Understanding Depression

Depression is a mood disorder. The basis of the disorder is the deficiency of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS). Depression is characterized by low mood, sadness, and loss of interest. Depression is more common in women than in men.

The negative effects Depression has on the body?

Depression has negative effects on overall health and long-term depression can cause a deterioration in health. Depression weakens the immune system. This increases the risk of infections and other diseases. Depression can drain a person of energy resulting in chronic fatigue. Depression can also cause insomnia which further weakens the immune system. The mood disorder can also increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.

Which products should I be using for my Depression?

Different Types of Depression

Major depression is a common, recurring condition. People with major depression experience symptoms most of the day, every day. Like many mental health conditions, it has little to do with what’s happening around you. You can have a loving family, friends, and a dream job. You can have the kind of life that others envy and still have depression. Even if there’s no obvious reason for your depression, that doesn’t mean it’s not real or that you can simply tough it out.

Major depression is a severe form of depression that causes symptoms such as:

• difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• lack of energy and fatigue
• unexplained aches and pains
• loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
• lack of concentration, memory problems, and inability to make decisions

These symptoms can last weeks or even months. Some people might have a single episode of major depression, while others experience it throughout their life. Regardless of how long your symptoms last, major depression can cause problems in your relationships and daily activities.

Persistent depressive disorder is depression that lasts for 2 years or more. People may also refer to this as dysthymia or chronic depression. Persistent depression might not feel as intense as major depression, but it can still strain relationships and make daily tasks difficult.

Some symptoms of persistent depression include:

• low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy
• lack of interest in things you once enjoyed
• changes to sleep patterns or low energy
• concentration and memory problems
• difficulty functioning at school or work
• social withdrawal

Though it’s a long-term type of depression, the severity of symptoms can become less intense for months at a time before worsening again. Some people also have episodes of major depression before or while they have a persistent depressive disorder. This is called double depression.

Manic depression – involves periods of mania or hypomania, where you feel very happy. These periods alternate with episodes of depression. Manic depression is an outdated name for bipolar disorder. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania.