Depression
Understanding the Dangers of Depression Our lives are colored by numerous textures of feeling ranging from deep joy to being down in the dumps with many shades of grey in between. It is but natural to feel sad at the death of a loved one, or to be melancholic to be leaving a familiar place or to be upset when we have disagreements with people or get laid off from work. In fact, there are many instances in life where we feel the blues and this is but natural. However, what is not psychologically healthy is to remain in a perpetual state of dysphoria, which could be described as a “profound state of dis-ease, unhappiness and dissatisfaction,� day in and day out. According to the DSM V, the following symptoms would help you identify Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) in yourself or a loved one: 1. Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated by either subjective or observation by others 2. Poor appetite or overeating 3. Insomnia or hypersomnia 4. Low energy or fatigue 5. Low self esteem 6. Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions 7. Feelings of hopelessness