What Causes People to be Depressed?

• Significant loss.
• Loss of control over the environment. The person feels that nothing can be done to change unfortunate events in life.
• Unrealistic expectations.
• Disappointment.
• Perceived failure.
• Negative thinking which gradually becomes self-defeating.

Symptoms of Depression

1. Emotional Symptoms

• Sadness.
• Anxiety.
• Guilt.
• Anger.
• Mood swings.
• Helplessness.
• Hopelessness.

2. Physical Symptoms

• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Overeating or loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Irregular menstrual cycle.
• Gradual loss of sexual desire.
• Aches and/or body pain

3. Behavioral Symptoms

• Crying for no apparent reason.
• Withdrawal from other people and new situations.
• Getting angry easily.
• Being unmotivated to set or meet goals.
• Loss of interest in one's physical appearance.
• Loss of interest in activities which were once of interest.
• Turning to drugs or alcohol.

4. Thoughts/Perceptions which may become Self-Defeating

• Feelings of being a failure.
• Criticizing oneself frequently.
• Disappointment.
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
• Blaming oneself for unfortunate happenings.
• Being pessimistic about the future.