ms of depression can also change by culture. In some cultures, depressed people may not experience sadness or guilt but may complain about physical problems. In Mediterranean cultures, for example, depressed people may complain about headaches or nerves. In Asian cultures they may complain about weakness, fatigue, or imbalance.If the illness is not treated, an episode of major depression typically lasts eight or nine months. Most of people who experience one bout of depression will experience future episodes.Depression usually changes a persons appetite, sometimes increasing it, but usually reducing it. Sleep habits often change, too . People with depression may oversleep or, more commonly, sleep for fewer hours. A depressed person might go to sleep at midnight, sleep restlessly, then wake up at 5 AM feeling tired and blue. For many depressed people, early morning is the saddest time of the day.Depression also changes ones energy level. Some depressed people may be restless and nervous, engaging in sensitive movements . Others may feel lazy and inactive, experiencing great fatigue, lack of energy, and a feeling of carrying a heavy burden. Depressed people may also have difficulty thinking, poor concentration, and problems with memory.People with depression often experience feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt, and self-blame. They may interpret a minor failing on their part as a sign of incompetence or interpret minor criticism as condemnation. Some depressed people complain about being spiritually or morally dead. The mirror seems to reflect someone ugly and repulsive. Even a competent and decent person may feel deficient, cruel, stupid, false, or guilty of having deceived others. People with major depression may experience such extreme emotional pain that they consider or attempt suicide. At least 15 percent of seriously depressed people commit suicide, and many more attempt it. In some cases, people with depression may expe...
