Self Improvement Ideas | Self Improvement Tips | Self Improvement Advice

Depression can spoil your Happiness How to overcome depression and find happines
Depression is a mental health condition which affects a person's thinking, energy, feelings and behaviour. It is one of the many moods in which a person finds himself. People with depression may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, unable to concentrate on anything, remembering details or making decisions; and some may even contemplate or attempt suicide. It can vary from mild to severe and can prove disabling in some cases, impacting on the individual's family and work life. It is possible to minimise the impact of depression by accessing information and support, and by finding ways to manage the condition.

Types of Depression
Depression is classified into three groups depending on the severeness.

Mild depression: The person typically experiences tiredness, some early morning wakening, indecision, impaired concentration and loss of confidence. It is important to note here that the person will not necessarily feel depressed.

Moderate depression: Most of the symptoms of depression as listed above are present: the person feels depressed, is extremely fatigued, has marked sleep disturbance and appears to others to be depressed.

Severe depression: In addition to the symptoms of moderate depression, the person's judgement is impaired in a severe depression - i.e. they have an extremely negative and pessimistic view of their own self-worth and future prospects. Strong suicidal thoughts (or intent) will also be present.

Symptoms
The following is a list of the major symptoms that are experienced by people who are depressed. If a person finds that he is facing these symtoms - all or any of them - for a week or more then he needs to consult a Doctor or speak to a GP or mental health professional. The major symptoms of depression:

Feeling sad, anxious or bored
Low energy, feeling tired or fatigued
Under- or over-sleeping, or waking frequently during the night
Poor concentration, thinking slowed down
Loss of interest in hobbies, family or social life
Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt
Aches and pains with no physical basis, e.g. chest/head/tummy pain associated with anxiety or stress
Loss of interest in living, thinking about death, suicidal thoughts

Causes
There are a number of causes for depression. A person may feel depressed as a result of a traumatic life event such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties or bullying. Some people have an inherent tendency in themselves towards depression and it may be due to genetic factors. Such genetic factors can be key in the case of bipolar disorder. This mood disorder involves not just periods of depression, but also periods of elation, where the person's mood is significantly higher than normal. During these periods, he/she may have excessive energy with little need for sleep, may have grandiose ideas and may engage in risk-taking behaviour.

Managing Depression
When you realise you are having the symptoms of depression, the first thing you should do is speak to a doctor or mental health professional in order to get a correct diagnosis. There are a number of treatments for depression, depending on the cause and severity of symptoms and a professional is best placed to decide which, if any, treatment is most appropriate. Accessing reliable information is also vital. Another approach to tackling depression is talking through concerns with someone who understands can also be a help. There are many voluntary organisation that help people overcome depression, like 'Aware'

You should cultivate a healthy mind and body to be happy and overcome depression. It is positive thoughts and optimism which will make you happy in the long run. The company in which you move around also plays an important factor. Keeping company of people who are optimistic, happy and look forward to leading a contented life will have a great impact on your happiness. They will boost your happiness.