Depression may be considered one of the most common psychological conditions, unfortunately its also a condition that can have a serious impact on ones life when not managed. It’s normal that people with depression tend to keep their problems to themselves, which makes it hard to properly know who needs help. Before you go to seek help for yourself or a loved one you think has depression, it perhaps could be beneficial to understand what depression is and how it may affect you.
What is depression and how can it affect you?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects not only how you feel, also how you act and think in extremely negative ways. It can cause a tremendous feeling of prolonged sadness, low- mood, no- motivation and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Due to feelings and behaviours that arise and the emotional and physical problems that arise it can decrease your ability to function at home, work and school.
What causes Depression?
The symptoms of depression can be different from person to person, how you experience feelings of sadness and to degree of strength. Based on this, symptoms can vary from mild to severe, these might include,
- Low and depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness and sadness.
- Avoidance of talking about feelings with others.
- Burn- out, Nothing left to give, unmotivated to go to work and school.
- Loss of energy and increased fatigue.
- Change in sleeping and appetite patterns, excessive or less eating or sleeping.
- Loss of interest in once enjoyed activities.