Erectile Dysfunction Related to Depression

By Dona Kidman

Erectile dysfunction or impotence hits the whole being of a man. It is quite common for men with ED to feel angry, frustrated, sad, or even unsure of themselves. Such feelings, if not dealt with, can eventually lead to depression. The good news is depression that accompanies ED is treatable. The first step in overcoming depression is to be honest with yourself, your partner, and your doctor. After depression has been brought out into the open, coping with it will be easier and less stressful.

How to recognize depression

Depression is a mental illness marked by persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and a pessimistic outlook. The most common symptoms of depression include:

• Low self-esteem
• Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Apathy

Depression affects the way one feels about oneself and the way one thinks about life. People who are depressed cannot simply "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms of depression can last indefinitely. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression to get back on track.

How to diagnose depression

If you think you may be depressed, do not suffer in silence. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness. Tell your doctor how you are feeling so that you can start feeling like yourself again. There is no single test that can diagnose depression; however, there are certain patterns that doctors look for in order to make the diagnosis. As a result, your doctor will ask you several questions. Be honest with your answers so that you can receive the care you need.

Treating Depression

Treatment for depression may include medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or a combination of both.

Antidepressants: Many different drugs, including Prozac, Zoloft, Elavil, and Wellbutrin, are used to treat depression. Some antidepressants can worsen ED, so be honest with your doctor about your condition so that he or she can prescribe an appropriate treatment.

Talk therapy: During therapy, a licensed and trained mental health care professional helps you identify and work through issues related to depression. Types of talk therapy include couples therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy.

Although medicines like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but these can not cure the problem from its root. A man feels incomplete without his sexual power, the effect of which is serious on the emotional level which must be taken care of. Or else it may turn his life as well as the life of the loved ones into hell.

The author, Dona Kidman, addresses health related issues. If you wish to seek help for your health related problems, you can log on to http://www.levitrabliss.com for more information and advice.

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