Many people with addictions and eating disorders also suffer from depression
Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behaviour and sense of physical well-being. Depression can affect anyone. Once identified, most people diagnosed with depression are successfully treated. Unfortunately, depression is not always diagnosed, because many of the symptoms mimic physical illness, such as sleep and appetite disturbances.Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity of the depression. Depression causes changes in thinking, feeling, behaviour, and physical well being.
- Changes in Thinking - Sufferers may experience problems with concentration and decision-making. Some people report difficulty with short-term memory, forgetting things all the time. Negative thoughts and thinking are characteristic of depression. Pessimism, poor self-esteem, excessive guilt, and self-criticism are all common. Some people have self-destructive thoughts during a more serious depression.
- Changes in Feelings - Sufferers may feel sad for no reason at all. Some people report that they no longer enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. They might lack motivation, and become more apathetic. They might feel "slowed down" and tired all the time. Sometimes irritability is a problem, and it may be more difficulty controlling temper. In the extreme, depression is characterised by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
- Changes in Behaviour - Changes in behaviour during depression are reflective of the negative emotions being experienced. Sufferers might act more apathetic. Some people do not feel comfortable with other people, so social withdrawal is common. They may experience a dramatic change in appetite, either eating more or less. Because of the chronic sadness, excessive crying is common. Some people complain about everything, and act out their anger with temper outbursts.
- Changes in Physical Well-being - Chronic fatigue, despite spending more time sleeping, is common. Some people can't sleep, or don't sleep soundly. These individuals lay awake for hours, or awaken many times during the night. Others sleep many hours, even most of the day, although they still feel tired. Many people lose their appetite, feel slowed down by depression, and complain of many aches and pains. Others are restless, and can't sit still.
