What Are Signs Symptoms Warning Of Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Key Points
Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances.
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression, but people with only a few – but distressing – symptoms may benefit from treatment of their “subsyndromal” depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness.
What Are The Causes Of Anxiety Stress Depression In Women
Depression in late life is a recognized public health problem. Depression can increase the risk of medical illnesses, worsen the outcome of other medical illnesses, and even increase mortality
There is no single cause of depression. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for depression for everyone, regardless of their risk factors. But certain things can raise a woman’s risk for depression:
- Genetics (family history) – If a woman has a family history of depression, she may be more at risk of developing it herself. However, depression may also occur in women who don’t have a family history of depression.
- Chemical imbalance – The brains of people with depression look different than those who don’t have depression. Also, the parts of the brain that manage your mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite, and behavior don’t have the right balance of chemicals.
- Hormonal factors – Menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, perimenopause, and menopause may all cause a woman to develop depression.
- Stress – Stressful life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a bad relationship, work responsibilities, caring for children and aging parents, abuse, and poverty may trigger depression in some people.
- Medical illness – Dealing with serious medical illnesses like stroke, heart attack, or cancer can lead to depression.
Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety In Daily Life
There are the Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety In Your Daily Life:
- Research says that every time you laugh out loud, increased oxygen flows to your organs, blood flow increases, and stress automatically reduces.
- Studies say that when you pet your dog/ cat even for just a few minutes, your body releases feel-good hormones like serotonin and prolactin and also decreases the amount of the damaging stress hormones.
- Living in constantly messy surroundings brings on unwanted anxiety. Therefore, experts say you need to de-clutter to de-stress. A space that is uncluttered can feel satisfying and soothing.
- Put on your favorite music or TV show in the background, make a list of all that needs to be done, and get down working. Not only will you burn calories and get your work down, you won’t be tired and stressed out at the end of it.
- Researchers say that the vitamin C present in orange juice can actually help you manage stress better because it lowers levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
- Turn up the radio and start singing. No matter how bad you think you are, studies show that singing can actually make you feel happier and feel less stressed.
- One of the best ways to beat stress is to exercise. It helps your body produce endorphin’s that make you feel good.
- Invest in some lavender or rosemary scents and take a deep whiff. If you prefer not to use scents, practice the act of deep breathing regularly. This sends oxygen surging through your bloodstream, helping to calm down and beat stress.
