Clinical Depression

The World Health Organization estimates that about 350 million people of all ages worldwide suffer from clinical depression. Clinical depression is a form of mental illness that has an observable impact on ones thinking and behavior.

Regardless of race or geographical region, 1 in 4 persons is likely to experience an episode of clinical depression at some point in their lifetime. Clinical depression is twice likely more common among women. Though the reason for this gender disparity in the occurrence of this illness is unclear some have explained that it may be due to fluctuating hormonal changes in women.

 Signs and Symptoms

The three cardinal signs of depression are persistent low mood, reduced energy or getting tired more quickly than usual, and loss of interest in previously interesting things.

Other symptoms of depression include reduced appetite, reduced sleep, and reduced sex drive. The individual may also experience poor concentration, feeling of guilt, feeling of hopeless, helplessness, and worthlessness. Weeping seemingly unnecessarily could occur and in some cases thoughts or even acts of suicide.

When to Seek Help

Feeling unhappy occasionally due to various life events is normal. Everyone who experiences a period of low mood is not necessarily suffering from Clinical depression.

Here are some basic red flags that may serve as pointers:

• When the depressive symptoms begin to significantly affect your daily function. You tend to forget things, your concentration is poor and your activity level is greatly reduced.
• Your relationships at home, work, etc being affected
• You start having thoughts of ending your life because you feel things will be better off with you gone

Seeking help early and talking with a mental health professional can help mitigate the symptoms from worsening and generally improve the course and duration of the illness.

Is Treatment Available?

Emphatic Yes! Various forms of treatment are available for this clinical condition and they include psychotherapy, drugs (anti-depressants), and brain stimulation therapies. Sometimes a combination of treatment modalities may have to be applied to achieve a successful outcome.

Read more about depression Here and Here, you may also need to talk to a specialist today if you think you need help.