Conventional Depression

Conventional depression is better known as major or clinical depression and is a common, though often misunderstood, condition. Medicine Net reports that up to 10 percent of the adult population experience a type of depressive condition.

Definition

• Depression is a medical condition that is both physical and psychological. Depression affects everyday activities and requires long-term treatment. It is not to be confused with a short-term case of sadness, which might be situational. Depression is a chronic illness.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms include a feeling of sadness or despair, irritability, sleeping problems, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying, frequent inexplicable crying spells and more. Symptoms of depression can vastly vary from person to person.

Causes

• The causes of depression are still relatively misunderstood, but it has been linked to the biological make-up of the brain, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, hormones, genetics and traumatic life events.

Treatment

• Depression is most frequently treated with a combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Psychiatrists specialize in medications for those suffering with mental health issues, including depression.

Support

• Those with depression can seek support for coping through support groups, both online and off. Many experts, as reported by Mayo Clinic, recommend those with depression read self-help books so that they can become more aware of their symptoms. Taking care of your health and finding ways to manage time and stress can help relieve some symptoms.