Everyone feels down or sad from time to time — but for nearly 15 million men and women who experience depression each year, the sadness doesn't go away. However,
feeling sad isn't the only warning sign. People who are afflicted with depression may encounter a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, changes in
weight, difficulty sleeping and even dark thoughts such as suicide. Although the nature of depression has not been exactly proven, there have been many
medical breakthroughs that have helped to allow patients to live healthier, happier lives. In order to treat your depression, whether mild or severe, is to
recognize that you are not alone and that there are resources out there designed to help you.
Those who have depression can feel a wide variety of symptoms and not all who are affected by depression experience the same symptoms. Some of the more
frequently expressed symptoms associated with depression are sadness, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, appetite changes and a general loss of
interest or energy. If you have some of these symptoms of depression that have lasted longer than a few weeks, you should seek help from a medical
professional.
There are many different forms of depression, some of the most common being postpartum depression, major depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Postpartum depression
(PPD) is found in 10 to 15% of new mothers. It usually develops within the first few months after the child's birth and can last up to a year. Symptoms can
occur anytime within the first year of the child's life and include (but are not limited to); sadness, feeling overwhelmed, exhaustion, feeling unprepared to care for the baby, low self esteem and social withdrawal. Although the causes are not well understood, it has been assumed there may be a correlation in
the significant changes in the female hormones during pregnancy and then after childbirth as well.
Seasonal Affective disorder
(SAD) is a common form of depression that occurs during a certain time in the year, usually during the winter when there are less hours of sunlight. It occurs more often in women than men. People who live in places with long winters have a greater chance of developing SAD. A less common form of the disorder can occur during the summer months. Symptoms that are common with having SAD are increased appetite and weight gain, sadness, loss of interest in activities and less energy. There are a variety of treatments out there for those who have SAD. Therapy and antidepressant medication can be very effective, as well as light therapy which can mimic light from the sun helping to create more Vitamin D.
