We all suffer from sad times in our lives. Whether it is just a small case of the blues or the sadness from grief, this is considered normal and healthy sadness. Depression occurs when this type of sadness becomes overwhelming in your life and last for several weeks without getting better. Clinical depression is more than just sadness or grief, it is an illness that can cause you to be unable to function in everyday activities. There are many types of depression and many different ways to treat depression.

Who Suffers From Depression?

Anyone can suffer from depression. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor depression can affect anyone at anytime. Some people are at a higher risk of suffering from depression because of genetic factors. Here is a list of factors which can cause one to have a higher risk of suffering from depression.

• The Female Gender
• Advanced Age
• Recent or Current Stressful Life experiences
• Underlying emotional or personality disorders
• Substance abuse
• Lack of support system
• Lower Socioeconomic Status
• Long term medical conditions
• Family History of depression in immediate family

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms for depression are different for different age groups.

Adults are consider to be suffering from a major depression episode if they have at least five symptoms listed below for at least two weeks.

• Feeling sad or blue
• Crying spells
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Significant weight gain or weight loss
• Lost of interest or pleasure in daily activities
• Inability to sleep or sleeping excessively
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feeling worthless or excessive guilt
• Irritability or agitation
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Children can also suffer from depression. While they are still likely to have the same symptoms as adults there are additional signs and symptoms associated with depression in children.

• Persistently bored
• Frequent complaints of physical problems ( headaches and stomaches are an example)
• Teenager in particular may show signs of risk taking or lack of concern for personal safety
• Lack of interest in school and other activities
• Poor performance in school and other activities
• Children will have a more obvious signs of weight gain or weight loss and fatigue

The elderly will also suffer from the classic symptoms and signs of depression in addition to symptoms that usually only seen in these older patients.

• Diminished memory
• Inability to think or concentrate
• Unexplained pains particularly in the abdomen, muscle aches or changes in bowel movements

Causes of Depression

The cause of depression for many people is never known. It can stem from one single moment or cause or can be stemmed from multiple causes. Depression can be caused by genetic, biological, and even environment factors. Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is known that the chemical levels of neurotransmitters affects ones mood.

Life events, diet and lack of exercise, medical conditions, medications and even the use of self medication of alcohol, sleeping pills and other street and over the counter drugs can also cause depression.

Over the Counter Treatments for Depression

There is no fix quick for depression. There are also no over the counter medications that can treat depression or the symptoms of depression effectively.

Alternative Treatments for Depression

There are many possible treatments that you can try at home without using medications. Here are a few tips to try to reverse the effects of depression. These steps can ab\also be used in combination with medications to help reverse a depression episode.

Regular exercise and improved diet: Eating healthier and exercising more can help reduce the feeling of depression and improve your over all health.

Social Activities: Including yourself in social activities and activities that make you feel good even when you do not feel like it can help move you out of depressive behaviors which only increase the feelings of depression.

Talk: It is important to talk to friends and family about how you are feeling. It can also be helpful to join a support group if your do not have a strong support system.

Sleep: Create a regular sleep pattern. Get plenty of sleep but you also need to make yourself get out of bed and dress in the morning.

Positivity: Keep a positive outlook. You can use tools such as meditation and other stress relievers to help maintain a positive outlook on life.

Avoid Depressants: Avoid the use of alcohol and other depressants.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention For Depression

Depression is a serious illness that can generate feelings to cause personal harm to yourself. It is important that you discuss these feeling with a doctor to help in the healing process and discover the root cause of the depression if possible.

Medical Treatments for Depression

There are many medications prescribed for depression. Anti-depressants are commonly used for those suffering from feelings of depression. These options should be discussed with a medical professional. You should also consider counseling to help recover from depression. Depression if properly treated can be resolved or at least improved.