Certain illnesses have no specific test for them, such as a blood test. And yet, the sufferers of Depression know in most cases. Their families are often aware as well. In this psychological article we will discuss how Depression works and what you can do about it.

The first thing most people want to know is “How does Depression happen? What causes it?” There are many causes. In many cases, psychological articles find a combination of symptoms in sufferers. Below is a partial list:

1. Family History
2. Hormonal Imbalance
3. Substance Abuse
4. A traumatic life experience
5. Environmental factors
6. Age

There are a few diseases and medications, which can also contribute to depression. Most psychological articles show that the bottom line cause of Depression is an imbalance of Serotonin, a chemical in the brain. The brain of a Depression sufferer doesn’t manufacture enough of this chemical resulting in the symptoms most often seen in those who suffer from depression.

Psychological articles now acknowledge that the process of getting older and realizing that your youth is gone can cause depression as is seen in many people of the Baby Boomer age.

If you believe you might be afflicted with this disease, then don’t despair! There are many great treatment options from counseling to medications.

These days your doctor can treat you with a medication, which will normalize those Serotonin levels resulting in a marked decrease of the symptoms. Often, counseling is also suggested so that the sufferer can deal with the root causes of the Depression.

According to psychological articles in the DSM-IV, Depression is present when five or more of the following symptoms are present for most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. At least one of the symptoms must be either persistent sad or “empty” feelings or loss of interest in activities.

• Constant sadness
• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
• Significant weight change
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in favorite activities

Most psychological articles agree that you don’t need to experience all of the signs and symptoms listed above to have depression.

Symptoms can vary. Depressed women are more likely to experience guilt, weight gain, anxiety, eating disorders, or increased sleep than men. Psychological articles have found that the elderly tend to experience persistent sadness or “empty” moods more than others.

It is important that families of those who suffer from Depression get involved and make every effort to help those afflicted to seek medical attention. All psychological articles agree that by its very nature, those suffering from Depression will rarely have the wisdom to realize they have a problem and/or the strength it takes to get up and go do something about it.

If you or a loved one displays the symptoms listed above, then make an appointment with your doctor and discuss how you’re feeling. Depression doesn’t have to slow us down or take us out of the game.

This is especially true for Baby Boomers who may feel that their best years are over. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We still have a great many wonderful years ahead of us. Let’s live them as well and healthy as possible!