Depression And Anxiety
Depression commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While the causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Depression tends to display differently for women and men.
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Individuals with depression are also at increased risk for self-harm. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems.
Like alcoholism, depression is not a personality style. Depression is an illness that has its own set of symptoms and when left untreated, can become progressive in nature. This often leaves us with excessive feelings of shame, guilt and isolation. No amount of will-power can solve the symptoms. Like any illness, treatment and time are essential for recovery. Depression is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
- Lack of Motivation
- Tearfulness
- Emptiness
- Hopelessness
- Angry outbursts
- Frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Suicidality
Please reach out for help today!