by Athlyn Green

Created on: August 20, 2007

Symptoms Of Depression: Would You Recognize Them?

Have you ever found yourself wondering: Why do I feel so miserable? Why do I feel so frustrated? Why am I exhausted most of the time?

Coping with everyday challenges can be a struggle for most people; however, for someone suffering from depression, the battle can feel almost insurmountable. While external events can and do affect emotional well-being, it may be that you are suffering from more than what life throws at you.

In fact, it may be time to take stock of your emotional health because depression can shape the way you perceive life, and more importantly, how you react to it.

Surprisingly, symptoms of depression can be missed. People afflicted with depression may go for years, enduring feelings and thoughts that they believe are normal, when in fact, these may be caused by depressive illness.

Depressive symptoms are multi-faceted and wide ranging and may be experienced differently by each person.

Symptoms of Depression
Intense sadness
Anxiety
Lack of confidence
Social difficulties
Preoccupation with mistakes
Self-criticism
Exhaustion
Sleep disturbances
Loss of interest

Remember, these symptoms seriously impact on quality of life and on your relationships with others. Continuing down this rocky path is neither in your best interest nor in that of your loved ones.

Treatments
Research has shed light on brain and nervous system functioning, providing insights into imbalances that occur. Modern treatments act to correct and restore brain functioning, there-by improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms.

Treatment approaches are innovative and diverse. Conventional treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication, employing cognitive behavioral therapy and newer and more effective drugs. Alternative treatments are also popular and offer tangible benefits because these may present a potentially safer treatment scenario.

Ginkgo Biloba-beneficial for concentration and mental clarity, for treatment of cognitive decline and depressive symptoms.

Green Tea-polyphenols in green tea are thought to improve cognitive performance.

Chamomile-used for indigestion and nausea, anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian-for treatment of restlessness, anxiety-induced sleep disorders, and depression.

B6-used in the treatment of depression.

You do not have to grapple with depression. The first step is to recognize symptoms that may be affecting you; the next step is to seek out appropriate treatment. Treatment can bring relief and will reduce symptoms of depression.

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