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Some people who have gone through an episode of depression say that it feels like a black cloud of despair following them throughout their daily life. Also that they have no energy and cannot concentrate, feel irritable and find activities they once enjoyed have no interest for them. Symptoms vary from person to person but basically can be defined as an overall feeling of being “low” or “down” for more than two weeks or the symptoms begin interfering with daily functioning. If these symptoms illustrate your condition, you may be clinically depressed.
Most people who have experienced one episode of depression may, sooner or later, go through another one. If symptoms of depression continue, even mild symptoms for several weeks you may develop a full episode of depression. Statically speaking, most people with depression never seek help. Maybe it’s the social stigma associated with depression, however, depression begins to affect your feeling of wellbeing, left untreated it can begin to affect you, your family, work and other enjoyable activities.
Dr. Sarma will work with you to help you recognize triggers, symptoms and can assist in medical treatments. There are many medications that treat depression and you may need to try a few different medications to find the one that works best for you. In addition to medication, Dr. Sarma may suggest you see a therapist who can assist in understanding the many issues to help you make certain lifestyle changes to help you overcome or cope with the triggers of depression.
Change doesn’t come quickly or overnight – but with the right treatment(s) depression can be kept from ruling your life.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of Depressive Illness are highly recognizable, both to those affected and to those closest to them, once they are told what to look for.
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Here is a checklist of symptoms of Depressive illness: |
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| Loss of energy and interest |
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| Diminished ability to enjoy oneself |
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| Decreased or increased sleep |
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| Decreased or increased appetite |
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| Difficulty in concentrating; indecisiveness; slowed or fuzzy thinking |
| Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety |
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| Feelings of worthlessness |
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| Recurring thoughts about death and suicide |
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| If most of these symptoms last for two weeks or more, you may have depressive illness |
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