This document discusses depression, its symptoms, causes, and types. It defines depression as a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Common symptoms include changes in appetite, sleep, energy level, and concentration. Depression can be caused by biological, psychological, and social factors. It discusses several types of depression including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The document emphasizes that depression is a serious medical condition that can be treated through therapy and medication.

1. DEPRESSION
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
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2. According to Wiki,
Depression is a state of
low mood and aversion to
activity, that can affect a
person's thoughts,
behavior, tendencies,
feelings, and sense of
well-being.
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3. A depressed mood is a normal
temporary reaction to life events
such as loss of a loved one. It is
also a symptom of some physical
diseases and a side effect of some
drugs and medical treatments.
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4. Depression is the
repercussion of living a fake
unsustainable life. This is
the major cause of
depression in
artists/celebrities.
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5.  Depression could also be a
mental health disorder
characterized by
persistently depressed
mood or loss of interest in
activities, causing significant
impairment in daily life.
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6. Depression can also be
associated with thoughts of
suicide.
Depression is classified as a
mood disorder. It may be
described as feelings of sadness,
loss, or anger that interfere with a
person’s everyday activities.
The persistent feeling of sadness
or loss of interest that
characterizes major depression
can lead to a range of behavioral
and physical symptoms.
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More than 1.5 million depression cases per year (Nigeria)

7. Possible causes include a combination of;
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• biological,
• psychological and
• social sources of distress.
Increasingly, research suggests that these factors may cause changes in brain
function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain. These may
include changes in
• sleep
• appetite
• energy level
• concentration
• daily behavior
• self-esteem
Consult a doctor for medical advice or go for talk therapy

8. It’s important to realize that feeling down at times is a normal part of life. Sad and
distressful events occur in everyone’s life. However, feeling miserable and
hopeless on a consistent basis is not normal. Depression should be treated as a
serious medical condition.
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People experience depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily
work, resulting in lost time and lower productivity.
Conditions that can get worse due to depression include:
 arthritis
 asthma
 cardiovascular disease
 cancer
 diabetes
 obesity

9. Female Sex Hormones
• It has been widely documented that women suffer from major depression about twice as
often as men. Because of the incidence of depressive disorders peaks during women's
reproductive years, it is believed that hormonal risk factors may be to blame.
• Women are especially prone to depressive disorders during times when their hormones are
in flux, such as around the time of their menstrual period, childbirth, and perimenopause. In
addition, a woman's depression risk declines after she goes through menopause.
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There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression,
including the following:
 Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional
abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical
depression later in life.
 Certain medications. Some drugs, such as
isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral
drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can
increase your risk of depression.
 Conflict. Depression in someone who has the
biological vulnerability to develop depression
may result from personal conflicts or disputes
with family members or friends.

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 Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one,
though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
 Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that
depression is a complex trait, meaning that there are probably many different genes
that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk.
The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or
straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic
fibrosis.
 Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married
can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.
However, the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a "normal" response to stressful
life events.

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 Other personal problems. Problems such as
social isolation due to other mental illnesses or
being cast out of a family or social group can
contribute to the risk of developing clinical
depression.
 Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-
exists with a major illness or may be triggered
by another medical condition.
 Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with
substance abuse problems also have major or
clinical depression.

13. 131. Major Depression
Some symptoms you might have are:
 Loss of interest or pleasure in your activities
 Weight loss or gain
 Trouble getting to sleep or feeling sleepy during the day
 Feelings restless and agitated, or else very sluggish and slowed down physically or
mentally
 Being tired and without energy
 Feeling worthless or guilty
 Trouble concentrating or making decisions
 Thoughts of suicide
Your doctor might diagnose you with major depression if you have five or more of these
symptoms on most days for 2 weeks or longer. At least one of the symptoms must be a
depressed mood or loss of interest in activities.
Talk therapy can help. You'll meet with a mental health specialist who will help you find
ways to manage your depression. Medications called antidepressants can also be useful.

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2. Persistent Depressive Disorder
If you have depression that lasts for 2 years or longer, it's called persistent depressive disorder.
This term is used to describe two conditions previously known as dysthymia (low-grade persistent
depression) and chronic major depression.
You may have symptoms such as:
 Change in your appetite (not eating enough or overeating)
 Sleep too much or too little
 Lack of energy, or fatigue
 Low self-esteem
 Trouble concentrating or making decisions
 Feel hopeless
You may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

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3. Bipolar Disorder
Someone with bipolar disorder, which is also sometimes called "manic depression," has mood
episodes that range from extremes of high energy with an "up" mood to low "depressive"
periods.
When you're in the low phase, you'll have the symptoms of major depression.
Medication can help bring your mood swings under control. Whether you're in a high or a low
period, your doctor may suggest a mood stabilizer, such as lithium.

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4. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Women with PMDD have depression and other symptoms at the start of their period.
Besides feeling depressed, you may also have:
 Mood swings
 Irritability
 Anxiety
 Trouble concentrating
 Fatigue
 Change in appetite or sleep habits
Feelings of being overwhelmed

17. It is advisable that you watch the
person next to you and try to
understand their body language.
Most people want to be heard, but
no one gives them attention.
Help save a dressing soul today.
If you need a talk therapy, e-mail
or w
WhatsApp
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