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Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Depression

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Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death. People that are depressed have sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason. It is a serious illness that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. Thirteen to fourteen million Americans suffer from depression in any given year and over sixteen percent have depression at some point in time. (Depression health) Women tend to be more susceptible to the disorder than men. (Depression) Symptoms of depression are persistent sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once …show more content…

Sometimes depressed people are unrealistically pessimistic about their health. Depressed patients in a hospital, although they did improve considerably during two years, still thought less of their mental and physical health than regular medical patients. Depressed people always remember how they felt and some people will think they are still depressed because they are different than they used to be. So they just want to go back to the way they were before. Depression does have effects on the mind. But it just depends on how long you let the things affect you. Works Cited Arias, Donya C. “Depression Worsens Health More than Arthritis, Asthma, or Diabetes. (Health Findings: The Latest Public Health Studies and Research).” The Nation’s Health. Nov. 2007. pg. 30. Dean, Mary R. Personal Interview. Thursday, 31 Jan. 2008. “Depression and Health: Long-Term Effects.” Harvard Mental Health Letter. August 1995. pg. 7. “Depression Is A Labor Issue.” Briarpatch. Dec. 2007 “Depression Is Significant Cause of Homicides In China.” Xinhua News Agency. Nov. 2007 “Depression (Health).” World Almanac and Book of Facts. World Almanac Education Group. 2005. pg. 96. “Effects of Postpartum Depression.” Talk of the Nation. 26, June 2001 Jancin, Bruce. “Postpartum Depression Hurts Kids. (Boys More Adversely Affected Than Girls.” Clinical Psychiatry. July 2003. Lewis, Kristyn Kusek. “Tired? Achy? Thirsty? The Symptoms That Trip up Even Top Docs.”

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