Physical Symptoms of Depression

On an average, about 9.5% of American citizens suffer from depression annually. Depression is one such disease which affects the person's daily life as well as the person's family in a grave manner. It is an illness which leads to improper functioning and control of mind leading to insomnia, loss of appetite, mood swings and a feeling of hopelessness and despair.

The signs and symptoms of depression vary over time and the severity also changes with time. Depression can be hereditary, due to stress or due to some grave illness. Drug abuse, certain diseases and illness, medications, alcohol or in some cases mental instability are the causes of depression. Women are worse hit by depression than men because for them hormonal swings and changes, pre and post-menopause, pregnancy, miscarriage and erratic and irregular menstrual cycle and changes also contribute towards depression.

The most common symptoms of depression are:

1. A state of extreme sadness, anxiety, hopelessness and emptiness which refuses to go away.
2. A feeling of hopelessness along with pessimism which takes over a person.
3. Feeling that you are not worth anything, feeling guilty for no apparent reason and feeling hopeless and helpless.
4. Slowing of the body metabolism, getting tired easily and frequently, rapid and quick loss of energy and reduction in the level of activeness.

5. Being unable to focus and concentrate on anything, not being able to decide anything and feeling helpless.
6. Suffering from insomnia and not being able to sleep.
7. Inexplicable and rapid loss or gain of weight due to loss of appetite or eating binges.
8. Feeling suicidal and brooding all day long.
9. Feeling irritated with every small thing, losing your temper unnecessarily and feeling restless.
10. Getting headaches, eating and digestion problems and chronic pain for no reason.

Go to the doctor if you go through any of the above symptoms. If you feel that your behavior has been changing, you should make an appointment with the doctor. He will examine you and determine whether there are any physical reasons for your depression. He may ask you to visit a psychologist if needed.

Do not sit and wait for things to happen. Take a stand and do something about the way you are feeling because in the end, you have the power to get out of depression. Get rid of that negative attitude and throw feelings like hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, hatred for yourself and exhaustion out of the window. Set out some new goals. Learn to relax and take one thing at a time. Calm down, listen to good music, soothe your frazzled nerves and learn to enjoy life as it is. Meet new people and indulge yourself in social work. Not only will this let you interact with other people, but also give you a mental satisfaction and a good feeling about yourself. Indulge yourself in group programs and activities. Do not hang out with negative people and people who give you a negative vibes. Avoid pessimists. Make up your mind that you will enjoy whatever it is that you are doing - playing ball, going to a movie, an outing with your family, going on treks or hanging out with your friends. Believe in yourself, be confident and think positively. Faith can be a great healer if you allow yourself to believe in you. You have the power to change your world and make it better. But do consult a doctor and take the required medication. Anti-depressants, changing your lifestyle and psychotherapy are the things you can opt for as a form of treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy is also given in serious cases.