Depression

Depression is a mental state characterized by pessimism, hopelessness, despair, dejection, a feeling of inadequacy. Everyone undergoes such an acute state of mind one time or the other and that is perfectly normal according to the researchers. Depression is not a disease but a state of mind. Depression is a phase of lack of interest, sleeplessness, mood swings and displeasure with most of the things around. Depressed person feels dull and finds it difficult to concentrate on most of things. Depression can be fatal too and can lead to suicidal tendencies. It can occur to a person of any age group.

What leads to depression?

Depression can have many reasons. It can be personal or even professional. Personal reasons can be grief due to loss of a loved one, end of a long term relationship or divorce, or death of a pet. Professional reasons can be unsatisfactory work, loss of a job, inability to adjust to a new place etc. depression and grief are closely related. Excessive grief leads to depression. These situations lead to feelings of being defeated, demoralized, helplessness. Depression is not a disease but it is abnormal. People suffering from depression do not eat or sleep well. They suffer from fatigue, headache, body ache quiet frequently. They lose interest in most of the activities which they enjoyed doing previously.

Manifestations and measures

Depression has bizarre manifestations. It can make a person a recluse or a loner. The person does not like being a part of a group. In worst circumstances it can even lead to suicidal tendencies. The person at times loses his interest in life and other worldly pleasures.

Depression can be helped with in a number of ways. One should try doing things that help generating a positive outlook or something constructive. People suffering from depression should take a balanced diet i.e. they should stop taking unhealthy or junk food. They should also take sufficient amount of sleep as sleep revitalizes the brain cells. Some people often resort to sleeping pills or tranquilizers. They help the patients cope with depression temporarily but one should always rely on natural means to overcome it.