Depression is more than just a passing mood;it is a mental disorder that can affect many aspects of your life. A depression does not only involve your mood, but also your body and thoughts. Some people see it as a sign of weakness, but this is not the case. It is nothing to be ashamed of.

Depression can be caused by many things. For example:

• Changes in the brain structure or brain function.
• Physical changes like hormonal changes, stroke, cancer, etc.
• Severe stressful situations like serious loss, financial problems, difficult relationships, etc.

Depression is not something you can simply snap out of. It is not always easy to get better like you do when you catch a cold. Treatment for depression usually involves anti depressant medication and psychotherapy.

It is not always easy to recognize a depression, but there are signs that can help us with recognizing the problem.

• Persistent feeling of being sad, anxious or ‘being empty’. You don’t feel up to anything. You rather stay in the house all day and do nothing.

• You have a feeling of hopelessness and are pessimistic about everything. You feel like there is nothing to look forward to and you feel negative about everything that’s happening in your life.

• Lost of interest in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy. Instead of doing things that might cheer you up, you avoid them. You are getting more and more reclusive from your friends and family.

• You feel worthless. You have the feeling that you are worthless, no one likes you, you can’t do anything good.

• Feelings of guilt. You have an overwhelming feeling of guilt. Maybe you feel that you don’t deserve to be happy.

• Feeling tired or fatigued. You always feel tired, physically and mentally. Sitting in the house not doing anything, not eating well, not sleeping well, it all leads up to feeling tired and fatigued.

• Changed sleep patterns. This can be insomnia, waking up in the early mornings or maybe you just can’t stop sleeping.

• Having trouble concentrating. You find it hard to stay focused on something. You find it hard to make decisions or maybe your memory is playing up and you find it hard to remember things.

• Changed eating patterns. You have started to over eat or maybe you are not eating enough. Watch for weight gain or loss.

• Thoughts of death and suicide. You are thinking a lot about death, dying or suicide.

• You are easily irritated. You get irritated easily and snap at something or someone for no apparent reason.

• Persistent physical problems. This can be headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pain, etc.

If you recognize yourself or someone close to in these symptoms, call your physician. Make an appointment and see how you can treat this disorder.