Understanding Depression: Benefits, Risks & Symptoms

It is difficult to think about the advantages of having depression, because it is usually considered an unpleasant illness. However, there are a couple of benefits that can be identified.

Features

• Feeling sad nearly every day, emptiness, irritability, guilt and inability to find pleasure in activities are features of depression.

Identification

• Identifying depression is based upon the combination of symptoms and can be diagnosed by a mental health professional or physician.

Negative Effects

• Functioning may be affected by depression. Symptoms of depression can interfere with activities of daily living, work or school. Depression can cause a person to feel like life is not worth living.

Positive Effects

• Gaining attention from family members, friends or care workers may be considered an advantage of depression. The condition can create an identity when other forms of relating to others are impaired.

Considerations

• Treating depression is usually effective and successful. There are many medication options available for use. However, treatment can be costly due to the frequency of therapy visits and doctor's appointments to monitor medication.