Find out how to beat depression from a former sufferer...
Symptoms of Depression: How to know if you are depressed
Author: Foras Aje
Article:
Studies have shown that about 20 million Americans receive some form of depression treatment on an annual basis.
Twenty Million Americans! Considering how grave an illness depression is, this is a rather worrisome number. As a
result recognizing the symptoms of depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to
make.
Like any other illness, depression, characterized by insomnia, mood swings, frustration and loss of appetite
amongst other things, is a disorder that starts little but left unattended to can increase in intensity. Thus all
efforts should be made to attend to the symptoms of depression and for best results; this should be in its
beginning stages.
Now, the symptoms of depression may be caused or aggravated by other diseases (for example, in my case it was
years and years of acne and asthma as a teen and adult), stress, use of drugs, Improper diet, Loss of a job or
loved ones. The list is endless friends. However, as a famous writer once said, in regards to depression here is
one helpful thing to remember: "Life's problems are like knives, which either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them
by the blade or the handle: Grasp a difficulty or problem by the blade and it cuts; grasp it by the handle and you
can use it constructively"
In order to not allow depression to take over your present situation and consequently hinder you from overcoming
it, below are its symptoms in no specific order.
Symptoms of Depression:
1. Irritability and mood swings.
2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on
life)
3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.
4. Loss of interest in hobbies, having a good appearance and even associates and loved ones.
5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.
6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)
7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.
8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.
Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are
the most common ones. If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on
research will be to look within and ask why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it
is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss
of something or someone of importance?
If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember,
the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.
You will notice that I have made little or no mention of drugs or members of the medical fraternity. That is
simply because I believe a drug-free alternative of treating depression and its symptoms will be the safest route
to go. What with all the side effects of popular depression medications, why aggravate an already disturbed health
with such unwanted side effects as nausea, weight gain and even sexual dysfunctions as reported in some cases.
With a drug-free approach of Positive Thinking, a carefully selected diet (yes, it matters friend) and some form
of physical exercise-my personal recommendation being Yoga-you can tackle the symptoms of depression at any stage
and empower yourself to lead a healthier and happier life.
Other things you can add to these three limbs are to take time to relax more, enjoy your favorite music
(remember David playing for Saul in the Bible, yes music is soothing for depression friend), seek uplifting
entertainment, read more self-help books, Heck, if you're of a Christian background go to Psalms 23 or 91...they
help. Seek out the company of those you know make you laugh. Or if need be, let out a good cry (don't abuse it and
you are not weak if you do, it's part of being human.), clear the mind and empower yourself (if need be with
positive affirmations repeated mentally or aloud) and tackle your problems because YOU CAN DO IT!
May Happiness be yours.
Beat the Symptoms of Your depression starting today.
About the author:
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and author of Fitness:
Inside and out, a book on improving physical and mental health naturally. For additional information on
depression treatment go
to: http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com/depression.htm
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