Common Symptoms

For people suffering from depression, it is often difficult to put into words the devastation that it causes. For those who do not suffer from depression, it is difficult to understand what it can do to a person. The loved ones and friends of someone suffering from depression often wonder why he/she can't just "shake it off" and get on with life, and the guilt of being unable to overcome the depression often feeds it more.

Because feeling sad or down is a normal part of life, depression can be hard to detect. Generally, the number of symptoms involved, the intensity of the symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms are indicators of clinical depression. Some common symptoms of depression are:

• Feelings of emptiness
• Lack of interest in daily activities and events
• Sleeping too much
• Inability to sleep
• Lack of energy
• Inability to focus
• Irritability
• Guilt
• Negative self-image
• Lack of appetite
• Thoughts of suicide

Depression often coexists with other problems, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, physical trauma, or long-term illness. Treatment of compounded problems must take into account all issues at hand.

Treatment Strategies

Nearly 15 million Americans deal with depression, and much is being learned about effective treatment. Unfortunately, many people ignore the symptoms of depression and never seek treatment. However, treatment for depression has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms and helping individuals live more fulfilling, complete lives.

The best treatment strategies for clinical depression address both the roots of the depression and the symptoms. Counseling and therapy work to achieve an understanding of the emotions and thought processes that have cultivated the depression in the first place. This understanding allows the sufferer to identify the emotions and thoughts when they begin and channel them in more positive and productive ways. Therapy also helps address the stress, events, and situations (both past and present) that contribute to depression. If these factors can be minimized, the depression can be relieved as well.

A strong support network, both professional and personal, makes a tremendous difference in the recovery of someone suffering from depression. Often, friends and family need to be educated on depression so they can realize how real and how powerful it is. This knowledge allows them to be empathetic, supportive, and helpful in recovery.

Medications for depression have been around for decades, but recent advances made a variety of medications available, each with its own targeted purpose. Antidepressants generally work to affect the chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and monoamine. Medication choice and dosage can be tailored to an individual to help relieve the most troublesome symptoms. All medications have their strengths and weaknesses. Some have more side effects than others, and these often vary from one individual to the next. Whenever someone takes an antidepressant he/she should be aware of the potential benefits as well as the side effects.

Researchers have found that the most effective treatment for chronic depression is a combination of individual therapy and medication. Depression can manifest itself in many ways, but with knowledge, a professional advocate, and a plan, you can regain the life you want.

Reclaim the Joy in Your Life

By being here, you have taken the first step in overcoming depression. Take this journey with people who know your circumstances and can help you find a way out.

Depression can leave you with many questions about your life and your future, and we can help you answer those questions and find the happiness and wonder in life once again. With MyExpertSolution, you have access to experts who treat depression and they can customize a solution to meet your needs. Feel the freedom and confidence that comes with knowing you have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and success guiding you to recovery. Find the hope you desire and reclaim the joy in your life.

MyExpertSolution and You

Start your journey today. Join MyExpertSolution, where an Expert on depression is waiting to understand your situation, provide personalized answers to your questions, recommend audio resources, articles, products, and individualized solutions to educate and empower you to make positive changes in your life.

With MyExpertSolution, you are not alone! Your membership makes you part of the extensive MyExpertSolution community. You can browse the questions asked by other members about depression and read the Expert responses. (Of course everyone's identity always remains protected.) Enjoy access to the complete audio library and library of Expert articles, and get up to a 25% member discount on MES products.

Feel the difference with a personal, tailored experience with MyExpertSolution. The information on MyExpertSolution is the result of Experts responding to real people, like you, asking real questions and seeking real solutions. Every day there are new answers, new articles, new products, and new audio resources because our Members are asking new questions and our Experts are responding!

Learn more about membership and, for a limited time, receive a bonus question when you join the MES community. May you find the joy and fulfillment you deserve. Join Now!