Depression

Depression is a medical condition often coinciding with obesity that affects both the body and the mind, often leading to a variety of physical and emotional problems. For many people that suffer from depression, simple everyday tasks become incredibly difficult. Depression is incredibly common, and affects men and women of all ages. By certain estimates, as many as one in ten adults in the United States experience depression at one point in their lives.

Depression and Obesity

There is a strong relationship between depression and obesity, but the exact cause of the relationship is unclear. Individuals that are overweight and struggle with obesity are up to 25% more likely to develop depression, and individuals that struggle with depression early on in life are more likely to become obese. Part of the cause for this relationship most likely stems from the low self-image and feelings of worthlessness that so many people experience when they are overweight. These negative perceptions of one self can prompt an individual to grow depressed overtime. Similarly, many people that are depressed also experience a low feeling of self-worth, and as a result to not develop a healthy relationship with food and do not take the time to exercise to keep their body in good shape.

It is very important to address any underlying symptoms of obesity as you are in the process of losing weight. Many people attribute their depression to their weight, but once the weight is gone find that they are still struggling with the same problems. By being aware of your depression you can work to become mentally, physically and emotionally healthy as you lose weight.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is much more than feelings of sadness. Individuals with depression experience severe and intense symptoms, such as:

• Intense feelings of despair, unhappiness and sadness
• Frustration
• Irritability
• Lack of interest in regular activities
• Reduced sex drive
• Insomnia
• Excessive sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Restlessness
• Slowed bodily movements and thought processes
• Indecisiveness
• Easily distracted
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Suicidal thoughts
• Frequent bouts of crying for no direct reason
• Headaches
• Physical bodily pain

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the onset of depression, including biological changes, neurotransmitters and hormones. In addition to these highly genetic factors, certain life events such as the death of a close loved one or trauma, particularly during the early childhood years, could all spark depression. While many people experience sadness for brief periods of time, depression is marked by its longstanding presence, often lasting up to several months.

Treatment for Depression

Treatment for depression varies depending on the severity of the condition and the circumstances that may have prompted the disease. Medications are available to help physically alter the mood of the depressed person. Antidepressants are categorized based on the way that they alter the brain chemistry, and include SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SNRIs, which are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and also NDRIs, which are norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors. In addition to medication, psychotherapy is an effective tool for the treatment of depression. Psychotherapy or psychological counseling uses talk sessions to route to the bottom of the cause of the depression, helping the individual to restore their own control over their mood.