Depression: a more common disorder than we think

Everyone feels blue sometimes, but what happens when a person is constantly feeling sad and blue? When a person suffers from depression, this "constant sorrow" affects all aspects of his/her life. In spite of being a common disorder, depression must be treated.
There are different types of depression which defer in their grade of severity. The most common ones are major depression and dsthymia.
In major depression the person is not able to eat, sleep, work or study normally. It's a disabling depression.
Disthymia may not be disabling but it also interferes with the normal functioning of the person.
Some depressive episodes can be caused by particular stressful situations, for example the loss of a loved one, traumatic situations, bcoming unemployed, etc.
On the other hand, depression may occur as a genetic condition in some families.
Something important about depression is that children, teenagers, adults and older adults can suffer from it.
Some Symptoms of depression are:

• Overeating or appetite loss
• Irritability
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Feelings of pessimism, persistent sad, anxious, "empty" feelings, etc.
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Thoughts of suicide
• Persistent aches or pains, etc.

All forms of depression are treatable, but the earlier the treatment starts, the more effective it is. The most common treatments are psychotherapy and medication. So, if you know a person who is depressed and you want to help with that, or you think you are depressed, the first thing you have to do is getting a correct diagnosis from a professional in this area.

If you want more info about depression this booklet can be helpful (it's free of course):

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-index.shtml 

Thank you for reading and take care!