Depression
is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.
Common depression Symptoms Include:
Depression symptoms in children and teens
Though similar to the symptoms of adult depression, there can still be slight differences
In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.
Depression symptoms in Adults
Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as
Memory difficulties or personality changes
Physical aches or pain
Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
Prevention
There's no real way to prevent depression from happening however, we can:
Find ways to handle stress and improve your self-esteem.
Take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly.
Reach out to family and friends when times get hard.
Get regular medical checkups, and see your provider if you don’t feel right.
Get help if you think you’re depressed. If you wait, it could get worse.