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1 out of 8 people are affected by depression, some people aren't aware of it because they don't recognize the symptoms. Here's an interesting read on the symptoms:


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How does depression affect your daily life?

Depression is a disorder that can ruin your life. For many people depression sneaks up on us gradually. We are going about our daily lives and it is only in looking back that we start to realise that our attitude to life has changed. Often it is our family, friends or work colleagues that notice these changes before us.

* It affects your physical well-being, resulting in chronic fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in appetite.
* It prevents you from enjoying and living your life to the fullest
* You've lost interest in sex or even physical affection
* It affects your mood, with feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness and dysphoria.
* Your place is a mess; laundry and dishes are piled up, mail is unopened, etc.
* We no longer have the same energy and enthusiasm in our relationships.
* You've been making excuses to friends why you can't get together with them, or you're telling them you're "just too tired."
* We often prefer to stay home rather than go out, be alone rather than share and talk. We push others away.
* We become very self focussed and sensitive, easily offended, and quick to snap.
* As our relationships start to break down, we blame ourselves. We feel worthless, believing that no-one would want to be with us because we don't want to be with ourselves. We push people away and then feel worse because we are alone.
* It takes you a whole weekend to do chores that used to only occupy a morning.
* You've really let yourself go - you're wearing clothes that make you look dumpy, you've stopped exercising, you're not shaving unless it's absolutely necessary.
* It affects the way you think, interfering with concentration and decision making.
* You miss out on the sun, the moon, the stars, the sky, the universe, and cats & dogs.
* You're drinking or using drugs to escape the pain.
* it affects your behavior, with increased irritability and loss of temper, social withdrawal, and a reduction in your desire to engage in pleasurable activities.
* You lose things, you lose track of things and can't always remember what day it is.
* You've pretty much stopped eating, or caring what you eat and whether it tastes good.
* On the flip side, you may be eating all the time because you're bored and hope that food will somehow satisfy the vacant feeling you have.
* Sleeping difficulties have started creeping in - either difficulty sleeping, erratic sleeping patterns or difficulty staying awake.

12 years ago. Rating: 4
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Ask you doctor to prescribe Seroxat (paroxetine) After 2 weeks your depression will lift I promise you. That is short term. You need to find out what is causing the depresssion. If it is due to something obvious like a death or divorce then it will regulate itself in time. If that is not the case then you need counselling to discover the underlying cause and deal with it
Remember depression is as a result of am medical inbalance in the brain and in the short term you need the drug to balance it out

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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I mental health professional can help a lot. There are tests that help find what you need and meds that work great. I have years in the system and am very happy with the result.

12 years ago. Rating: 1
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I know this might sound dumb to some of you but if you can find a church that is friendly it will help. We had some people that was suicidal come to our church couldn't look you in the eye and with in a few months was a completely different person.

Try it.

12 years ago. Rating: 1
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My father had the same problem. Now this is what i had him do. His friends were the problem. Introduced him to a different group of people . People who had a positive outlook in life. This next statement you may not like. All these people were conservatives. He was part of this group for six weeks and his depression was all but vanished. He is sooo at peace with himself and grateful for his new friends. He doesnt complain , has a part time job which he loves. He is self sufficient. He overcame his problem without drugs. It was a learned pattern of behavior to improve his life.

13 years ago. Rating: 1
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there's a few things.. make sure you aren't iron deficient because i had the same problem, and i started getting iron in my diet, and I felt much better!
if it's life style change you want, that's easy.. open that third eye, raise your spiritual vibrations, and find a plain of higher awareness.. if you are interested just message me I can help further..

self realization is the key. You will understand why you are depressed by looking inward, and becoming aware of your emotions.. this is what meditation is about. Heal yourself! no need for drugs. they only cost more in the end.

Much love
~

13 years ago. Rating: 1
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Also remember that lackof sleep never killed anyone. Force yourself to go out. I know it's like climbing a mountain but force yourself. Also TALK it out woth someone. If you don't have a real friend then a counsellor

13 years ago. Rating: 1
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I dont know how useful it will be as you say your tired, but i heard somewhere that excerising helps fight depression, something to do with (excuse my spelling) endolfins? they make you feel proud of yourself and happy? Plus it might tire you out that you sleep at night.

13 years ago. Rating: 1
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Since none in here are qualified physicians to answer your question. My first thought it to have a complete blood profile done and also have your thryoid checked thoroughly as that can make you so very very tired all the time. Only a certified qualified doctor can answer your questions.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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Hi Jenn...hope things are going better for you as of late. Yes, hormones can definitely cause depression expecially of course in women. So can perimenopause and menopause. I don't know if you're even any where near the two in respect to your age. Perhaps you should see a physician to check your hormone imbalance...for instance, if you're low on estrogen...an estrogen patch will boost your serotonin level and make you feel better. Also cortisol, the stress hormone will be excreted during times of obviously stressful situations and life changes. COnsider what you have been going through with your Dad and all I can understand why you are depressed in the first place...we all get that way. I have been depressed for years for similar reasons and life circumstance plus poor health and futrure surgeries, etc. etc. I have taken so many different types of anti-depressant meds that I have lost count. None of which work. Seems there are people who do not respond well to this type of drug..my brother is also one so that must be in the genes somewhere I imagine. I have always had to basically pick myself up by the bootstraps and keep on keeping on...(easier said that done, I know) It probably helps me that I am half German and a very stoic individual. Don't know if this helps but we care Jenn, so don't forget that...(:

12 years ago. Rating: 0
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The elites want you depressed and lethargic. There is poison in your food, water and air. Don't you love them?

