“Even the birds chirping can sound like fingernails on a chalkboard or the sound of laughter brings only sadness to him. He is suffering from deep depression”

A. R .Graham

Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 16.5% of the U.S. adult population will experience at least one episode of clinical depression within a lifetime. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. It is never a “normal” part of life, as it is a serious condition that can devastate one’s life, health, and well-being. Depression can be treated with the help of experts and professionals and proper treatment. e.

Many things can lead to clinical depression. Often it is triggered by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Factors that can contribute to the illness:

• Biological – People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in clinical depression.
• Cognitive – People with negative thinking and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
• Co-occurrence – Depression is more likely to occur along with certain other illnesses, such as chemical dependency, eating disorders, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hormonal disorders.
• Medications – Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
• Genetic – A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness.
• Situational – Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems, loss of a job, or the death of a loved one can contribute to clinical depression.

Signs Of Depression

• Depressed or irritable mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends
• Sudden changes in weight such as weight loss without dieting or gaining more than 5% of body weight in 1 month
• Noticeable change in appetite, sudden urges to overeat, or lack of interest in food
• Insomnia/Inability to sleep
• Sleeping too much/Not having motivation to get out of bed
• Frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide, or making a suicide attempt or plan

Anxiety

For people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Anxiety thoroughly dominates the person’s thinking, and consequently, interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities and relationships. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to expect disaster, and have difficulty stopping their frequent worried thoughts about money, relationships, family, health, work, or school.

Signs of Anxiety

• Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
• Restlessness or a feeling of being “edgy”
• Muscle tension
• Headaches / Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Being easily startled