Depression, an unipolar depressive disorder that comes under the huge spectrum of mood disorders, is different from the little sadness that you feel when you miss out on your favourite show one evening.
“Humne toh jab kaliyan maangi, kaaton ka haar mila…” a persistent dwelling in the state of sadness, getting absorbed by the feelings of hopelessness, having feelings of guilt and worthlessness and feeling “empty” emotionally.
The physical symptoms constitute—
Disrupted appetite (overeating/ undereating), Sleep disturbances (Insomnia/hypersomnia), fatigue and loss of energy, psychomotor disturbances (restlessness or stillness)
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Disruptions in the balance of neurotransmitter substances, primarily of the monoamine class (serotonin and norepinephrineQ) and decreased levels of dopamine contributes to the pathophysiology of depression.
Also, our thinking, cognition, outlook of the world around, insight of the inner self gets directed in a negative light (degree varies from person to person).
The DSM-5 suggests psychomedical intervention if these feelings and symptoms persists at a stretch over a 2-week period.
“How to self-diagnose depression?”
You don’t! Visit a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist. According to the causes, levels, severity and diagnosis, they will suggest pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or the combination of the both.
“Therapy and treatment is expensive!”
Visit a Government Hospital or contact NGO’s who would love to volunteer.
“Will this get better by itself?”
No, it won’t! Just like your fractured leg doesn’t, just like your heart blockages doesn’t.
Start paying psychological distress the same attention you do to physiological ones.
Alma-Mental 