MDD mental health

Depression is a type of mood illness characterized by a continuous sense of melancholy and a loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a number of mental and physical difficulties. It's also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. You may find it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, and you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

Depression is more than just a case of the blues, and it isn't something you can "snap out of." Depression may necessitate long-term therapy. Don't be discouraged, though. Medication, counseling, or both help most people with depression.

Symptoms

Although depression might strike only once in a lifetime, most people have several episodes. Symptoms may occur most of the day, virtually every day, during these periods, and may include:

• Sadness, weeping, emptiness, or a sense of hopelessness

• Even over little issues, angry outbursts, impatience, or frustration might occur.

• Loss of pleasure or interest in most or all usual activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports

• Insomnia or sleeping too much are examples of sleep problems.

• Due to exhaustion and a lack of energy, even simple tasks require extra effort.

• Reduced food cravings and weight reduction, or increased food cravings and weight gain

• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness are all symptoms of anxiety.

• Slowing down one's thoughts, speech, or body motions

• Feelings of inadequacy or remorse, ruminating on past failures or blaming oneself

• Problems in thinking, concentrating, making judgments, and recalling information

• Suicidal thoughts, attempts, or attempts at suicide are common or recurrent among those who have had frequent or persistent thoughts of death.

• Physical issues that aren't explained, such as back pain or migraines

Many persons with depression have significant symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities, or interpersonal relationships. Some people may be dissatisfied or wretched in general without knowing why.

Symptoms of depression in adolescents and teenagers

Although the indications and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those in adults, there are important distinctions to be made.

Sadness, irritability, clinginess, concern, aches and pains, refusal to go to school, or being underweight are all indications of depression in young children.

Sadness, irritability, feelings of worthlessness, anger, poor performance or attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, overeating or sleeping, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction are all symptoms that teens may experience.

Symptoms of depression in older people

Depression is not a normal aspect of aging, and it should never be dismissed. Unfortunately, depression in older individuals is frequently undiagnosed and untreated, and they may be hesitant to seek help. In older persons, depression symptoms may be different or less noticeable, such as:

• Memory problems or personality shifts

• Aches and pains in the body

• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep issues, or a lack of desire in sex – none of these symptoms are caused by a medical illness or medicine.

• Rather than going out to interact or try new things, they prefer to stay at home.

• Suicidal thoughts or impulses, particularly among elderly males

When should you see a doctor?

Make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health expert as soon as possible if you are depressed. Talk to a friend or loved one, a health care professional, a religion leader, or someone else you trust if you're hesitant to seek therapy.