Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you can get better. But first, you need to understand depression. Learning about depression—including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment—is the first step to overcoming the problem.

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Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It's more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. If you are one of the more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. They persist and interfere with your everyday life. Symptoms can include

  • Sadness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Change in weight
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Energy loss
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with one another. Depression also seems to be hereditary (to run in families).

There is no one cause of depression, neither is it fully understood. The following factors may make some people more prone than others to react to a loss or failure with a clinical depression:

  • specific, distressing life events,
  • a biochemical imbalance in the brain,
  • psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.

There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it.

Depression can be triggered by stressful events in your life, such as the death of someone you love, a divorce, chronic illness or loss of a job. Taking certain medicines, abusing drugs or alcohol or having other illnesses can also lead to depression. Depression is not caused by personal weakness, laziness or lack of willpower.

Lifestyle changes that can treat depression

  • Exercise. Regular exercise is a powerful depression fighter. Not only does it boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals, it triggers the growth of new brain cells and connections, just like antidepressants do. Best of all, you don’t have to train for a marathon in order to reap the benefits. Even a half-hour daily walk can make a big difference. For maximum results, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity on most days.
  • Nutrition. Eating well is important for both your physical and mental health. Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help you keep your energy up and minimize mood swings. While you may be drawn to sugary foods for the quick boost they provide, complex carbohydrates are a better choice. They'll get you going without the all-too-soon sugar crash.
  • Sleep. Sleep has a strong effect on mood. When you don't get enough sleep, your depression symptoms will be worse. Sleep deprivation exacerbates irritability, moodiness, sadness, and fatigue. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. Very few people do well on less than 7 hours a night. Aim for somewhere between 7 to 9 hours each night.

Depression is not a disease, which you can leave untreated no matter what is the intensity of depression it needs treatment. As depression is a recurrent illness, it is suggested that successful short-term treatment be pooled with ongoing, maintenance therapy. A person suffering from depression can have chronic mental illness that requires medication and psychiatric therapy together. There are various treatments to cure depression, which you can undertake some of the depression treatment options available are:

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There are different types of therapies for treating or curing depression.

  • Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy for Depression
  • Depression ECT Therapy, or Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Depression Light Therapy
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS Therapy)
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

In the process, you might participate in the following:

  • Spend more time outdoors
  • Eat more of a variety of foods, including an increase in fruits and vegetables
  • Eat higher-fiber foods
  • Stop using harmful substances such as nicotine or other stimulants
  • Reduce or eliminate use of alcohol (this is a depressant)

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