Are You Depressed?
Some people are more likely to suffer with depression than others.
Depression is not just one of those blue feelings. It is a condition that could last for years, and if left untreated it could become more serious, resulting in suicide.
Depression is an illness that affects the entire body. Both the mental and physical well being is affected in an individual. The World Health Organization defines depression as a common mental disorder, affecting more than 120 million people in the world, and classifies it as one of the leading causing of disabilities in our society. When one suffers with depression they feel extremely down and out, and may have many fears of not ever getting things back on track in their life.
Depression is not a feeling that anyone enjoys feeling, and believe it or not, it is not a normal feeling. Have you ever thought about why you may feel depressed? Genes play a part in the development of this condition and this may be why some people are more likely to suffer with this disease than others. For example, did you know that depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and certain circumstances may trigger the onset of this imbalance? Death of a loved one, divorce, and change in a career, good stress, and bad stress are a few of the circumstances that may trigger depression.
Types of Depression:
There are different types of depression, some forms are simple and chronic, not affecting or disturbing one's ability to function and carry on in their everyday routine. Other forms may be acute and major, affecting ones ability to function, and severely interfering with their ability to work, and enjoy life, etc. This is why proper diagnosing is essential in this illness.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression:
-Saddened feeling lasting several days to months
-Feeling of hopelessness
-Loss of pleasure in once enjoyable activities
-Untidiness
-Sleeping disturbances
-Changes in appetite
-Decreased energy level
-Feelings of guilt
-Anxiety
-Unable to concentrate
-Unable to make decisions
-Restlessness
-Thoughts of death
-Thoughts of suicide
-Suicide Attempts
Summary:
The signs of depression listed above are not written in stone. One may or may not have multiple signs of this illness. The signs may change over time also. Types of depression are diagnosed with some of the signs listed above along with the length of time one may have been experiencing their depressed mood. These signs also help determine the treatment plan for this condition. This is why it is so important for an individual to seek help early, and obtain proper diagnosing for this disease. No two individuals are alike. Some may need medications to combat this illness, some may need group therapy and some may need medications, group therapy and hospitalization.
Depression is a disease that must be treated or serious complications could develop, and suicide may be one of these complications. Depression may also be a symptom of a serious medical condition and this is why seeking medical treatment for this disease is imperative. Many people are depressed but don't do anything about it because they may feel ashamed about feeling this way and they may fear that they will be looked down upon. But why should anyone feel ashamed about something that they had no control over? Did you give yourself a chemical imbalance in your brain? Is it your fault that depression may be in your family genes? How can you blame yourself for something you had absolutely nothing to do with? Don't let fear control your destiny. Don't be ashamed, be smart and do something about feeling down and out!
References:
www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/depressionmenu.cfm Last Accessed May 12 2007
