MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (CLINICAL DEPRESSION)
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Sadness is a natural part of the human experience. People may feel sad or depressed when a loved one passes away or when they are going through a life challenge, such as a divorce or serious illness. However, these feelings are normally short-lived. When someone experiences persistent and intense feelings of sadness for an extended period of time, they may have major depressive disorder (MDD)
MDD also referred to as clinical depression, is a significant medical condition that can affect many areas of your life. It impacts mood and behavior as well as various physical functions such as appetite and sleep. MDD is a serious mental disorder that has a life time incidence in 20% women and 12% in men. People with MDD often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and have trouble performing everyday activities. Occasionally, they may also feel as if life isn't worth living.
SYMPTOMS
Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly everyday and may include:
1. Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness.
2. Angry outburst l, irritability or frustration over even small matters.
3. Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities such as sex, hobbies or sports.
4. Sleep disturbance, including insomnia or sleeping too much.
5. Tiredness and lack of energy,so even small tasks take extra effort.
6. Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.
7. Anxiety, agitation or restlessness.
8. Slowed thinking, speaking or body movement.
9. Feeling of worthlessness, or guilt, fixation on past failures or self blame.
10. Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things.
11. Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt or suicide.
12. Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.
_NOTE_ for many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-day activities, such as work, school, social activities, or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.
Stay tune as I share causes of Depression in my next article
Rose Doffour
BSc Psychology
Executive Secretary to FOHA CEO