Depression is a debilitating mental disorder that could be a result of physical health problems, chemical imbalances, stressful or traumatic events, and possibly heredity. It affects your behavior towards yourself, the people around you, your work, your hobbies - in short - your life. How do you know if you are depressed? Here are a few signals that you should look out for:

Lack of interest in activities that you formerly enjoyed

Feeling sad, worthless, helpless, or empty; crying spells

Pessimistic approach to life; feelings of hopelessness or futility

Change in sleeping pattern, sleeping too much or too little, trouble falling asleep, waking up several times during the night

Unexplained changes in weight or appetite

Constant restlessness and anxiety

Easily annoyed or irritable without reason

Lower concentration levels, indecisiveness, impractical thought process

Feeling dull or tired all the time, very low levels of energy

Persistent thoughts of death or suicide

Feelings of excessive guilt

If you experience the above for more than two weeks, you may be depressed. That is, however, not necessarily true. Don’t diagnose yourself. The best course of action is to consult a psychologist.

If you are diagnosed with depression, then there are two main steps towards treating depression - medication and counseling.

Depending on the severity of your depression, your psychologist may prescribe antidepressants or mood-stabilizing drugs. Along with medication, it is advisable to see a psychotherapist or a counselor to address the non-physiological issues that contribute to depression. If you are severely depressed, your doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (passing electrical currents through the electrodes to your brain). Your body and mind need time to adapt to the treatment, so do not be discouraged and give up if you do not see immediate results. However, if you find little or no change after a prolonged period, talk to your doctor.

A good doctor and the correct medication will erase the effects of depression in time. Meanwhile, eat healthy, avoid alcohol, exercise, and take your medication regularly. Make a conscious effort to resume normal activities. Interact with your friends and family; allow them to help you through the tougher days.

With all-round treatment, the effects of depression will soon wear off, and you will be a happier, healthier individual enjoying every bit of your life.