Depression
In some ways it is comforting to know that many great,
successful, learned people suffered with depression.
Abraham Lincoln wrote: “I am now the most miserable man living.
If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not
be one cheerful face on earth”
Abraham Lincoln
Depression is a condition that can be defined in various
ways; its severity ranges from the “blues” or a “bad mood, “to severe clinical-suicidal
depression. A short description of most stages follows:
Moods:
Research seems to support the idea that most “bad moods” are preventable, or at
least fairly easy to repair in a relatively short period of time.
Mild to Moderate Depression:
This form of depression affects approximately eleven million Americans.
It can take the form of “the blues” to feeling hopeless.
Some diagnosticians are labeling this type of depression, dysthymia (dis-THIGH-mee-uh).
Clinical Depression:
Depression that is sever, to the point the client loses interest in the outside
world, has pronounced and prolonged behavior changes, and at its worse-causes separation
from reality. This depression level requires professional treatment.
Suicidal:
The most severe level of depression.
The client sees no reason to live and evaluates that everyone would be better
off without them . It is very important that you seek professional
help.
It is important that you share your feelings with
family, friends and physician. See your doctor if you find depression
affects normal daily function. It is often reported that depression
that lasts more than two months can have biological repercussions
and medication may be helpful.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the
symptoms of depression can include:
-
Loss of pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
-
Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
-
Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early morning wakening, or
oversleeping)
-
Eating disturbances (loss of appetite and weight, or weight
gain)
-
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
-
Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
-
Irritability
-
Excessive crying
-
Chronic aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment
Depression takes a huge toll.
It is reported that depression accounts for more days in bed than the eight leading
chronic illnesses.
It should be of concern if you have recurring episodes
of major depression: As you reflect upon your personal history
of depression, you may find that you experienced depression even as a child.
Where does depression come from?
Is it a virus? This is one of the current
theories being researched. More information will be provided
when we have credible data.
Is it biochemical or psychological?
Most experts think it is both. This may explain the high success
found when medication and therapy are combined.
Is it genetic? Some kinds of depression
definitely seem to be. i.e. Manic Depressive Disorder.