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What is Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that plays a major role on one's mood and clouds an individuals mind with the feeling of sadness and loss of interest. The most common type of depression is known as major depression and is also recognized as clinical depression.

Depression affects how one feels, thinks and behaves. . It affects the mind as well as the entire body and can result in a number of emotional and physical issues.

An individual who is depressed can find it hard to perform everyday tasks, such as: getting out of bed and getting ready for the day, picking up phone calls, communicating with loved ones, eating, studying, going to work, falling asleep, and much more. An individual who is diagnosed with depression may also have dark and concerning throughs which stem from the idea that life isn't worth living. If depression symptoms are left untreated, this mental disorder can be severely life threatening. According to Canada Public Health Services, mood disorders are very real illnesses that can have serious and sometimes fatal results.

Symptoms
Although symptoms vary from person to person, some of the common symptoms may include :
 * Low mood (Depressive mood)
 * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
 * Loss of interest or pleasure in usually-enjoyed activities
 * Change in weight or appetite (weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain)
 * Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or too much sleep
 * Decreased energy or fatigue
 * Poor concentration of difficulty making decisions.

Some other day to day symptoms may include :
 * Feelings of sadness, tearfulness and emptiness
 * Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration (even over small matters)
 * Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
 * Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
 * Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
 * Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
 * Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
 * Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts
 * Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

More Info
Less common mood disorders are in the form of of perinatal depression -depression that occurs during or after pregnancy. Another type of depression is formerly recognized as manic depression and is now called bipolar disorder which is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Causes
There no direct reason as to what may cause a depression disorder. . However, according to [https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20your%20body's%20natural,to%20feel%20fearful%20and%20nervous. Healthline], a variety of factors may be involved, such as:


 * Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
 * Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.
 * Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result with pregnancy and during the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum) and from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.
 * Inherited traits. more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition]. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. . Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.

What To Do

 * Recognize the problem, take action . Give yourself the extra push needed to get out of bed, get ready for the day, focus on your train of thought and don't give into negative thinking patters.


 * Stay Active . Staying active pushes away depressions natural way of slowing the mind and body down.


 * Communicate. Talk about your struggles with loved ones, friends, a therapist or a doctor- share your feelings and ask for support.


 * Meditate . Relaxation techniques can relax your body and put you in a peaceful state of mind.

CALL A HOTLINE
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255