Depression

Depression can be described as feeling sad, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. It is widely related to mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer. Common symptoms include irritation, restlessness, feelings of hopelessness, sleeping disorders etc.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of depression can include:

• Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Trouble sleeping or too much sleeping

Causes

The exact cause of depression is not known and many studies suggest that depression is caused by chemical changes in the brain. Depression may be caused due to:

• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Certain medications such steroids
• Sleeping problems
• Certain medical conditions, such as underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain

Treatment 

Some common treatment options for depression include:

• Medications called antidepressants
• Talk therapy, called psychotherapy