1. By- Dr.Hemant Mittal www.mindmantra.in

2.  The word depression describes a range of mood from low spirits to a severe physical problem.  Clinical Depression is when this low and sad mood is present through out the day, it can be observed by others and hampers with day activities. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

3.  Anyone can become depressed.  There is no age, cast, religion or gender specification for it. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

4.  Some people have higher chance than others in becoming depressed: 1. Sudden traumatic experience- heart break, relationship failure, death of dear one, sudden financial loss. 2. A daily exposure to high amounts of stress. 3. Childhood traumatic experience. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

5. 4. Physical Aliments like diabetes, physical handicap, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction. 5. Family history of depression. 6. Improper Food Habits- higher amount of fats and carbohydrates in food. Smoking and alcohol addictions. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

6.  Clinical Depression is caused when the unconscious and conscious mind are unable to take the tensions, stress of daily life. Leading to an sadness of mood thru out the day.  This event, precipitates changes in the brain chemical system, leading to the decrease in production of neuro-transmitters like Serotonin and Nor epinephrine. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

7.  A Prolonged period of Clinical Depression can lead to structural changes in the brain. This can cause a permanent damage to the brain chemical system, making a person life-long dependant on medications. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

8.  If any person has 5 or more of the following symptoms present for more than 2 weeks period, then do consult a psychiatrist immediately: Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

9. 1. Feeling low or sad through most of the day 2. Frequent Headaches and/or body pains. 3. Blaming yourself too much and feeling worthless 4. Sleep problems- lack of sleep or excessive sleeping 5. Thinking about death or attempted Suicide or Self- harm in any way. 6. Change in appetite – loss of appetite or increase in appetite 7. Fatigue or loss of energy through out the day 8. Memory problems –Increased in forgetfulness &/or decreased concentration 9. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

10.  A healthy life-style can prevent clinical depression from setting in.  Few of the useful techniques include: 1. Staying physically active 2. Make time for pleasurable activities- watch a movie, listen to music, do a hobby Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

11. 3. Spend quality time with people who support you- a. Develop a network of people who want to help you. b. Talk about your problems. Venting out is self-healing. c. Confide in at least one elder. 4. Practice relaxation and meditation daily. 5. Keep your goals simple and attainable- don’t build un-realistic expectations. 6. Eat a balanced diet, avoid addictions. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

12.  When you have tried everything,  When a person doesn’t respond to all positive ques given to him.  When a person is becoming more and more withdrawn.  Remember its not under his control anymore. His brain chemicals system is going wrong and needs to be rectified. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

13.  Depending on the Severity clinical depression is curable within weeks to 6months of medications  If extremely severe then might require a year of medications.  Newer medications aren’t sleeping pills, and don’t cause addiction. Ask your psychiatrist for such a combination. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)

14. ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTREST, TO HELP PEOPLE FIGHT THE CANCER OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION, AND LEAD A HAPPIER LIFE. Dr.Hemant Mittal (www.mindmantra.in)