What is Depression?

Depression is a medical illness which affects one’s mood, body, thoughts and feelings. 
there are several types and sub-types of depression. Although the exact cause is unknown, several biological, 
genetic and psychosocial factors have been identified as playing a role. With proper treatment 80 percent of sufferers will
improve and 60% will recover fully. Depression in childhood Reluctance to attend school and excessive clinging to parents may be symptoms of depression.
Poor academic performance or a change in scholastic achievement as well as behavioural problems such as substance abuse, sexual promiscuity and running away from home 
may be depressive symptoms in adolescence. 

I know this topic is not so popular but i just wanted to highlight some few facts and resources we can all use in our lives . We are all in the same boat and as you read 
further you may identify with some of the symptoms and isn't it good to know i got your back, life is for living not just surviving day-to-day 
You have to find pleasure in the daily tasks that you do , most of us a waiting for something to happen in our lives, a moment where we will start being serious or quit
this or that ,i got news for you today is a gift it's here for you to live 
so lets get our feet wet and maybe this information will help us understand each other a bit better and show more compassion towards one another. just to simplify 
depression is a medical illness which negatively affects one’s mood, body, thoughts and feelings basically that's what depression is, now that we have some ground to 
stand on lets dig in.

Who is affected ? 

It is estimated 6-10 people will experience an episode in any given year, with more woman than men being affected so that's (2:1) with others giving figures of 1 in 5 woman
will experience depression in any given year. Average age of a major depression is 40 . It may start in childhood or in later life, but this is less common and 
tends to present differently in different age groups [e.g. childhood (2%) – apathy; adolescence (5%) – behavioural problems; elderly (25 to 50%) – physical complaints]

Types 

There types and sub-types of depression , lets look the most common 3

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – When you have lost of interest and activities for at lest about 2 weeks
Bipolar Disorder – This one is less common and affects only 2% of the population . Males and females are affected equally
Dysthymia – This is a chronic type which may last for several years 

Other types of depressive illness
Minor Depressive Disorder ,Recurrent Brief Depressive Disorder , Post-partum Depression , Post-partum Depression .
Depressive illnesses may also be related to drug and alcohol abuse as well as dependence on prescription medication.

Causes 
Lets look at the Biological factors and Psychosocial factors

Hormonal factors: Increased secretion of cortisol from the adrenal gland during stress is associated with depression
Neurotransmitters: Studies have shown that brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) play a mediating role in the development of depression
Neuroanatomical/Neurophysiological considerations: CT Scans and MRI studies, although inconsistent, have shown differences in the size of some of the brain structures 
(e.g. caudate nucleus) in depressed patients as well as alterations in blood flow to certain areas.
Genetic factors: Inherited factors are an important component in the development of mood disorders.
Recreational drugs/medication: Some drugs (recreational and prescription) and alcohol can cause or exacerbate depression.
Medical illness: Illness including strokes, Parkinson’s disease, Cushing's disease and thyroid disease, among others, maybe a contributory physiological factor.

Psychosocial factors : difficult events in your lifer such as the loss of a loved one , financial insecurity etc . more often precede the first episode of mood 
disorders than subsequent episodes. Family relations (eg a broken home), the family environment as well as its coping patterns may increase a vulnerability to 
a depressive disorder

Symptoms

The most commonly reported symptoms are as follows:

A depressed or low mood or feeling of sadness
Increased irritability 
Increased anxiety or a feeling of nervousness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed
Tearfulness or a feeling of wanting to cry, but a possible inability to do so
Decreased sexual interest or other sexual problems
Changes in appetite resulting in either weight gain or weight loss when not dieting
Changes in sleep pattern
Changes entailing either difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night or waking up unusually early in the morning and not being able to return to sleep. Sleep may also be increased with a desire to be asleep most of the time.
A feeling of being chronically tired and energy-less or demotivated
A slowing down or speeding up of physical activity (including speaking very softly or slowly)
Feeling worthless, useless and helpless
Feeling inappropriately excessively guilty (and possibly blaming oneself for being depressed or unable to “snap out of it”)
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or remembering
Difficulty making decisions, even over simple matters
A feeling that life is not worth living and frequently thinking about death and/or suicide
Becoming increasingly socially withdrawn and feeling reluctant to entertain or go out visiting
Not bothering to dress properly/self-neglect
Multiple physical complaints, e.g. frequent headaches, back aches/stomach aches or constipation
Alteration in menstrual cycle

Treatment

The first aim of treatment is to make sure the safety of the patient for whom hospitalization maybe required (i.e. suicidal/unable to care for self). Secondly, a complete diagnostic evaluation must be carried out.
Secondly, a complete diagnostic evaluation must be carried out. 
Thirdly, a treatment plan has to be formulated which takes into account both immediate symptoms and the patient’s future well-being.

Lets look at other methods that can be used : Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal psychotherapy, Family therapy, Antidepressants,
Electroconvulsive therapy, Self-help .

Prevention

One cannot alter a genetic vulnerability or a history of loss, but much can be done to decrease stressors . A balanced life-style with adequate social interaction and support, and knowledge of what comprises depression, so that help can be sought at the right time, can all help to prevent depressive episodes.