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What You Should Know About Major Depression

Major depression is the most severe type of depression. When someone is suffering from major (or clinical) depression they will have more symptoms. Their symptoms will also be more severe or intense when compared to mild depression. Major depression may be triggered by a single event, or it could develop very slowly.

Many people who develop major depression cannot pinpoint an event or trauma in their life that might have triggered it. Other people may have battled bouts of minor depression throughout their life and then when they are faced with a traumatic event, they are plunged into major depression. Some individuals can have a bout of major depression in their life and never have it occur again. Other people may have recurring bouts of major depression. The time in between bouts may last years.

People who suffer from major depression usually respond the best when they take anti depression medication and undergo psychotherapy. The medication they are prescribed will treat the symptoms they are feeling. The treatment will help them learn to cope and deal with things that can lead or aggravate their depression.

The signs and symptoms of major depression include the following:

• Persistent sadness
• Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Unable to concentrate
• Aches
• Pains
• Memory problems
• Helplessness
• Hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Tearful
• Irritability
• Weight loss
• Weight gain
• Guilt
• Indecisiveness
• Suicidal thoughts

Major depression can strike anyone of any age. However, it usually afflicts people who are between 25 and 44. Major depression can last up to nine months and linger on and off throughout a person’s lifetime if left untreated. Reports tell us that women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. This could be due in part to the many hormonal changes that women experience in their lives. Reports also tell us that men who are suffering from depression are less likely to get help for it.

Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women who are depressed. This could be due in part to a man’s attempt to mask their condition through alcohol and drug abuse which can intensify the depression. The elderly can also have bouts of major depression. Illness and the death of loved ones can trigger major depression. Many elderly individuals do not talk about what they are feeling and as a result may not get the treatment they need to overcome their depression.

Some people believe that major depression that is left alone can eventually correct itself. However, not treating and seeking help for major depression is quite risky. If you, or someone you love, are showing signs of major depression seek out help as soon as possible.