by 
The Curious Bag
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A person experiencing symptoms of depression that last at least two weeks and interfere with her daily lifestyle is going through what is known as a major or unipolar depression. She might have feelings of sadness or worthlessness and experience changes in sleep and eating patterns.
Symptoms
People experiencing unipolar depression often exhibit agitation, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, a sense of hopelessness, inactivity and withdrawal.
Causes
No specific cause for unipolar depression has been identified, but researchers believe that imbalances in brain chemistry due to heredity or stressful events in a person's life might be causes.
Women and Depression
After giving birth, women can experience depressive episodes due to hormonal and physical changes. New mothers often experience symptoms similar to depression temporarily, but lasting symptoms require professional treatment.
Psychological Factors
Patients with low self-esteem or those who have difficulty handling stressful situations are more likely to experience a depressive episode. Some psychologists have identified a relationship between depression and the development of maladaptive methods in managing stress and life's problems.
Treatment
The treatment of depression includes a wide range of options, including medication and counseling. Most patients will benefit from a combination of the two.
Source:
National Institutes of Health: Major Depression
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: What is meant by unipolar depression
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