Every year approximately 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.

The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:

1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.

4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.

8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

About The Author

James Mierop is the COO of The Doctors Choice Practice, which specializes in Health and Fitness Counseling.

The Doctor’s Choice Patient Care is centered on proper supplementation of Nutraceuticals & Herbal Remedies, Nutrition (Diet) and a regimented Exercise Routine.

http://www.The-Doctors-Choice.com

As always, consult your pharmacist or healthcare professional before starting a supplementation or exercise program.

Just prescribed 10 mg Doxepin for insomnia, do I need to hesitate?

I'm currently taking 54mg Concerta for adult ADD and was previously able to take Benedryl (same ingredients as Simply Sleep) for occasional insomnia caused by stress and anxiety but that no longer works and the insomnia has increased to a minimum of 4 to 5 nights a week along with increased anxiety from situational life stresses (work, bipolar son, etc..). I'm reading up on Doxepin since I've never heard of it and I hesitate to begin it. I need NO help with weight gain and I'm very uneasy with the many discussions I see in regards to overdoses, increase suicides, and not to mention the fact that yes it will help me with the edgy emotions I've been hit with since it is technically a drug for depression but one prescribed for those linked to substance abuse, I have an occasional cocktail or glass of wine and do no recreational drug abuse, I'm to busy obsessing about what I do need to take! Hmmmm…with all the newer medications out for both insomnia and depressions (minor on my list of please help me get healthy Dr) I'm a little perplexed that we would start with this..considering my first comment was..please don't prescribe me anything that's going to make me gain again. We went through many weight gaining anxiety meds to finally come across the correct diagnosis of ADD and Concerta so she is well aware of my history. Let's put it this way, we once tried Topomax for anxiety and insomnia, a med with a HUGE side effect of causing large amounts of weight loss, amount of 30-40 pounds for those on 1/2 the dose I was on. I was on 100mg for a year, it lost it's effect to manage my insomnia, and since I wasn't suffering from anxiety but rather ADD it never worked for that either…and yet never even received that side effect of weight loss either…not a single pound. But every single anxiety med that warned of a weight gain side effect..I was right there with it. I'm not questioning her intentions or her education…just curious on any other personal experiences….

ReallyLate.com - The 7 Mistakes That kills your Sleep

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