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Depression

Depression is a mental disorder marked by altered mood. It is characterised by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy, fatigue, and anxiety.

Symptoms

• Poor appetite or weight loss or weight gain
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulties with concentration and thinking
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideations.

People with depression have a reduced quality of life. In extreme cases, it can put them at risk of harming themselves. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.

Treatments

For most people talking to someone and sharing your feelings is an enormous relief. There are also many antidepressant medications available. Evidence suggests that these medicines are effective and are not addictive.

Most people will be treated by their doctor but around 10% or people are referred to a psychiatrist, a qualified doctor who specialises in mental health problems.

Related Links

Depression Alliance
http://www.depressionalliance.org