The reasons for depression

remember that depression is an illness that affects both the body and mind.
It is not something that we can just wish away or “snap out of,” nor is it a sign of a weak character. We all go through the ups and downs in our mood.
Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness.
Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.
Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.
You can’t sleep or you sleep too much, you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult, you feel hopeless and helpless and you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try. You have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating, you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual, you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behaviour and you have thoughts that life is not worth living.
The good news about depression is that almost everyone suffering from this condition can be helped with treatment, so it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression.
Depressive signs and symptoms are characterised not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviours but also by specific changes in bodily functions (for example, crying spells, body aches, low energy or libido, as well as problems with eating, weight, or sleeping). The functional changes of clinical depression are often called neurovegetative signs.
This means that the nervous system changes in the brain cause many physical symptoms that result in diminished participation and a decreased or increased activity level. Certain people with depressive disorder, especially bipolar depression (manic depression), seem to have an inherited vulnerability to this condition.
Depressive disorders are a huge public-health problem, due to its affecting millions of people. About 10 percent of adults, up to 8 percent of teens and 2 percent of preteen children experience some kind of depressive disorder. The statistics on the costs due to depression in the United States include huge amounts of direct costs, which are for treatment, and indirect costs, such as lost productivity and absenteeism from work or school.
Depression affects more than a person’s mood. It drains the energy, motivation, and concentration a person needs for normal activities. It interferes with the ability to notice or enjoy the good things in life.
There are three main types of depression, major depression, bipolar depression and oysthmia. There are various causes include certain chemical imbalances in the brain. The exact causes of depression are still unclear but some factors seem to increase a person’s risk of developing it such as history of substance abuse, family problems and stress.
There are many symptoms include restlessness, feeling of guilt, irritability, worthlessness, helplessness, poor concentration, lack of interest in daily activities, eating problems, weight loss or gain. Depression is one of the worst mental illnesses. It usually starts between the age of 15 and 30 and women are the most effected people. When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ll never get out from under a dark shadow. But take heart. Even the most severe depression is treatable. With the right help and support, you can and will feel better.
There are many effective ways to deal with depression, including exercise, talk therapy, medication, natural supplements, and lifestyle changes. Learning about the treatment options will help you decide what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation and needs. There are no quick fixes or instant cures, but if you’re willing to work on yourself and stick with treatment, you’ll escape from under depression’s shadow sooner than you think.
Treatment for depression involves medication and psychotherapy but vitamin B6, valerian, and Omega-3 fatty acids are the supplements which are also recommended in the treatment of depression. To overcome from depression need to consult psychiatrist or psychologist — talk and only talk and share it with whomever you can share it with. Move your body and try to do some physical activities and try to take fresh breath of air and deep breathing.
Talk to God and try to share your thoughts with him,  don’t stay alone try to share most of the time with the family. Sunlight, go for sunlight especially in winter good for people who are affected by seasonal sadness.

l Dr Farzaana Afzal is a psychologist at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.