Every one of us gets sad sometimes, a brief blue mood, disappointments, grief after losing a loved one. Depression is different. It is not just a case of the blues nor it is not a weakness or a personality flaw. Depression is a very real and serious medical illness. It influences your attitudes toward yourselves, others, and life in general. It takes away your feelings of well being.

Depression changes the way a person thinks and behaves. There are many reasons why a person might become depressed, however, sometimes the cause of depression is unknown.

• Family history. Genetics play an important part in depression. It can run in families for generations.
• Trauma and stress. Things like financial problems, the break-up of a relationship, or the death of a loved one can bring on depression..
• Pessimistic personality. People who have low self-esteem and a negative outlook are at higher risk of becoming depressed.
• Physical conditions. Serious medical conditions can contribute to depression, partly because of the physical weakness and stress they bring on. Depression can make medical conditions worse, since it weakens the immune system and can make pain harder to bear. In some cases, depression can be caused by medications used to treat medical conditions.
• Other psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and (especially) substance abuse often appear along with depression.

Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day

Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness

Feeling stressed, nervous, or overwhelmed

Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favourite activities

Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Feelings of worthlessness or self-hatred

Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt

Irritability or restlessness

Thoughts of death or suicide

Fatigue or lack of energy

Sleeping too much or too little

Change in appetite or weight

Vague aches and pains

Headache

Back pain

Digestive problems �?stomach upsets

Dizziness

You don't need to have all these signs and symptoms to have depression. Symptoms will also vary from person to person. For instance, compared with depressed men, depressed women are more likely to experience guilt, weight gain, anxiety, eating disorders, or increased sleep.

Start with how you're feeling
Be honest and straightforward about what you've been experiencing; it might be useful to describe your symptoms. Just talking about being depressed may be a relief.

Explain depression
Share what you know about depression—that it is a real disease, that there are many causes, and that treatment can work. When friends and family understand your illness better, they'll be able to support you better.
Think of a few activities, that you usually enjoy and can share with a friend or family member. Let your loved ones know that good times and even just their being there can help you feel lots better. You may just want to know those friends and family members are there for you. Or you might need help with practical things like driving you to the doctor or to a therapy appointment. Don't be afraid to ask.

Your loved ones have their fair share of challenges, too. Sometimes depression can make it hard for you to be there for other people. Just letting them know that you're trying, and that you care, can go a long way in keeping your relationships strong and healthy.

It's easy to forget that depression affects friends and family as well. It can put stress on relationships, disrupt life at home, and affect performance at work. Unfortunately, many people with depression avoid seeking treatment because they worry what others will think of them. They don't realise how widespread this medical condition is:

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. People with a family history of depression may also be prone to the disease, as well as those with chronic or debilitating medical conditions. Whenever you go through a major life change, even a joyous one like becoming a new parent, your risk of developing depression increases. And the fact is, depression affects plenty of people who don't have any risk factors at all.

How to treat Depression:

Depression is a treatable and manageable condition. If you are suffering from depression you should

• Become educated about depression
• Get enough rest, sun, exercise, and healthy food
• Share feelings
• Get involved
• Make important decisions only when feeling well
• Encouragement: Friends and family help you do things that are healthy, like visiting your doctor when you're not well. Continue taking medication until recommended to stop by your doctor.
• A calming effect: Just knowing that someone is there for support can help.
• Good times: Enjoying simple pleasures with friends is good for your overall health.

Even after you've learned that you have depression and sought treatment for it, you won't feel better right away. Depression can be frustrating, because recovering from it takes time.