treated properly, cuz like that girl ^^ said, it can be anything, not just depression

[crocodilo]

Yeah, this summer i have been depressed

I figured that my life sucks!!!!! For many reasons:

Every day appears to be repetitive

My friends are begining to bore me, even though I have good friends they still seem to never do anything interesting

I live in a shitty area (I envy people who live in cool places like spain, jamaica,ect)

I am getting sick and tired of all the criminals, thugs, alcoholics and drug addicts who make up at least 50% of the population within the area I live in

My life will be worsened by the coming of winter (I hate cold weather, Barr Humbug)

I have no Girlfiend, girls in college don't seem to take an interest in me and i don't know why because I don't mean to sound arrogant but I wouldn't label myself unattractive. I mean I work out and stuff to increase my attractiveness and I am friendly with almost everyone but still know one seems interested in me. I treat all girls respectfully yet they would rather date the college's so-called Cool Kids such as the jocks who treat them like shit

I am labelled "disturbed" and "psychotic" due to my choice of heavy metal music

I am sick of having to coexist with people in college who I hate, who pick on me and who make my life a missery, they disgust me

I am sick of being some average schmuck who isn't famous

I am sick of having no money

My life appears to be going nowhere and seems so pointless
Lately I have been contemplating whether to join my other depressed friend on a kill frenzy which he has suggested, slaughtering many bad people in our area (there are many thugs and bullies where we live). At least this would give my life a point and I would be using my life to do good for the community, clean up the streets of unrighteousness and would please God by removing evil and be rewarded at the day of judgement with paradise. At least this would add some meaning to my life.

Man, my life sure does suck

[*incoherent*]

after reading this, all except one symptom relates to me. i think i have depression...

you sound like those people that think they have everything.

[synthase]

Im very thankful for this article :]

[chasingvictory]

wow thanks... yes by all that... i think i'm depressed. I've kinda lost someone very close in my life.. now i havn't been doing anything. I can't concentrate and I don't feel like doing anything. I also have mucle pains. I've been here in CB lately to at least get some of my mind off her. and things like that... well thanks.. its good to know these kind of things.

[SarahxJoy]

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

x_ I am often restless and irritable.
x_ I am having irregular sleep patterns - either too much or too little.
_ I don't enjoy hobbies, my friends, family or leisure activities anymore.
x, sometimes_I am having trouble managing my diabetes, hypertension or other chronic illness.
x_ 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.

x_ I have thought about suicide.
_ I have a family history of depression
x_ 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
x_ Headache or backache
x_ Chest pains
_ Vague aches and pains like joint or muscle pains
_ Dizziness

---

A few symptoms, but I don't think I've got depression.
S'just stress. Blar.

[x__rilind]

that was a very nice and informative guide...

and a lot of what you said applies to me in a very great way. however, i absolutely refuse to allow myself to think i may be depressed. why? that's a really good question... i have a lot of stress in my life, but i take that in stride. i had an issue about five years ago, which is about the same time everything really went to crap, but i try to avoid it. i think i'm just stubborn like that. (truthfully, of the survey you posted, i would mark 15 of the 17. and the weight one could get half a mark, but that was intentional.)

but the form of everyone commenting on my mood, or the fact that i'm not always together, is everyone asking me if i'm high. including my counselor. i don't do marijuana. i think it's a little silly. but that's me.

[mydaisyeyes]

I have been to a psychiatrist and he says I suffer from manic depression. Looking back on my life, I see the patterns for it. Yes, I have had happy days - happy spurts of life, but overall - no.

What does bug me is people who do not understand depression. People think we can just get over it. Sometimes I can't get out of bed. All my meds (3) have been adjusted and I am doing good right now.

Mental illness is hard to live with. Whether you are mentally ill or a family member is. I guess some people just don't get it unless they love someone who suffers from mental illness. My boyfriend gets sick of it. He tells me sometimes that he just wants a partner. Depression plays a role in my whole life. I have not been able to work for 2 years now because of it.

It's a hard road to walk...I just wish people were more educated about it. Tom Cruise is an idiot and I will never again support him in any way. I always thought he was overrated.

[oXMuhNirvanaXo]

Lets have aparty were all depressed..

[*This Confession*]

i have almost everything up there
except for one or two.
oh well
I'm not going to a doctor for it
I'll just die depressed.

[Paradox of Life]

It's a hard road to walk...I just wish people were more educated about it. Tom Cruise is an idiot and I will never again support him in any way. I always thought he was overrated.

Wait, what does Tom Cruise have to do with depression?

[xtrancie]

wow this is very informative... i was goin through a diagnosed with depression 2 years ago. now i look back reading this it was very awaken to me. it's like "WOAH WAS THAT HOW I AM 2 YRS AGO!?"

thnx for posting this

[JustAnotherTeena...]

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

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

I often experience:

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

=/

[MrStrife]

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

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

I often experience:

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

wow after reading all of this I think I've been depressed for over a year now. I used to go out all the time and party have fun but now its so different. I would go to a party but I'd just stand there be outcasted and look stupid. My little sister goes out more than me now. I stopped seeing counselors and using anti-depressants because I thought I was strong enough and could do everything natural but I don't know anymore. Thanks for putting this up.

[*jayen*]

I believe I suffer from minor depression.