Feeling sad, down, or discouraged are natural emotions that happen when difficulties or troubles occur in our lives. Depression is different from a regular down mood, because it lasts longer and feels stronger or different from typical sadness. Sometimes it is a feeling of emptiness, lack of feeling or being irritable, cranky and easily angered.
Depression affects more than just mood. It drains the energy, motivation, and concentration a person needs for normal living. It interferes with the ability to notice or enjoy the good things in life. Depression can make a person see things much more negatively than they really are and can lead to discouragement, despair, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts. Sleep and appetite can also change during a period of depression.
Depression isn’t a condition people can “snap out of,” or simply “cheer up” from. It’s a real medical condition that can affect a person’s life in every manner if it’s not treated properly.For proper treatment, it’s recommended that a psychiatrist or psychologist perform a psychological evaluation, asking you a series of questions about their moods, behaviors, and thoughts.
Next Steps
Treatment for depression might include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Usually it takes a few weeks for the treatment to start working, so it is important to be patient and stick with it.
Health Tips
Depression will get better with the proper care and attention over time, so even though the depressed person might feel very bad at times, it is important to remember that things can get better.