What is Depression? • Depression is a mental health disorder, a psychiatric condition.

Specifically, it is a mood disorder characterized by persistently

low mood in which there is a feeling of sadness and loss of

interest.

• Depression is a persistent problem, not a passing one - the

average length of a depressive episode is 6 to 8 months.

• Temporary emotional responses to the challenges of everyday life

do not constitute depression

Causes of Depression • The causes of depression are not fully understood and

may not be down to a single source. Depression is likely to be caused by a complex combination of factors:

Genetic

Biological

Environmental

Psychological and social/psychosocial

• Although scientists agree that depression is a brain disorder,

the debate continues about exact causes. Many factors may

contribute to the onset of depression, including genetic

characteristics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical

illnesses, stress, grief, or substance abuse. Any of these

factors alone or in combination can bring about the specific

changes in brain chemistry that lead to the many symptoms

of depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions.

Symptoms of Depression • Depression commonly affects your thoughts, your emotions, your

behaviors and your overall physical health. Here are some of the

most common symptoms that point to the presence of depression:

o Feelings: sadness, hopelessness, guilt, moodiness, angry

outbursts, and loss of interest in friends, family and favorite

activities, including sex.

o Thoughts: trouble concentrating, trouble making decisions,

trouble remembering, thoughts of harming yourself, delusions

and/or hallucinations can also occur in cases of severe depression

• Behaviors: withdrawing from people, substance abuse, missing work, school or other commitments, attempts to harm yourself

• Physical problems: tiredness or lack of energy, unexplained aches and pains, changes in appetite, weight loss, weigh pain.

Treatment of Depression• The atmosphere surrounding a person with depression is essential

for their rehabilitation. Understanding and love of family and

friends is important, is patience, since the lack of enthusiasm and

motivation of patients can cause despair. Suggesting and not

ordering activities, propose and not impose talks are essential to

therapy imposed by professional support. One of the most

important problems of this group is the abandonment of

therapies, it is essential to induce you to continue the treatment

until the end.

• Pharmacological treatment with antidepressants: are used to correct imbalances in the levels of brain chemicals. Among its most common side effects include insomnia, nervousness, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dizziness, or weight gain.

• Psychotherapy: Its purpose is to help the patient to know each other better and change their bad ways of thinking, feeling and acting.

• Electroconvulsive therapy: is used when the patient can not take medication or does not improve it; when the risk of committing suicide is high or if there is weakening by other physical illness.

Prevention• Apart from pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment is important, once you have

taken effect and the patient feels that his condition has improved, certain tips or ways of life

are followed.

o Having positive thoughts.

o Physical health care.

o Maintain a consistent daily schedule.

o Resume responsibilities slowly and gradually.

o Accepting yourself. Not be compared with others who considered disadvantaged.

o Expressing emotions.

o Meeting regularly with the therapist.

o Eating a balanced diet.

o To do physical exercise.

Statistics• Nearly 18.8 million Americans over age 18 suffer from

major depression. Unfortunately, most people never seek

treatment. Left undiagnosed and untreated, depression

can worsen, lasting for years and causing untold suffering,

and possibly even result in suicide.

Famous People

• Robin Williams was a famous star of movies and

television and an academic award winner. Williams has

been battling severe depression of late. The actor suffered

a lifelong struggle with depression, alcohol and drugs. He

was died on August 11, 2014.