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Depression
is a very common condition that is believed by many experts to be the
number one cause of disability in the world. In the U.S.,17% of
people will experience depression at some point in their lives. An
estimated 19 million people in the U.S. are currently suffering from
depression. Depression is more common in women then in men, with 25%
of women suffering from depression severe enough to warrant treatment
at least once during their lifetime. It’s
important to remember that depression is an illness that affects both
the body and mind. It is not something that we can just wish away or
“snap out of”, nor is it a sign of a weak character. The good
news about depression is that almost everyone suffering from this
condition can be helped with treatment, so it is important to
recognize the signs and symptoms of depression.
According
to the U.S. National
Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH), the main symptoms and signs of depression are the following:
Persistent
sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness,
pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in
hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue,
being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, making decisions
Insomnia,
early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight
loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide;
suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms
that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive
disorders, and chronic
pain
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