Although depression may not have a single cause, and it's not exactly known what causes it, it is a real chemical change in the body and is a true mental illness. There are some factors that are predictive of an individual coming down with depression, including:  The death of a loved one. Separation from a loved one. Financial loss. Dramatic life changes such as relocating to a different city, retirement, or changing jobs. Conflicts in personal life such as divorce, disputes. Burnout or too much work. Additional responsibilities such as the birth of a baby or having to take care of sick parents or relatives. Conflicts in professional life such as changing roles and responsibilities that are not in sync with the person’s interests and skills. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Debilitating diseases and illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, heart diseases, or cancer. Changes in the brain. Sometimes depression happens for "no good reason." However, a certain amount of sadness or difficult feelings are normal when bad things happen. If things don't improve after around 6 months, that's when a bigger problem is assumed to be at hand. Depression affects 6–7% of the total adult population in the US alone. The majority (70%) of diagnosed cases are seen in women — however this may be in part because women may be more comfortable than men in seeking treatment for depression and/or because of the higher risk of suicide in men. Suicide (a behavior associated with depression) is relatively common, too, being a leading cause of death nearly as common as influenza and pneumonia. The person's feelings of self-worth and self-confidence take a beating day in and day out thanks to their negative thought patterns. They are constantly pursued by thoughts which tell them they are not good enough, not lovable, wanted, or competent enough to be liked by others. They have persistent feelings that their company is not something people long for. So, in their mind, it's better to avoid interacting or mingling with people no matter how close they have been to those people in the past.  Depression affects the thought process and information processing facilities of the person which in turn slows down their thinking, response, and decision-making capacities. This inability negatively impacts their self-confidence which compel them to keep away from family and friends. This includes deliberately staying away from activities which the person once enjoyed as well. Lethargy can also impact the person's ability to spend time with others. With a view to overcome this self-imposed isolation, anxiety and loneliness, some people try to seek refuge in alcohol, drugs, and junk food high in sugars and carbohydrates. Alcohol, sugars and carbohydrates do the job of making them feel good and elevating their mood, but only for a brief period. However, it’s the same disastrous feelings once the good feelings wear off. Unfortunately, eating disorders and anxiety go hand in hand with depression. Some people go off the other end and don't eat. The person just doesn't have a desire anymore. Try to notice any weight changes and if the person eats around you. It's not their diet, it's just their mind thinking, "Why bother?" A depressed person's information processing facilities, together with their feelings of inadequacy and low self-concept, can result in faltering concentration, productivity, performance and competence. Often, depressed people suffer at work or while attempting any activity that requires a keen mental edge. People with depression also have sleep problems such as insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much). Some health problems such as headaches, stomachaches, back pain, constipation, diarrhea are some symptoms which are common in people with depression, too. All of these can affect job performance, in turn. Depression is associated with weight gain or in some cases severe weight loss, which can be one of the consequences of depression. It is not clear, however, whether depression always follows from or causes weight changes. For example, someone may become obese and then become depressed at their new self-image and perceived lack of self-control.
اعرف أسباب الاكتئاب. تعرّف على طبيعة الاكتئاب الشائع. ابحث عن دلالات عدم الأمان التي تدفع الشخص بعيدًا عن الآخرين. لاحظ ما إن كان الشخص يكتسب عادات سيئة. توقّع تغيّرات في الأداء الوظيفي. راقب التغيرات في الوزن.