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Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can often be partners in their crimes to our brains.  One often disturbing and waking up the other.  Many of us if not all will deal with some levels of anxiety and/or depression at some point in our lives.  The level of which will vary from person to person and it does not discriminate.

Any gender or age and for many different reasons.  WE MUST get help when we need it and realise there is NO SHAME in it.

Our mental health and wellbeing is vital to our overall health.  The STIGMA must END.

Depression

Things to look out for and consider.

Most people who have depression experience common symptoms, which include:

 

Feelings of sadness

Feelings of hopelessness

Loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed

Crying

Feeling anxious

Being tired

Having difficulty with sleeping

Having no appetite

Having no sex drive

Complaining of aches and pains

 

Many people with depression have to make some lifestyle changes in order to improve and treat the problems.

 

Some changes maybe:

exercising more, eating healthier, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking. Some self-help measures can assist people, such as talking support groups or self-help books.

More Symptoms of Depression:

 

Most people know when they are feeling depressed, but there are many who do not realise that they are. They might recognise that they do not feel but they do not know why. There are some symptoms that doctors use for diagnosis.

 

Persistent sadness

Loss of interest in activities that they normally enjoy

Difficulty with sleeping

Change in appetite

Fatigue

Agitation

Poor concentration

Feeling worthless

Thoughts of death

 

Many people who suffer from depression say that symptoms can be worse in the morning. It is also common for those with depression to have some physical symptoms, such as palpitations, aches and pains. It is not uncommon for people to visit their GP for these pains without even realising that the pains are caused by depression. Others who have severe depression might also experience hallucinations and/or delusions.

The Severity of Depression

 

The severity of depression varies from one person to another, but is usually divided as follows:

Severe depression - Those with severe depression have depression that affects all aspects of their lives.

Moderate depression - Those with moderate depression usually have several symptoms related to depression, and their lives are affected by these symptoms.

Mild depression - With mild depression, a person will have at least five depression symptoms, and their lives are only mildly affected.

Depression is more common in those who have certain physical medical conditions, and in some cases, physical conditions also mimic depression.

The most common conditions include:

 

Hypothyroidism - Also known as underactive thyroid, this condition can make a person feel weepy, low, and tired.

Hypopituitarism - Also known as an underactive pituitary, this can affect the hormones of the body. This can cause issues such as sex drive issues, weight gain, infertility, and feelings similar to depression.

Head injury - Those who have head injuries, even mild ones, might also experience depression. Remarkably, these symptoms might appear many years after the injury.

Polymyalgia rheumatica - This is a condition that affects the elderly, and the typical symptoms include pain, stiffness, tenderness of the muscles around the shoulders, and depression.

Early dementia - Though not a form of depression, some people confuse early dementia with depression.

Medications - Some medications, both illicit and prescribed drugs, have side effects that mimic depression.

Young Children

In young children, the symptoms of depression include: irritability, sadness, worry, clinginess, refusal to attend school, unexplained aches or pains, and being underweight.

 
Teenagers

In teenagers, the symptoms of depression often include: irritability, sadness, feelings of worthlessness, negativity, anger, sensitivity, poor school performance or attendance, drug or alcohol misuse, avoiding social activities, self-harm, and less interest in their normal activities.

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