Depression

Depression is the feeling of being depressed; it is when one feels low spirits, sadness, dejection and melancholy that go beyond the passing feelings of being down that we all feel from time to time.

Some describe depression as feeling like black feelings of despair coming down over their lives. Some call depression the "black dog".

Many say that they also feel that they have no energy (even the smallest job seems like a huge task) and they constantly feel tired -- in spite of the fact that they are not working a lot or being very active.

Moreover, they find themselves much less interested in their normal daily activities and they not able to enjoy or take pleasure from their hobbies.

Some say that they cannot concentrate, or find it difficult to make decisions. Some say they feel irritated and tense much of the time for no particular reason.

Often people feeling depressed find their appetite (desire to eat) is lessened.

Their sleep is also affected (for some, it is difficult to sleep; others find they keep waking up up in the very early morning; and others find they sleep too much).

Finally, people suffering depression often feel life is worthless or hopeless, and many entertain thoughts of suicide and death.

A small number of women experience postpartum depression after the birth of their child, which includes hostility towards the new-born baby and resultant feelings of guilt or indifference.

This kind of depression is the result of a disturbance of the mother's hormonal system.

There is sometimes an element of heredity in depression -- some forms of depression seem to run in the family.

In certain cases temporary but very severe depression can be triggered by bereavement, that is, as part of the process of grieving for the death of a family member or other close person.

Treatment

The use of drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin uptake inhibitors, tranquilisors, or amphetamines, under strictly controlled supervision by one's doctor can help.

Psychological methods such as examining one's thoughts or behavioral therapy techniques can help lift depression.

Friendly support by one's family members can be a big help.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can help in less responsive cases.