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Depression isn’t periodic sadness, and it isn’t the blues. You can’t pull yourself out of it. It’s a very real physiological condition with real symptoms. If you think that you or a loved one may be suffering from this debilitating disease but aren’t sure, read on. There are definite symptoms to watch for, and there is something you can do about it.
SYMPTOMS
Difficulty making decisions
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking up in the early morning hours
Loss of appetite or overeating
Irritability, restlessness
Less or no interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
Diminished interest in sex
Persistent sad or empty mood
Anxiousness
Pessimistic attitude toward life, hopelessness
Suicide attempts or thoughts of death
Low energy levels, a feeling of being in slow motion, fatigue
Difficulty in remembering or concentrating on specific tasks
The above symptoms are the most common, but a depressed person doesn’t have to suffer from all of them to have depression. Some people suffer a few, and some more. The depressed person can suffer from these symptoms for months or years. If you or someone you know have suffered from two or more of these symptoms for a few weeks or more, get help immediately.
GETTING HELP
The first step is to contact your doctor and get a complete physical exam to rule out any other physical ailments. Next, a psychological evaluation is in order to determine symptoms, and what type of depression you suffer from. There are three major types of depression: major depression, dysthymia (mild), or bipolar disorder.
After a complete diagnostic and mental status exam, various treatments will be discussed. A combination of psychotherapy and medication has proven to be more successful than just one method. The medication helps the patient physiologically while the psychotherapy helps him to learn to effectively deal with the pattern of negative thought and life in general.
CAUSES
There is some evidence that certain types of depression can run in families. The most important point to note is that people who are depressed do not appear to produce enough neuro-chemicals such as seratonin in the brain. It is a biological fact. Also, it is possible for some who have grown up in negative surroundings to suffer from depression. These people commonly suffer from low self-esteem, and the glass is “half-empty” attitude toward life. They are easily overwhelmed by the everyday stresses of life.
IF YOU HAVE DEPRESSION
Know that you’re not alone. At any given time it is estimated that nine million other Americans suffer from some form of depression. After your psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and during your treatment, take care of yourself. Do not commit to too much responsibility. Treatment takes time. Perform tasks one at a time, write them down, and start small.
Don’t expect “happiness” in a day or two. It takes time and work with psychotherapy to undo negative thinking patterns, etc. Try exercising, or participating in some mild physical activity. Engage in simple hobbies or activities you enjoy. Call up a friend and do something together.
IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS DEPRESSION
If you think you know someone suffering from depression, know what to do and what not to do. Do read up on depression and gain an understanding of what it is. Be there for that person and listen to them. Check up on them, help them with the cleaning or get them out of the house for a while. Make sure they are getting the help they need. Make an appointment with their doctor if you have to. You could literally be saving that person from death.
Do not tell them to “get over it.” Do not make them commit to challenging tasks and get angry if they don’t complete them. Do not tell them that they have a great life and that they have nothing to be sad about. Would you tell a diabetic to stop using his insulin and just “get healthy?” There is a stigma attached to depression that isn’t there with other diseases. Don’t perpetuate it.
One of the worst known facts about depression is how many people have it and don’t get help. Due to the pessimistic nature of the illness, people don’t think there’s anything they can do about it. There are and continue to be new medications on the market. Research is always being performed and the prognosis looks promising. With more research it will only get better. There is no need to live with depression. There is help.
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