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Depression is a disease that generates symptoms such as easy crying, lack of energy and changes in weight for example, and it can be difficult to be identified by the patient, because the symptoms may be present in other diseases or be just signs of sadness, without being a disease in need of specific treatment.
Depression causes symptoms that have been present for more than 2 weeks and is a disease that, in the absence of treatment, worsens and may, in severe cases, lead to suicide.
The 7 main signs that can indicate depression include:
- Excessive sadness;
- Lack of energy;
- Easy irritability or apathy;
- General malaise, mainly chest tightness;
- Increase or loss of appetite;
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or too much sleep;
- Loss of interest in activities that were interesting.
Generally, these signs of depression arise during periods of major changes in the lives of individuals, such as adolescence, pregnancy or the loss of someone close to them. If you are losing weight unintentionally, know what diseases may be at its origin.
Physical symptoms of depression
Generally, the physical symptoms of depression include constant crying, exaggerated to the cause, constant headache, which appears early in the day, pain in the whole body even after resting, constipation, chest tightness, which causes feeling of a lump in the throat and shortness of breath
In addition, weakness can occur, especially in the legs, decreased sexual appetite, increased desire to eat, which can lead to weight gain or weight loss. Changes in sleep patterns can also occur, which can lead to more drowsiness or difficulty sleeping, which increases irritability.
Psychological symptoms of depression
The main psychological symptoms of depression include low self-esteem, manifested by feelings of worthlessness, guilt and inability to perform day-to-day tasks, profound sadness, which can cause difficulties in concentrating and making decisions, which can harm the work and learning at school.
These symptoms can be difficult to identify and, therefore, the person should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess the situation and initiate appropriate treatment, who often resort to the use of antidepressants. Meet some of the most used antidepressants.
Online depression test
If you think you may have depression, take the test below and see what your risk is:
- 1. I feel like I like to do the same things as before No Yes
- 2. I laugh spontaneously and have fun with funny things No Yes
- 3. There are times during the day when I feel happy No Yes
- 4. I feel like I have a quick thought No Yes
- 5. I like to take care of my appearance No Yes
- 6. I feel excited about good things to come No Yes
- 7. I feel pleasure when I watch a program on television or read a book No Yes
Difference between normal and depressed brain
Through a computed tomography, which is an exam recommended by the psychiatrist, it is possible to observe that the brain of a person with depression has less activity.
However, brain activity can be improved with nutrition indicated by the nutritionist, psychological therapy and regular physical exercise.