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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If you're depressed its either situational or intrinsic. If its from being bored (in a rut), something which happened to you like a loss of a job, loved one, or bad circumstance, then its situational. If you always have been "drpressed", have been unhappy and have not had the ability to enjoy your life regardless of pretty normal circumstances , then its intrinsic. Either way you will need medication AND counseling. NOt one or the other. Go see your doctor and see if he agrees that you are depressed. Then see a pshchiatrist. There are many effective medications which can bring you out of depression , even in a few weeks. If you are chronically depressed medication can help but it may take longer. Don't substitute counseling for medication. It never works. Don't go to your doctor and get a prescription for the andidepressant of the week and skip the counseling. The medication will work temporarily, but most people who are depressed have an underlying emotional cause, which needs to come to the surface. Its like an emotional pus wound. Until you identify the source it just keeps festering. The medication will help offset it ,but until it comes to the surface it can not heal. Hope that helps.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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sometimes when u r having hormone prob. can cause this... so go to doc. for eval... also keep urself busy...sittin home idle doin nothin will automatically make u sick n depressed... ya find something which u wud luv 2 do on daily basis... eg. music, online blogs, forums, chats, join online community , also u may join ur local gym n start 2 workout to feel better... i luv fish so i had pet them 4 yrs... until they all died naturally LOL... gardening is another activity u cud enjoy... join a class where u cud learn new skills... eg. sewing, cooking,etc...

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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Im am so sorry to hear you are feeling so down. Sometimes when I feel that way talking to a good friend or family member can always help. Also, try to think of things you can do for others. Sometimes getting your mind off of yourself is one of the best things you can do.

Maybe volunteering somewhere or just taking time to listen to someone who also might need a listening ear or a compassionate heart. I am sure you have so many gifts to give to the world!! It feels good when you start sharing them with others. Cheer up :) There is always hope!

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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try takig a dose of iodized salt every day. it will regulate the tyrode.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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depression is different for everyone. 1st is there a reason for your depression... ie ill, family problems, etc. The need to rule out clinical depression is important and only a doctor can do it. I think many people want an easy fix so they turn to meds before they try other things first. 2nd if not I have found keeping in contact with others helps alot.. I am house bound because I have MCS. multiple chemical sensitivities. and vocal cord dysfunction. Someone mentioned starting a hobby but I have to be careful of that smells really get to me. 3rd for sleep I use relaxation cd's at night, take melatonin or st john's wort. (use with care even though they are herbs they are drugs) Keeping my room cooler than the rest of the house helps too. 4th exercise is good too. but becareful not to do it right before you try to go to sleep. 5th nutrition is crucial. besure you are eating properly.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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TRY COUNSELLING FOR YOUR UNDERLYING PROBLEMS MAYBE SOMETHING IN YOUR SUBCONSCIENCE IS TRYING TO GET OUT. HENCE CAUSING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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Well the first thing is to find yourself a hobby. Like paying a musical instrument or doing some sport. you know depression comes from different reasons. I myself am kind of bipolar, sometimes down sometimes up. it also can be the way you look at life. stay away from people who are negative and repressive. They are hell believe me. You need to hang out with people who cheer you up. Most depression problems go away if you change your lifestyle. Another factor is the season I live in Canada and in the winter I am very down ( I am not from Canada though). In summer I am more active and cheerful so the sunlight and the amount of the time you can spend outside play an important role. I don't know if your depression has other cause like thinking about the meaning of life or what happens after life. I think about these stuff too so it gets harder. but remember there are many people dealing with depression so you are not alone.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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Coming from someone who had depression. And works out of my home. This is how I got rid of it [everyone is different}. I told myself, I am done being depressed, I was done being heavy. And I started a new day with a new outlook. I walk everyday started out slow. Then worked my way up to 5 miles a day. I ironed, I cleaned, I did anything to stay busy. Keep busy is the answer. Read, do needlework {men are fining this helpful with depression}. It took a while, but I am 75 pounds lighter and no longer depressed. Depression is a thinking problem, you have to change the way you think. Stop your self when you are thinking in your head, change your patterns to help command a new way. I also agree with the person above me "Only a certified qualified doctor can answer your questions.

I hope all this helps.. Stay positive, every time you think something negative, Make yourself think three things positive... Good luck

13 years ago. Rating: -1
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