Depression can be a serious ailment though treatable. It is a disease that silently sucks out the joy and energy from somebody. A continued state of sadness or emotions different from a person’s usual behaviour is termed as depression. If this behaviour starts interfering with one’s daily activities, it is time to consult a psychiatrist. The primary symptoms of depression include anger, irritability, social withdrawal, a feeling of hopelessness or sadness, changes in sleep and appetite, fear of rejection, crying, fatigue and difficulty in concentrating. Often, suicidal tendencies tend to develop in many individuals suffering from prolonged depression. Depression can attack anybody irrespective of age.

Depression can be treated through both counseling and medications. If the depressed condition lasts for more than two weeks and interferes with one’s ability to work and enjoy, medicinal treatment should be started after consulting a psychiatrist. Antidepressants are used mostly for severe depressions. These medications reduce the symptoms and help the depressed person feel happy. They can block the symptoms of panic and terror.

A psychiatrist prescribes medications depending on the patient’s symptoms. It takes some time before improvement begins to show, about one to three weeks. Often, the patient’s energy level or sleeping or eating patterns improve before the lifting of depression. And if no changes are visible after five to six weeks, the medication is changed. Treatment needs to be continued for several months and sometimes for years. For some people, depression can occur frequently and become severe with age. They need to continue with antidepressants.