The state of feeling dejected or dispirited. Depression is most likely to occur at critical or unsettled times in life: in the adolescent years, during pregnancy, shortly after giving birth to a child, at menopause, or in the later years. It may be triggered by death of a loved one or a profound disappointment.
Symptoms: A depressed person tends to have a bleak, pessimistic outlook on hes future and to be apathetic toward activities he formerly regarded as meaningful. He may complain of constant fatigue or exhibit a variety of physical complaints, usually minor in character or difficult to identify. The individual may lose all interest in sex activity. He may no longer have an appetite for food, with a resulting sharp loss in weight: or he may overeat compulsively. Sleeping difficulties and fits of weeping are common.
Help for the Depressed: Getting a depressed person to talk our his problem is often helpful. Although the listener should lend an understanding ear, it is a mistake to be over sympathetic; encouraging the individual to feel pity for himself may do more harm than good.
It might be pointed out to the depressed person that the situation is best met in a realistic, unemotional way. The individual should be assisted to recognize his own value and make the most of his resources.
A doctor can prescribe medicines to fight depression and to help the depressed person sleep if he has difficulty in doing so. When the condition is very severe, a Psychiatrist should be consulted.