depression is a mental disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities.

Depression is of 2 types: The sad kind, also known as major depression, or dysthymia; and manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with being wild and reckless.

It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with this illness.

Other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions. Therefore an individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating.

The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:

What are your symptoms?

How long have you had these symptoms?

How severe are your symptoms?

Have you had these symptoms before?

Have you been treated for this illness before?

If yes, what treatment was given and which worked the best?

Do any of your relatives have depression?

If so, were your relatives treated for depression and of the treatments given to them, which worked best?

Have you used drugs or consumed alcohol recently?

Have you had any thoughts of death or suicide?

Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. There is currently no laboratory test that can be used to diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on your reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the interview, your medical history and your family's medical history.

It is very important that the family be supportive through this difficult time. The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support towards the person suffering from depression.

Some Facts :

Depression is quite a common illness, affecting approximately 121 million people worldwide.

Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care.

Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.

Family plays an important role in the treatment of depression. In conclusion, depression like most illnesses can be cured, only if it is detected in time and is treated.

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Majority of the chronic conditions and symptoms does not have a single cause, and the same goes for anxiety. Various triggers can be accepted as common causes for anxiety. Achieving the best and most effective treatment against this condition needs proper diagnosis and understanding.

Several factors could be considered as common causes for anxiety. Some of them can be:

1. Scientists consider the possibility of an imbalance between neurotransmitters norepinephrine (a part of the body's natural adrenalin rush giving away the "fight or flight" response) and serotonin (the "calm-down" messenger which signals that the dilemma is over) According to theory, once the body produces too many norepinephrine and not enough serotonin, anxiety and panic attacks occur because the "off' switch stays of the "on" position.

2. Some neurological instability are common causes for anxiety. For example, inadequacy of GABA (an amino acid found in the central nervous system acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter) could be accounted to anxiety. Moreover, unnecessary secretion of the hormones from the thyroid or adrenal gland render a crucial role on anxiety disorders due to the fact that they are responsible for the anxiety feelings and symptoms.

3. Nutritional deficiencies resulting from poor diet and/or indigestion can be common causes for anxiety. Diminished levels of minerals, particularly magnesium and zinc, are inconstantly related to the existence A significant contributor to having an anxiety disorder is the lack of B vitamins, specifically vitamin B-12.

4. Common causes for anxiety also include certain medical and recreational drugs, either causing side effects or withdrawal. Among these drugs are caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cold remedies, decongestants, bronchodilators for asthma, tricyclic antidepressants, cocaine, amphetamines, diet pills, ADHD medications, and thyroid medications.

5. Going through hard times, trials and distress as part of life is one of the most common causes for anxiety. either we allow ourselves to be stressed with anxiety and worry or We have a choice; allowing ourselves to be burdened with anxiety and worry or prefer to approach the problem and search for solutions appropriate to our comfort levels. Due to some hurts from the past, a lot of people develop anxiety disorders.

One definition of anxiety is that - "anxiety is caused by trying to mentally and emotionally get into things that are not here yet or things that have already been." It is perfectly normal for people to feel anxiety and worry about things, but it is important to handle these emotions in a positive way. If you experience anxiety symptoms lasting weeks without any relief, you may already have developed an anxiety disorder. Consult your doctor regarding common causes for anxiety, about your anxiety symptoms and what treatment may be the best ones to use to help control the condition.

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