Depression is a complex pervasive mood disorder it is more than sadness. It is a condition that varies considerably from one person to the next. 

 Depression is more common in women than in men. However, depression in men has a higher rate of feeling irritable and discouraged.

 Depression impairs performance at work, at school, and in social relationships. Depression can become severe enough to cause a loss of touch with reality, experiences of hallucinations, or delusions. 

 Causes of Depression:

Depression stems from a variety of sources including a family history of depression, psychological or emotional vulnerabilities. Other triggers for depression are biological imbalances in brain chemistry. Depression is linked with other mental conditions.

 Common Symptoms of Depression: 

The mental impacts of depression include irritable moods feeling apathetic, loss of enjoyment in activities, feelings of worthlessness, decreased self-esteem. 

Additional mental symptoms include the inability to focus to concentrate, to think clearly, lacking the motivation to do the simplest tasks, having thoughts of suicide, or even self-harm.

The physical impacts of depression are low energy listlessness, restlessness, tiredness, changes in weight, or appetite. Changes in sleep patterns occur. Either sleeping too much or insufficiently causing fatigue, restless thoughts, worries, delays in sleep onset, and poor sleep outcomes.

Manage Depression:

Depression is manageable but involves lifelong therapeutic care. Early treatment is best to reduce suffering and achieve better mental health outcomes. 

Treatment Options:

Options for treatment include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy electroconvulsive therapy, and self-care therapy. These treatments may be used individually or in combination. 

 Mental health self-care means stepping away from negative messages selectively shielding yourself, protecting your physical energy. 

• Turn off all of life's drama, disconnect from negative people do not allow anyone to belittle your depression. Delete negative energy contacts.
• Let go of any guilt or pressures do not berate yourself.
• Get up, get moving. it is essential to engage in regular physical exercise despite the energy-sapping of depression 
• Maintain healthy dietary habits, regular eating schedules enhance appetite and energy levels. 
• Sleeping well is therapeutic. Using relaxation therapies and deep abdominal breathing is expedient for initiating sleep.
• Following a treatment plan is ever so often distressingly onerous. It is important to follow through by taking all prescribed medications and therapies. 
• Talk with a physician to alter any medications. Do not abruptly stop or change prescribed medication dosages.
• Do not be afraid to reach out for help. Contacting a mental health professional for treatment is critical for dealing with symptoms of depression.

Doing good self-care makes you feel empowered, to manage your depression even though it may be overwhelming .