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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in any one-year segment 9.5 percent of people or approximately 18.8 million are plagued with a depressive illness. Many will not pursue any sort of help. This illness can be treated.
Depression affects the way we feel about ourselves, and affects the body, thoughts, and our mood. You cannot "just snap out of it" as some may suggest; these symptoms may last for years. It is not simply a case of the "blues."
Dysthymia, is a type of depression that is not so disabling as some, brings with it long-term ongoing symptoms that are continous. One will persevere in a normal life process, however will "just not feel good." These people may have a major bout with depression in their lifetime.
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, has a rhythm of mood changes. They may have extreme highs and lows with the changes being sudden at times, however most of the time the changes in mood are in a step by step manner. The depressed rhythm displays the normal symptoms of depression. The high or manic duration will bring about an energetic state, perhaps talking continually with seemingly boundless energy. Social behavior is modified during this state, and often is embarrassing later to the person.
Major depression will interfere with the normal abilities of life, as in work, sleeping and ordinary activities. This is a crippling struggle, which can happen perhaps one time, or may flare up more often in ones lifespan.
Symptoms of Depression
-Ongoing feelings of hopelessness, with sadness, and anxiety in association with despondency when nothing seems to matter.
-Feelings of unreasonable guilt and without redeeming value, and there seems to be no answers.
-Things that have been pleasurable in the past are of little interest.
-Tired and without energy.
-The mind refuses to concentrate, and consequently, begins forgetting things, and the decision process will be negatively affected.
-Unable to sleep and arising very early in the morning, or sleeping too long.
-Changes in appetite, which could be overeating or refusing to eat, with resulting weight loss, or gain.
-Irritability and "crankiness" unsettled, and will not rest.
-Verbalizing "taking your life" and the attempt to do so.
Feeling physically unfit, perhaps on-going and unresolved headaches, pain, and problems with digestion.
Symptoms in Mania, as in Bipolar Disorder
-Feeling of non-typical and inordinate high spirits.
-Cultural manners that are non appropriate.
-Discernment and decision making abilities interrupted
-Energetic more than is reasonable.
-"Chattering" increased verbalization.
-Process of thinking "whirling" and racing.
-Desire for sex increased.
-Flamboyant ideas.
-Rest and sleep is very difficult.
Some varieties of depressions have tendency to run in families. This is often true in bipolar illnesses. The members who develop the disease tend to have a different genetic structure from those who do not acquire the disorder. Not everyone with the tendency will have the illness. Additional reasons such as stress can be involved in the origin.
Low self-esteem as well as those who are continually pessimistic or devastated by stress are inclined to depression. In addition, physical changes in the body can spark mental problems, as in strokes, heart attack, and cancer, as well as many other illnesses. Change in life routines, such as death and relationships, as well as financial loss can trigger an episode of depression.
Evaluations and Help
Start with a diagnostic evaluation. The choice by the physician of treatment will be concluded after the results of the assessment.
The most important assistance for a depressed person is diagnosis and treatment. Nonetheless, family and friends should given encouragement by advising that treatment is strictly observed and carried out. The medication prescribed should be monitored by someone to see that each dose is taken, and correctly. The depressed person may need a ride to the doctors office, and help with shopping and buying food. Be understanding and listen in a realistic mode. Engage him or her in outside activities that were once something they enjoyed doing. Do not make authoritative requests; this may enhance the feelings of failure. Reassurance that with proper treatment most will get better is always comforting.
Diagnostic and treatment or referrals for treatment, may be found at:
-Personal physician.
-Experts in mental health. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers.
-Mental health centers located in your city.
For more information contact:
National Institute of Mental Health
Information Resources
6001 Executive Blvd.
Rom 8184, MSC9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
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