In America alone, it is estimated that over 19 million people suffer from acute or chronic depression. These figures are disconcerting and call for more attention to be paid to this condition, especially the factors that cause it and suggestion on how it can be prevented.
Depression differs from feeling sad or being in a low mood because the latter is for a short time while the former lingers on for a significantly longer period of time. A major depressive disorder is generally defined as having an episode of sadness followed by other symptoms for a period of not less than a fortnight, and in such a way that it disrupts one’s day-to-day activities. Some people think that depression results from a bad personality or is a sign of weakness; however, that is not true. It is actually a major public health problem that is treatable.
There are several factors that generally characterize depression. These include feelings of guilt, helplessness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. When one is depressed, he or she loses interest in pleasurable activities or activities that they usually do. These include work and even sex. Depressed individuals find concentrating difficult and often have poor memory. Insomnia and sometimes oversleeping are symptoms of depression. People who are depressed also suffer from appetite changes which, in turn, may result in weight gain or weight loss. Individuals suffering from depression often experience fatigue and lack of energy, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts. In advanced stages, depression can cause one to have slow speech and to move slowly. Continue reading Research Essay on Depression