Depression: It Not Only Affects You, But Your Whole Family

Emotions are a part of life. You feel happy, excited, anxious, sad, or jealous for different reasons. Feeling low is just a phase that passes away over a period. It is a part of life and you have nothing to worry about as long as there's a reason behind the sadness. But what happens when you continue to feel hurtful all the time and have no justification to it?

Do you have depression?

Depression is a medical disorder that negatively impacts how you feel, act, and think. It induces a feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in the things you once enjoyed. It is quite different from grief/bereavement.

- Do you feel sad or have a depressed mood?
- Have you lost interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed?
- Have you lost or gained weight which you cannot explain?
- Do you have trouble sleeping or have you been sleeping too much?
- Do you feel worthless or guilty?
- Do you have difficulty thinking, concentrating, or in decision making?
- Have you thought of death or suicide?

If you've answered yes to the above questions, it is time you seek immediate medical attention. Talk to your family doctor or visit an urgent care clinic before it's too late.

Depression is not the only condition with the above symptoms. It is important to rule out other possible complications, such as brain tumor, thyroid problems, and others that mimic these signs.

Most family clinics provide same day appointments in such cases. Once the general medical conditions are ruled out, the necessary action to cope with depression can therefore be taken.

How does depression affect your family?

People who are depressed do not realise how their life affects their family. When you don’t love yourself, you also stop loving others around you. This way, you not only hurt yourself but also your loved ones.

There are two types of depression - unipolar and bipolar - that affect human health. While the unipolar kind is referred to simply as depression, bipolar depression is known as maniac depression since the person experiences episodes of extreme sadness and mania with periods of normalcy in between.

Most people who're depressed often suffer in silence. Especially if a mother is suffering from depression, the illness can take a heavy toll on her children. In such cases, the child is more likely to develop depression at an early age.

The younger the patient, the greater is the risk of developing bipolar disorder, which typically begins with a depressive episode.

Depression is like an intruder in the family who introduces suffering and pain to everyone. It renders you powerless by creating a barrier between you and your loved ones and makes relationships difficult by bringing up hostility in between.

Depression has a negative impact on family, who at the same time can be your strongest support. What's more - the condition is quite treatable with effective remedies.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression, visit us at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic. Here, we'll certainly help you fight it off.

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