DEPRESSSION
OK, let's get started.
Good morning, everyone. I'm Nicoleta Cojocaru. This morning I'm going to talk to you
about depression.
So, I'll begin by bringing you in on the background to the subject, and then I'll go on to
discuss about characteristics of depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of
interest. It is different from mood swings that people regularly experience as part of life.Major life
events, such as a breakdown or loss of a job, can lead to depression. However, doctors believe that
feelings of pain are part of depression only if they persist.Depression is a continuous problem, not a
temporary one. It consists of episodes in which the symptoms last at least 2 weeks. Depression can
last for weeks, months or years.
The depresion symtomps:
t's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low mood lingers day after day, it could signal
a depressed mood
low interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
a loss of sexual desire
changes in appetite
unintentional weight loss or gain
sleeping too much or too little
agitation, restlessness and acceleration up and down
slowed movement and speech
fatigue or loss of energy
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
recurring thoughts of death or suicide or attempted suicide
Learn more about recognizing the hidden signs of depression.
At women:
Depression is almost twice as common among women as men, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Below are some symptoms of depression that tend to occur more often in women:
irritability
anxiety
changes to the provision
fatigue
chewing (based on negative thoughts)
Also, some types of depression are unique to women, such as:
postpartum depression
premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Men with depression are more likely than women to drink too much alcohol, be angry, and take
risks as a result of the disorder.
Other symptoms of depression in men may include:
avoiding families and social situations
working non-stop
having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities
displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships.
To students:
Time in college can be stressful, and a person may be dealing with other lifestyles, cultures and
experiences for the first time.
Some students have difficulty coping with these changes and may experience depression, anxiety, or
both.
Symptoms of depression in students may include:
difficulty concentrating on school work
insomnia
sleeping too much
a decrease or increase in appetite
avoiding the situations and social activities they enjoyed
In adolescence
Physical changes, peer pressure and other factors can contribute to depression in adolescents.
You may have some of the following symptoms:
withdrawing from friends and family
difficulty concentrating on school work
feeling guilty, powerless, or worthless
anxiety, such as the inability to sit still
At Children
The CDC estimates that in the United States, 3.2% of children and adolescents between the ages of
3 and 17 are diagnosed with depression.
In children:
the symptoms can make schoolwork and social activities difficult. You may have symptoms such
as:
weeping
low energy
partner dependence
defiant behavior
vocal outbursts
Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they feel in words. This can make it harder
for them to explain their feelings of sadness.
Causes:
The medical community does not fully understand the causes of depression. There are many
possible causes and sometimes several factors combine to trigger the symptoms.
Factors that may play a role include:
genetic characteristics
changes in the level of the brain's neurotransmitter
environmental factors
psychological and social factors
additional conditions such as bipolar disorder
ajor depression is an episode of sadness or apathy along with other symptoms that lasts at least two
consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities. Depression is not a sign of
weakness or a negative personality. It is a major public health problem and a treatable medical
condition.
