Depression: Don't Let the "Blues" Get You Down.
by Larry Denton
In any given 1-year period, approximately 10% of the U.S. adult
population, or about 20 million American adults, suffer from
some form of depressive illness. Studies also show that 10 to 15
percent of all children and adolescents have some symptoms of
depression. While the economic cost of this disorder is high,
the cost in human suffering can not be measured.
Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and
cause pain and suffering, not only to those who have the
disorder, but to those who care about them. Serious, untreated
depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the
ill person.
Sure, everyone gets sad or a little blue now and then. But if
you rarely feel joy, happiness, or excitement you may have a
more serious problem. Doctors call this prolonged sadness
"clinical depression." A depressive disorder is an illness that
involves the body, mood and thoughts. It may affect the way a
person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the
way one thinks about others. It is not a sign of personal
weakness or a condition that can be wished or willed away.
Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even
an entire lifetime. Appropriate treatment, however, can help
most people who suffer from depression.
Depressive disorders come in many different forms, just as the
case with other illnesses such as cancer. The three most common
types are Major Depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.
Major Depression is marked by a combination of symptoms that
interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy
activities which were once pleasurable. A disabling episode of
depression of this type may occur only once in a lifetime, but
more commonly returns several times.
Dysthymia, a less severe type of depression, involves long-term,
chronic symptoms that do not disable the sufferer, but keep one
from functioning properly and feeling good.
Another type of depression, bipolar disorder (sometimes called
manic-depressive illness), is not nearly as common as the other
forms of depression. It is characterized by severe cycling mood
swings: severe highs (mania) and depth-plunging lows
(depression).
When you're manic: you feel high as a kite...you're on top of
the world; thoughts go racing through your head; you're a
non-stop party; you do wild and risky things (with driving,
money, sex, drugs, etc); you are so up you don't even need
sleep. However, this mania, left untreated, may worsen to a
psychotic state and could become a life-threatening illness.
When you're depressed: you cry a lot and it doesn't go away; you
feel guilty for no reason; life seems meaningless and empty;
it's hard to make up your mind; you feel worthless; you forget
lots of things and it's hard to concentrate; you feel restless
and tired most of the time; you think about death or feel like
you're dying.
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every one of these
symptoms. And the severity of the symptoms can vary with the
individual and over a period of time. Some of the more common
symptoms include: an "empty" feeling (ongoing sadness), lack of
energy, pessimism, difficulty in concentration and decision
making, insomnia, appetite loss or overeating, being irritable,
crying too often or too much, feeling worthless or hopeless, and
thoughts of death or suicide.
Having these feelings doesn't mean that a person is a
failure...it means they are ill and in need of treatment. There
are a number of medical treatments now available and they do
work--usually within a matter of weeks. There is no single cause
of depression, but remember, it is a real medical illness and it
IS treatable.
Most people with depression can be helped with psychotherapy,
medicine or a combination of the two. Psychotherapy means
talking about your feelings with a trained professional who can
help you change the relationships, thoughts, or behaviors that
contribute to depression.
Medication has recently been developed that effectively treats
severe and disabling depression. Anti-depressant medications are
not "uppers" and are not addictive. Sometimes, however, several
types may have to be tried before you and your doctor find the
one that works best. As with most medical problems, there is no
"one-size-fits-all" solution for depression.
The most important thing to remember--you are not alone! When
problems seem too big and you're feeling low for too long, you
CAN find help, it is affordable, and you CAN get better.
Source:
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years
at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice
President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc. an Internet business
providing valuable information and resources on a number of
timely topics. For additional information, suggestions and
valuable resources for dealing with depression, visit
http://www.DepressionDesk.com
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