In: Psychology
People usually go on using the term 'depressed' or related terms quite frequently and casually. Depression is a serious mental illness, which in extreme forms may even prove to be fatal. Depression refers to an affective (or emotional) state in which a person feels low, and eexperiences what is commonly referred to as 'blues'. Depression is a mental illness or a mental disorder which is characterised by feelings of despair, hopelessness, and extreme sadness.
Any mental health issue becomes a mental illness only when it interferes in the normal functioning of the individual. The said condition must have a sinificant influence on the person's ability to perform their daily activities, includin their work, their social life, as well as their own personal living, whereby the person suffering from depression would not even be able to carry out their own daily hygiene as well as their daily chores, including cooking for themselves or even wanting to eat what is already on the table.
Just like other disorders, depression also has some symptoms, which must be present in the person in order to make sure the person has depression, and he/ she gets the right diagnosis. Some of the symptoms includes loss of drive to do anything at all, loss of motivation to even do activities that the person found pleasurable, loss/ gaining of weight, irritability, fatigue, withdrawl from social life, crying spells for unknown reasons etc.
Depression, just like any other mental disorder or physical disorder is a condition which does not discriminate. It may happen to anyone. It is not just a bunch of symptoms that occur together which may fade away over time, rather depression also involves the physiological aspect. The neurotransmitters are involved in depression.
Depression is a manageable condition. It is suggested that one must seek an expert and must undergo therapies in order to cure as well as manage the condition. Treatment usually involves medication- mainly anti-depressants, whcih must be taken as per prescription; as well as some therapies with the therapist as per one's problems.
Depression is a mental health issue/ a mental illness that is just like any other physical illness. It affects the daily normal functioning of the individual and hence it must be taken care of. Since it is manageable and can be cured, one must seek professional help in order to manage the condition.