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Overview for Dietary and Lifestyle or Treatment info
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Depression is a mental state characterised by feelings of sadness,
despair and discouragement. It ranges from normal and temporary periods
of unhappiness to severe disorders. Depression can manifest itself
in many different ways, including low self-esteem, guilt, insecurity,
loneliness and can cause disturbances to sleeping and eating patterns.
It is quite normal for anyone to suffer from temporary periods of
unhappiness. This may follow the death of someone close to you, splitting
up with your girlfriend or boyfriend, or may occur for no reason at
all. But identifying when it is becoming more serious and prolonged
is important.
A chemical in the brain called serotonin effects depression. This
is because it controls the neurotransmitters in our brain, known as
endorphins, that control our moods.
Some of the main symptoms of depression may include:
- feeling unhappy or experiencing low self-esteem most of the day,
most days
- a lack of enthusiasm for activities that used to interest you
- a big change in your weight or appetite
- problems sleeping, or alternatively, feeling the need to sleep
all the time during the day
- feeling listless and tired all the time
- feeling that you have no energy
- feeling guilty for no specific reason
- feeling intensely self-critical
- not being able to concentrate or think clearly
- thinking frequently often about suicide or death
What causes depression?
There are many possible causes of depression. Some of the most common
are thought to be:
- hereditary factors: depression sufferers may be genetically predisposed
to the condition
- impaired neurotransmitter function caused by weakened brain cell
membranes
- low levels of tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin
- overproduction of corticotrophin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus
- deficiencies in vitamin intake
Source: The Brain Wellness Plan, Dr Jay Lombard and Carl Germano,
Kensington Health, 1997
Overview | Orthodox
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