Depression….

While the term “depression” is commonly used to describe a temporary decreased mood when one “feels blue”, clinical depression is a mental health disorder and is much more than a passing faze.  It can affect the body, mood and thoughts;  and it can not be taken away.  People with depression need treatment to get better, without it, symptoms can last for years.

There are different types of depression disorders, here are some of them:

Major depression- interferes with the ability to work, eat, study and sleep.  Not able to enjoy activities that once did.

Dysthymia- is less severe.  People with dysthymia probably have a normal, but may not be functioning or feeling well.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic depression) – if you suffer from bipolar disorder you are troubled by cycling mood swings;  highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Psychotic depression- when people experience some form of psychosis, like hallucinations and a break from reality.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – it affects during cold months and lifts during hot months when there is more natural sunlight.

There is no single known cause of depression, however research indicates that depressive illness are disorders of the brain.  Also Genetics research indicates that risk of depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors.  So depression is likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors.

Symptoms

• Having anxious feelings, being sad
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, including “sex”
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Decreased energy and fatigue.
• Feeling guilty, hopeless and even worthless
• Hard to concentrate, remembering details and making decisions
• Irritability, restlessness

The three most conventional treatments for depression include medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy.  If there is an imminent threat of suicide or the person is in danger to others, hospitalization is employed.  Light therapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and meditation are other methods of treatment used.

Be Well!!!!

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