Depression, melancholy, inexplicable anxiety, lethargy, loss of interest in life - every person has experienced such symptoms at least once. Their combination in combination with some other symptoms is called depression. This disease is as widespread in the world as the flu or hypertension. And every year the number of cases of depression is growing exponentially. If you do not take active measures to combat this non-somatic, but very insidious disease, then there is every chance that it can reach epidemic proportions. Today, depression is a medical and social problem. However, the first mentions of it were found in the works of Hippocrates. The ancient Greek healer described in detail the symptoms characteristic of depression. He recommended using opium tincture, decoctions of soothing herbs, relaxing massages and warm baths to treat melancholy (as this ailment was called at that time). Nowadays, there are other more effective methods of combating depression. I will talk about them in this article. What is depression? So, how can you tell the difference between depression and a bad mood? What are the identifying symptoms of this condition? Here are the main ones: Lost interest in life. A person does not want to communicate with family, meet with friends, sometimes it is difficult to force himself to leave the house; Mood decreases, a feeling of melancholy, anxiety, despair arises; A person becomes irritable, internally tense; It is difficult to do usual things, to concentrate; Things that used to give pleasure (delicious food, watching movies, etc.); Self-esteem decreases, self-confidence and self-confidence disappears; A person begins to engage in self-flagellation, thoughts of suicide often arise; A person develops problems with sleep, disappears, or, conversely, , appetite sharply increases, sexual activity decreases. With depression, the above symptoms are observed continuously for two weeks or longer. There is also the concept of prolonged depression, when a similar condition can accompany a person for up to six months. Depression can also vary in severity - from a mild illness to a severe disorder in which a person cannot even get out of bed. What are the causes of depression? Depression never occurs out of nowhere. But in one case it can be triggered by an unfavorable life event, and then the causes of the disease are obvious. And in another case, depression can be caused by a number of factors that precede its occurrence over a long period of time, which can reach several decades. Depression can also be caused by characteristics of upbringing, character, a certain type of thinking of a person. What to do if depression occurs? If depression occurs, however, like any other disease, it is not recommended to self-medicate, and also to seek the help of all kinds of psychics and other representatives of non-traditional medicine. The first thing you need to do is consult a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Only a specialist can confirm or refute this diagnosis, as well as prescribe adequate and most effective treatment. It usually combines the use of antidepressants with the use of psychotherapeutic techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a modern, effective method of treating depression that has proven itself throughout the world. It is based on the theory that our thoughts directly affect our mood. With the help of various exercises and trainings, negative thoughts are gradually replaced by realistic ones. This entails getting rid of a depressive state. During sessions, the psychotherapist helps the client identify his negative thoughts, break the logical chains that cause depression, and also promotes the formation of new patterns of consciousness that allow him to avoid repeated conditions in the future. So, for people,