DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
Depression commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While some causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Depression tends to display differently in women than in men.
Some people suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse substances or develop less healthier or less desired habits for coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. In people with depression, there can also be an increased risk for self-harm.
Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
• Apathy
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Exhaustion
• Irritability
Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
• Talk therapy
• Medication by an MD
• Adopting a healthier lifestyle