what is depression?

Answer 1

It is actually a chemical dysfunction in your brain, thus a physical problem, not really a mental (psychic) problem. Certain enzymes or particles (sorry, I don't know the correct terms in english) are not built enough in certain areas of your brain, and the lack of these working particles is causing the symptoms of depression.

Most likely you don't see positive things in your life anymore, you might be sad all the time about anything, you might think abpout suicide. In milder forms you just stay in bed, thinking it is no use at all to get up, what for anyway, and such...
If you would get the right medication (which either gives you those particles your brain can't build itself anymore, or it helps your brain reactivate the building process), you will be like a new person.
My friend had that some years ago, and she was fine as long as she took her pills.

The problem often is: when you take your pills and feel fine, you start thinking you are ok now and no longer need the pills. But then the whole problem starts all over again, because without the pills your brain is in the same problematic state as before.

Thus, your medications cannot heal you, you must take them always to keep your brain stable and working.
Just like you need to eat and drink everyday to stay alive. It is similar to that.

In case your question is about yourself or a loved one, please get help. Nowadays the medication is really good, and the person with a depression can go back to a completely normal life. But don't go with the first doctor, see several, and compare their suggestions.

Blessings to you, and all good wishes!

Answer 2

Here is what depression is NOT:
It is not an attitude.
It is not a state of mind.
It is not sadness (although that can be a symptom)
It is not unhappiness (same)
it is not low self-esteem (same)
It is not grieving (although in extreme cases that can lead to depression)
It is not feeling hurt
It is not laziness
It is not loss
It is not failure
It is not disappointment

It IS a medical condition that in the majority of cases is treatable.

People constantly stigmatize depression merely an emotion, not a disease. The general rule of thumb is if you have five or more symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, you have a medical condition. Diagnosis is the key. Trying to self-diagnos depression is a mistake and can be dangerous because there are sometimes other medical problems involved that hence go overlooked and untreated. Also there are several different kinds of depression, some more life-threatening than others. You need a to consult a qualified psychiatrist and have a thorough physical to get an accurate diagnosis (which can take years, by the way)

If you're feeling generally moody, but there are activities that relieve your symptoms, you might very well be just fine...going through the dumps like so many people do and you can ride it out. However, if it persists for weeks and nothing makes you feel better, consult a professional.

Answer 3

Depression can be a lot of things & I'm sure each individual is different as to the symptoms & how they deal with it. Lack of interest in everything,simply not caring what is going on around you, uncontrollable crying,no appetite,becoming a hermit,suicidal thoughts, and wanting to sleep forever...These are a few common traits. If you experience any of these I suggest you consult a doctor & he'd probably prescribe anti-depressants for you. Good luck.

Answer 4

Clinical depression (also called severe depression disorder, major depression disorder) is a state of sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual's social functioning and/or activities of daily living. Although a low mood or state of dejection that does not affect functioning is often referred to as depression, clinical depression is a medical diagnosis and is different from the everyday meaning of "being depressed".

Answer 5

If you think you have it, you probably do. When things used to interest you and they no longer do......when you really don't want to hang out with friends and would rather be alone......you don't feel like eating OR you eat too much.......when everything just seems overwhelming......all these things are symptoms of depression.

If you or someone you know thinks this is going on, please see a doctor. You don't have to suffer.

Answer 6

When you are not yourself.