الكآبة

Depression is a serious illness with many unpleasant
consequences. It is an illness that may even lead to death!!

Every
year, depression hits 6.7% of people worldwide. Depression can hit anyone at any
age. But it is
highest among individuals between ages of 18 and 25 years old and among women.
One third of women experience at least one episode of depression in their
lifetime.

Reasons behind depression:

Heredity plays an important factor in depression. If you are a
member of a family with a history of depression, there is a 40% chance for you
to experience the same.

Environmental factors play an important role too. People going
through hard times like losing someone dear, a job, getting sick, or failing to
do something are more vulnerable to depression.  In such circumstances, it
is normal for these people to feel down, sad, or tired. This does not mean that
they have depression. Only when feelings become out of proportion with the
event, or when they recur and become so persistent that a person is thought to
be suffering from depression. Anxiety may lead to depression if not well treated.

Depressed people suffer emotionally, physically, and socially.
They become dysfunctional at school, at work, or in the family. Hence,
depression is considered a burden to societies. If not treated, depression may
cause serious damage to the person and sometimes may lead to death. Luckily
enough, we can overcome depression.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

Symptoms of depression:

Depression manifests itself in different ways depending on the
person and the intensity of their illness. Symptoms include:

• •
  Sadness
• •
  Fatigue and loss of energy
• •
  Loss of interest in activities
• •
  Difficulty of thinking and concentrating
• •
  Loss of confidence
• •
  Guilt feelings
• •
  Sleeping troubles
• •
  Changes in appetite: eating more or les without dieting
• •
  Suicidal thoughts

Some
illnesses like thyroid, cardiac problems, or lack of some vitamins may cause
symptoms similar to those caused by depression. Only when these
feelings recur or last for two weeks of time at least, they are diagnosed as
symptoms of depression.  Therefore, the first thing the person should do,
is to check with a physician to eliminate any physical illnesses.

Therapists use “talk therapy" to help people overcome
their depression. However, sometimes with moderate to severe cases, medications
may be needed with psychotherapy. Hence, our counselors may decide to refer
their client to specialized doctors. Please Contact our therapists to be able to help you.