Am I Suffering from Depression?

Most people experience depression at one point in their lives. In the United States alone, approximately 20 million people are suffering from depression. Depression affects people of all ages from children to the elderly. Women, however, are at the highest risk of developing depression.

It can sometimes be difficult to identify depression as it progressively gets worse. If you have gone through the below mentioned depression symptoms for at least two weeks, seek attention immediately.

• Always feeling sad and/or hopeless.
• Constantly crying.
• Not being able to sleep
• Sleeping too much
• Mood swings
• Inability to concentrate
• No longer enjoy the things you used to enjoy (ie: hobbies)
• Suicidal thoughts

There is an infinite amount of reasons as to why depression occurs. Here is a general list of what puts you at a greater risk of developing depression in comparison to others.

• Have experienced depression in the past
• Have a family member that is or has gone through depression
• Consumption of too much alcohol
• Use of drugs
• Suffer from one or more chronic medical conditions
• Take prescribed medication
• Stress

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression it is important to contact a health care professional. They can provide help for depression by assessing the situation. There are also many different kinds of medications for depression available.