Researches have yet to find a single cause of depression, but do believe that it results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and physiological factors.
Each person exhibits a different combination of signs or symptoms because their depression is a result of a unique combination of factors. However, below is a list provided by the Mayo Clinic of common indications that you or someone you know may be depressed:
Loss of interest in normal daily activities
Feeling sad or down
Feeling hopeless
Crying spells for no apparent reason
Problems sleeping
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Difficulty making decisions
Unintentional weight gain or loss
Irritability
Restlessness
Being easily annoyed
Feeling fatigued or weak
Feeling worthless
Loss of interest in sex
Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
Postpartum depression is a depression that occurs after a mother gives birth to her child. In this case it is believed that the changes in hormones experienced after birth, which affects the chemistry in the brain resulting in changes in one's moods and/or emotions, is the main cause.
Postpartum depression may start at any point within the first year after giving birth. It may include symptoms such as thoughts of harming your baby, thoughts of causing harm to yourself, or not caring about your baby. If you are experiencing any of these or other signs of depression please contact your physician so that you may be treated.
