From time to time, all of us suffer from sorrow and anxiety. However, if this sorrow and anxiety does not leave us in one or two weeks and it begins to affect our way of life, then it is classed as depression.
Causes
1. Sometimes, it is due to the presence of sorrow or despair for some time after the occurrence of certain matters of life which consist of difficult events. For instance, the death of a close relative, occurrence of divorce, loss of job etc.
2. Physical illnesses, e.g. canceror such an illness which is chronic like joint pain or breathing issues.
3. Some people are at a greater risk of suffering from depression. This can also be due to the personality of a person or childhood events and experiences.
4. Women have a greater chance of suffering from depression as compared to men.
Symptoms
It is not necessary for all these symptoms to be found in every patient. However, if any patient has any four of these symptoms, then he is suffering from depression.
1. Remaining sorrowful and distressed.
2. Being uninterested in doing things that one previously enjoyed.
3. Feeling physical fatigue and weakness.
4. Not being able to focus on daily activities.
5. Considering oneself to be inferior to others or a decrease in self-confidence.
6. Considering oneself to be useless and blaming oneself for minor and insignificant matters of the past.
7. Losing hope in the future.
8. Disturbed sleep.
9. Not feeling hungry.
10. Having thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide.