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Depression

Depression is often oversimplified as "being sad a lot"... however it is much more complicated than this. It is a frustrating condition which involves not only your mood, but your thoughts, actions, body, and ability to function. Symptoms can include perpetual sad/lethargic mood, feeling worthless or hopeless, trouble sleeping, etc. There are many more, but these are just a few of the main ones. Many think that part of being depressed is always FEELING sad, or "down"... however it is not necessarily based on feelings. While it does at times feel horrible or unbearable (lonely, sad, etc.), it may not be a feeling that is constant. I personally had a hard time admitting that I suffered from depression at first because "I didn't always feel depressed," but it did effect my mood and thoughts regardless of my surface feelings. Depression, if gone untreated, can bring about suicidal thoughts and also play a part in many other illnesses, including eating disorders. It's been pretty well-established that a family history of depression (or addiction, etc.) does influence one's predisposition to it, however family history is not the only factor behind it. There have been numerous medical advances in the treatment of depression and there are now many medications which can improve depression and it's side-effects. There are also other ways many use to counteract depression and it's effects. Many find journaling helpful, and many also find exercise (a moderate amount!) beneficial. Depression often causes loss of interest in going out with people and can lead to isolation. Because of this, anything involving "getting out of the house" is important, even if it's a simple as going to the park (at least I find it's important for me to do). For more information on depression, visit the links section please. Take care~

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