Considering how common and debilitating depression is - as well as how common it is to use the word in an incorrect sense - and how often I've seen it on this forum today, I thought I'd make this to try and inform the community about depression, and maybe rectify some misinformation. [b] What is depression? [/b] [quote]Depression is a mood disorder characterised by low mood and a wide range of other possible symptoms, which will vary from person to person. An illness that can develop quickly or gradually, and be brought on by life events and/or changes in body chemistry. It can strike anyone, and is curable.[/quote] [b]The warning signs [/b] [quote]The signs of depression are many, because this soul-destroying illness affects each person differently, and in its degree of severity. You may be suffering from depression if, for a long time, you experience several of the following symptoms: -Sadness and feeling weepy. -Numbness, lethargy and a loss of interest in things and activities you used to enjoy. -Wanting to hide away from people, perhaps even by staying in bed. -Constant tiredness and problems sleeping. - Loss of appetite, or eating to excess for the comfort it may bring. - Stress and frustration. - Irritability and aggression. - Feeling that you cannot cope. - Inability to see any glimmer of a 'light at the end of the tunnel'. - Asking yourself what the point of living is.[/quote] [b]Who can get depression?[/b] [quote]The short answer is: anyone can develop depression. However, research suggests there may be a genetic factor involved that makes some more prone to the condition when going through a challenging period. People with a family history of depression are also more likely to experience it themselves. And certain genetic variations on chromosome 3 could play a role in severe and recurring depression - a disorder that affects up to 4% of the population.[/quote] [b]Treatment[/b] [quote]Anti-depressants affect the way that chemicals in the brain work. But the exact role of these chemicals in depression is not fully understood, and anti-depressants do not work for everyone. It is known that depression changes the balance of various neurotransmitters in the brain. These are the chemical messengers that communicate between brain cells called neurones. Neurotransmitters send information across tiny spaces called synapses, which are received by a receptor embedded in the next neurone in the chain. The receptors may be oversensitive or insensitive to a specific neurotransmitter, causing their response to its release to be excessive or inadequate. Anti-depressants gradually increase the levels of 'mood-enhancing' neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This may be why most people need to take the pills for a few weeks before they start to work. [/quote] It'd be nice to see a discussion going about this, but for the sake of everybody, keep it civil. I'm happy to try and answer any questions you may have.