Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms

There are different levels of depression disorders and no two people are likely to suffer from the same exact symptoms. Women seem to suffer depression disorders at an approximate ratio of 2:1 compared to men. Doctors estimate that of those who suffer minor or major depressive disorder symptoms, approximately half will seek some form of treatment. Of these people, 80 percent will find relief from their symptoms with the right type of treatment.

How Bad Can it Get?

• Depression is one of the more common yet unusual mental disorders as it can range in severity from a mild case of the "blues", to clinical depression. For the person who reaches this stage of depression disorders, the most common symptoms can include extended feelings of despair and hopelessness, ones that no matter what you do will not go away. 

• If you suffer from major depression disorders, you may find it hard to get out of bed in the morning. Major or clinical depression can make it hard to do your job or study for school. You may find it hard to eat, relax, or sleep. Life can seem to have no meaning to it and in time you will start to retreat from your normal life, leaving friends and family behind. 

• Many people will only suffer from major depression disorders once in their lives, however a large number may find themselves revisiting this place in their lives numerous times over the years. In many instances this level of depression can be hereditary, but in others there may be no family history of depression disorders of any kind.

Who Is Likely to Suffer From Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms?

According to the latest information available from the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 7 percent of the US population suffers from some level of major depression disorders. This is based on those over the age of 18, the report goes on to say that as much as 20 to 25 percent of the population is likely to suffer from at least one episode of major depressive disorders at some point in their lives. These depression disorders can affect people of any age from childhood to seniors, but often goes undiagnosed and as such is left untreated.

Who Is More at Risk, Men or Women?

Studies such as those conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health indicate women are far more at risk of depression disorders than men. This is due to issues such as hormones during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, miscarriages, and the onset of menopause. Other contributing factors include but are not limited to the stress of trying to balance work and raising a family, taking care of parents as they age, and being a single parent.

What about Men?

While women seem to feel relatively comfortable seeking help for the depression disorders, men are far more reluctant to seek help for major depressive disorder symptoms. Often the only real symptoms men seem to exhibit include excessive anger or irritability, or substance abuse including alcohol and drugs. Most will turn to the latter as a way of hiding the fact they are suffering from depression disorders. Because of this, the incidence of violent behavior, including both homicide and suicide in men tends to be higher.

Treating the Symptoms of a Major Depressive Disorder

Once depression disorders have been diagnosed, there are a range of treatment options available. Many doctors have begun looking more at using natural herbal or botanical therapies combined with several different forms of mind and body exercises such as breathing exercises and meditation combined with natural anti-depressants as they offer excellent relief without the risk of the nasty side effects most pharmaceutical anti-depressants have.

If you think you may be suffering from one of the various levels of depressive disorders, seek help as soon as possible. With the right treatment, you will soon regain control of your life and be able to enjoy your world again.