Understanding Depression in the 21st Century

In the 21st century with all its pressures many suffer from depression for a variety of different reasons. Depression is now classified as a medical illness and not just something that is in your head like people would have told you in the past. Depression can mean feeling down or blue for weeks and even months at a time if not treated and your very existence can be affected in many ways. Depression affects the way you eat, your self esteem, and the feelings towards those around you. Many people have blamed fast paced technology for the increase in suicides caused by depression. This and peer pressure to perform in the high powered career industries does not help either.

There have even been movies made with names’ he was a quiet man” and others which shows how well people can suppress depression and pressure which is dangerous as well. If you are depressed help should be sought. Alternatively if you think someone you know is, then be a good citizen and help your neighbor. Life in the 21st century can really be miserable and a good example is the movie ‘ In The Pursuit of Happiness’ Watch it sometime!

The Symptoms of Depression

If you or someone close to you is suffering from these symptoms they may be suffering from depression

1. Persistent sadness or anxiety.
2. Feelings of hopelessness and depression.
3. Low self esteem and worthlessness.
4. Lack of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed
5. No interest in eating even their favorite foods.
6. Alternatively eating for comfort.
7. Easily bought to tears

In some cases people may even try hide their depression and this is the worst possible scenario which in many instances leads to suicide with those that know the person mentioning that they did not notice anything astray. Don’t wait till it is too late seek help or offer it.

Some Causes of Depression

Depression is both difficult to diagnose when it is caused by medical reasons like brain changes or disease. In some cases it can even be hereditary though it can appear in anyone at any time. Sometimes illness it self results in a person feeling depressed and listless to the point of not caring. In this case it can take even longer for recovery from the actual real illness.

Other factors that can lead to depression are the loss of loved one, continual financial pressures, stressful work environments and dwelling on bad news in the media. Medical diagnosis has discovered imbalances in certain substances like serotonin and dopamine which are released from nerve endings in the body. In these cases different symptoms may result.

How is Depression Treated?

There are a variety of different treatments on the market with some examples being medication and physiotherapy with support from family and friends to help. New inroads in to anti depressant medications have been formulated to work on different neurotransmitters after a doctor has investigated the reason for the patients’ depression. If you know you are suffering from depression it is always best to talk about it and to try and understand the causes. Depression can make you feel exhausted, hopeless and negative to the point of giving up and even suicide. With the right support and lifestyle changes these negative thoughts and feelings can fade away.

Some useful advice if you are feeling depressed.

1. Accept that your depression is a symptom not a cause.
2. Break up large tasks and projects into small manageable ones.
3. Confide in someone about how you feel and talk it out.
4. Participate in fun activities outdoors when possible.
5. Get regular exercise and recreation.
6. Join support groups and share your feelings.
7. Eat healthy foods and drink lots of liquids.
8. Take a break from the office or work.
9. Try and be positive about life.
10. Let family and Friends help you.
11. Get a pet.

If you still sink into fits of depression regularly then it is advisable to see a doctor to investigate the cause. Try not to be too critical about yourself no matter what. You may be depressed about being overweight, too thin, too short, and too tall or anything else about your appearance that may bother you. Just remember that no one is perfect and it is your personality and out look on life which makes all the difference. It is up to you to make life a positive experience and accept challenges as obstacles put in your path to make you stronger.