Combating depression: Feeling the blues?

Are you sleeping too much? Or feeling lazy all the time? Then, it may be the symptoms of depression. “Lack of sleep could also be a sign of depression,” says Dr V Chalam Das, MD Psychiatry, Consultant Psychiatrist, Sunrise Hospital. “Feeling down from time to time is normal. But when it takes hold for some time, it may be depression. Identifying it is the first step to overcoming the problem.”Studies show that about 2 to 16 out of every 100 people are prone to depression. Those blues make it tough to function properly and enjoy life. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you any more. You feel exhausted all the time and finally everything seems hopeless.“The depressed person lies down most of the time, citing a lack of energy and interest, and it affects your consumption of food, too,” says Chalam. “Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It can occur at any age.”Youngsters tend to suffer from bipolar depression, which is more dangerous than other types of depression. They will move from one extreme mood to the other. “If we do not treat it, it will enter the manic stage. It is very important to identify bipolar depression,” says Chalam. “However, the treatment has to be done carefully. In fact, anti-depressants can make bipolar depression worse, so it should be treated with mood stabilisers.” Victims suffering from bipolar depression are more likely to commit suicide.Here are some of the symptoms of depression.* You can’t sleep or you sleep too much* You can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult* You feel hopeless and helpless* You feel fatigued and physically drained. Your body may feel heavy and even small tasks take longer to complete* You feel worthlessness or guilt and start criticising yourself for perceived faults.* You always complain about unexplained aches and pains* You can’t control negative thoughts, no matter how much you try* You lose your appetite or can’t stop eating* You are irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive* You are consuming more alcohol than normal* You have thoughts that life is not worth livingIf your case is the last one specified, seek immediate help. Environmental influences, hereditary traits, and a lack of good atmosphere are the major causes for the depression.“It is important to take medicines, otherwise the brain cells will gradually get damaged, and the disease will become incurable,” said Chalam.