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How Do I Know if I am Suffering From Depression?

According to a PBS report, about 15 million American adults are affected by major depression in any given year. That's about 8 percent of the population.Of these people suffering from depression, about 80 percent are not receiving any form of treatment. Women are twice as prone to developing depression as men, and about 4 percent of young people develop depression during adolescence. There are a number of ways you can tell if you may be suffering from depression.

  1. Struggling With Daily Routine

    • There are many symptoms of depression. A common cluster of symptoms is connected to difficulty or inability to manage your usual daily routine. You may feel a lack of motivation, to the extent that it is difficult for you to get out of bed each morning and start the day. You may also be experiencing feelings of dread or irritability. Feeling of apathy may be making it difficult for you to maintain your personal hygiene, prepare meals or even go to work. You may also find yourself crying for no apparent reason.

    Avoiding Friends and Family

    • If you are depressed you may also behaving difficulty interacting with other people. You may have a lack of interest in friends and family, which may begin to adversely affect your relationships. You may find it difficult to talk to them about your feelings, but you should try to explain as best as you can so they might understand what you are going through.

    Feeling Suicidal

    • There is evidence that people suffering from depression undergo chemical changes within their brains. Although the significance of these changes is not yet completely clear, further clinical trials may reveal specific causes of depression marked by biochemical changes within the brain. Such chemical changes can leave you with feelings of hopelessness and despair. If you experience these symptoms of depression over a period of time, it may gradually begin to wear you down and you may even begin to feel that your life is no longer worth living.

    When to Seek Help

    • If you are experiencing these feelings of depression, you should contact your family doctor immediately. He can provide you with medication and therapy that may help you break your cycle of depression. If you feel unable to discuss your feelings with a doctor, talk to a close friend or family member. Have him accompany you to the doctor to act as an advocate on your behalf. With the right solutions, you can overcome depression and regain your former life.

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