Depression is a condition that turns the picture of your life from color to Black and white.

Depression is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. It affects how you think and behave and can cause a variety of emotional and physical problems.

A person suffering from depression may not be able to go about your usual daily activities, and it may make you feel as if life just isn't worth living anymore.

Most health care professionals today consider depression a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment, much like diabetes or high blood pressure. Although some people experience only one episode of depression, most have repeated episodes of depression symptoms throughout their life.

Effective diagnosis and treatment can help reduce even severe depression symptoms. And with effective treatment, most people with depression feel better, often within weeks, and can return to the daily activities they previously enjoyed.

Some common symptoms of Depression may include:

• Loss of interest in normal daily activities
• Feeling sad or down
• Feeling hopeless
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Problems sleeping
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Being easily annoyed
• Feeling fatigued or weak
• Feeling worthless
• Loss of interest in sex
• Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Depression symptoms can vary greatly because different people experience depression in different ways. A 20-year-old with depression may not have the same symptoms as a 60-year-old. For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. Others may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

There is no single sure shot way to prevent or avoid having depression. But, taking steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and to boost low self-esteem may help. Friendship and social support, especially in times of crisis, can help you weather rough spells. In addition, treatment or counseling at the earliest sign of a problem can help prevent depression from worsening. Long-term maintenance treatment also may help prevent a relapse of depression symptoms.

Counseling at initial stages when a person appears to go into depression, is often an appropriate way to prevent depression. Proper counseling can help develop coping skills and understand the fact that depression can be prevented.

If someone suffers from Depression, the following steps can help them tackle and cope with the condition.

Stick to your treatment plan : Don't skip therapy sessions, even if you don't feel like going. .

Taking medications regularly : Even if you're feeling well, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms may come back, and you could also experience withdrawal-like symptoms. .

Information : Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.

Pay attention to warning signs : Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your depression symptoms. Make a plan so that you know what to do if symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Consider involving family members or friends in watching for warning signs.

Get active : Physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce depression symptoms. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening or taking up another form of exercise you enjoy.

Avoid drugs and alcohol : Alcohol and illicit drugs can worsen depression symptoms.

Some other tips to cope with the condition are –

Simplify your life : If your asthma is worsened by cold, dry air, wearing a face mask can help.

Consider writing : Write a journal to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions.

Read : Read reputable self-help books and consider talking about them to your doctor or therapist.

Don't become isolated : Try to participate in normal activities and get together with family or friends regularly.

Care for self : Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and getting sufficient sleep.

Support group/Care team : Join a support group for people with depression or avail a care team so that you can cope and manage your condition.

Stay focused on your goals : Recovery from depression is an ongoing process. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind. Remind yourself that you're responsible for managing your illness and working toward your goals.

Learn relaxation and stress management : Try such stress reduction techniques as meditation, yoga or tai chi.

Structure your time : Plan your day and activities. Try to stay organized. You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks.

Decisions : Don't make important decisions when you're in the depths of depression, since you may not be thinking clearly.