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DEPRESSION
Depression Can Affect You Your Family and even Your Friends
I have decided to write an article on depression since it is a
medical topic that in the last few years has come to be a large
part of my own life. Personally, I have not experienced the
destructive pain of depression, but I have been touched by it
through family and friends. I am hoping that in writing this
article it will help everyone to be more knowledgeable in signs
of depression and possible treatments that are available.
Depression affects at least 15 million American adults, and is
also a major illness in the children of our population.
The signs and symptoms of depression
· Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
· Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
· Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
· Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that
were once enjoyed
· Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
· Insomnia, early morning awakening, or over sleeping
· Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
· Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
· Restlessness, irritability
· Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment,
such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
WE all have experienced all or some of these signs at different
times in our life, but the difference is we do not succumb to
these symptoms. For some though their brains become inundated
with sad thoughts, and feelings of hopelessness. They can
become despondent and feel overwhelmingly lost and alone.
During times like this many of these individuals choose suicide
as an escape instead of seeking treatment.
What can be the underlying cause of depression?
1. Family History
2. Trauma and stress
3. Pessimistic personality
4. Physical condition (depression can make medical conditions
worse)
5. Other psychological disorders such as anxiety, eating
disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
Note: Remember feelings of depression are caused by a chemical
change that affects how our brain functions. These chemical
changes can evolve with a traumatic experience or maybe just
laying latent until some event triggers them.
There are many treatments for those diagnosed with "depression".
The good news is that depression is very treatable. Most
patients, even those with severe depression, show improvement
after they seek treatment. Your doctor will prescribe treatment
based on the pattern of your depression, its severity,
persistence of symptoms, and history.
More than 14 million Americans, or more than 6 percent of
adults, experience depression in any given year. Despite these
statistics, depression is not a normal part of life, regardless
of your age, sex, or health status.
Treatment Tips
Antidepressant medications work for many people-they can make
you feel better, and can improve or completely relieve your
symptoms. But sometimes people have unrealistic fears or
expectations about them. Some hope to feel better overnight;
others worry that medications will change their personalities in
ways they won't like. Both extremes are unlikely. The first step
towards getting better and staying better is to take your
medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Other Therapies
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy", in which you and a
professional talk about what you're feeling, is a vital tool in
the treatment of depression. For people with mild to moderate
depression, it may be effective on its own. But many people with
major depression do better with treatment that combines
psychotherapy and medication.
I hope this gives all of you some insight on depression.
Depression is a hard disease to manage for all concerned.
If you or someone you know is showing signs or symptoms of
depression please contact your family physician for treatment.
Remember depression is treatable many times the hardest thing to
do is seek help.
http://depressionresources.webmd.com/
National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc.
P.O. Box 2257
New York, NY 10116
Toll-free: (800) 239-1265
http://www.depression.org
http://depression.com |
