Of the many different mood disorders, depression is the most common, and one of the most misunderstood.
While modern research indicates that brain chemical imbalances cause depression, many people still believe that chronic depression indicates a weak personality or character flaw.
This makes seeking help for depression difficult, as people hesitate before admitting this “weakness” to family, friends or doctors. Imagine the devastation and suffering if people hid a major illness such as cancer from the world. When you know more about what’s wrong you can make it right.
Mood disorders, especially depression, are very common. Chances are that someone you know—or you yourself—suffers from depression. And the majority of depressive disorders go untreated. Learning to recognize the symptoms of depression may help those you love get the help they need.
Symptoms of Depression
- Persistent sadness or unhappiness
- Lethargy
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Irritability
- Sudden change in appetite
- Disruption of normal sleep pattern
- Physical discomfort
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Thoughts of suicide or death.
Chronic Depression
Of the many different mood disorders, depression is the most common, and one of the most misunderstood.
The death of a loved one, health problems, financial stress or other traumatic life events can trigger a variety of depressive mood disorders. In these instances, there is an identifiable trigger associated with the onset of the depression disorder.
Some people suffer from what is termed chronic depression, also called recurrent depression. With chronic depression, the individual goes through depressive episodes with periods of time in between when the symptoms of depression seem to disappear. Chronic depression can be a lifelong struggle.