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Depression is defined as a mental state characterized by loss of interest in things that give pleasure and satisfaction such as food,sex,family,friends and other important regular activities. Depression affects more women than men. We all are affected by sadness at one time or other which may lead to depression due to bereavement,break up of relationships and other reasons. For those who suffer from depression ,the situation overwhelms them and they can not get past them.

When you are depressed,the chemical messengers called neurotransmitters(dopamine,serotonin,norepinephrine) that carry messages between the brain cells called neurons, become disorganized and the transmission of messages between neurons is affected. Depression should not be confused with a down mood. When you are depressed,your feelings control you and you feel as though it is the end of the road. The types of depression are reactive depression and endogenous depression.

We all undergo reactive depression at one time or other in our lives and overcome it within a day or two without treatment. Reactive depression is caused by physical illness and emotional factors such as strained relationship or bereavement.

Endogenous depression needs earlier medical attention. It occurs without any cause,family history being the main reason. This is a more serious condition than the previous one and may last weeks even months and need treatment.

The symptoms of all types of depression are persistent unhappiness,poor appetite,loss interest in sex,persistent feeling of weakness,guilt feelings,loss of concentration. If the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks you are sure to have depression. The causes of depression are genetic predisposition,physical illness,emotional factors such as strained relationship or bereavement.

The treatment differs from person to person as depression is unique to each person. The treatments are psychotherapy,drugs,combination of both. Depending upon the severity of the individual case,suitable combination of psychotherapy and drugs is found to work better. Consult your doctor to know what is best for you.

Avoid alcohol. Yoga and meditation will help. Become spiritual by becoming active in your religious activities which is found to lessen depression. Avoid coffee. Adopt a pet if you do not have one since it is found to lift the mood when you feel responsible for the welfare of the pet. Consult your doctor to devise an exercise plan and stick to it. Regular exercise is found to induce sleep and improve your condition. Exercise is found to help in the production of mood improving chemical ‘endorphins’.

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