Depression is a very serious mental disorder that is often overlooked or ignored by those who suffer it. Coincidentally, it is generally very easy to treat. Unfortunately when it goes untreated, it can greatly impare one's ability to perform in general everyday life. Depression has many causes, and they differ greatly depending on the individual, the individual's life experience, and the individual's ability to deal with negativity. Causes of depression range from chemical imbalances in the brain, to outside influences out of one's control.
Some general symptoms of depression include loss of interest in things you once loved, "empty" sad and negative feelings lasting most of the day almost every day, significant changes in appetite, weight gain/loss, insomnia or hypersomnia almost every night, psychomotor aggitation or retardation almost every day (inability to function at a normal speed), fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt every day, inability to think or concentrate on things, indecisiveness, crying, general aches and pains that do not respond to treatment, recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal feelings without a specific plan, suicide attempts, or suicidal thoughts with a specific plan. Most symptoms continue almost every day for more than two months, generally without the influence of bereavement or other negative aspects of life. In contrast to normal emotional sadness, depression is persistant and can severely impare an individual's ability to function. Many people often think the symptoms of depression are not real, or that the individual can easily shake them off. This is not true, and unfortunately this is one reason why depression often goes untreated. Those who suffer from depression often don't seek treatment, or discontinue it due to feelings of shame, and often untreated depression leads to self injury or suicide.
If you think you may suffer from clinical depression, it is very important for you to seek help. Talk to someone close to you about your feelings and what symptoms you may have. If there's no one you feel you can talk to, make an appointment with your physician to discuss your concerns and start treatment. The initial step you take by talking to a loved one or a family physician is the most important step you can take towards treatment and learning to overcome, or to live with your condition.
Treament of depression is fairly simple. While mild to moderate forms of depression can often be treated with psychotherapy alone, severe forms of depression are more likely to respond to a combination of psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications. These pharmecuticals regulate the flow of certain chemicals in the brain that affect your mood, and make it easier for you to function normally over a long period of time. Because these medications have a strong effect on your body, it can be hazardous to come off of them too soon. You should never stop taking them unless directed by your doctor. Often, for very serious cases, you may have to stay on the anti-depressants for years, even a lifetime, even after you complete psychotherapy.
Anti-depressants and psychotherapy aren't the only ways to treat and/or avoid depression. There are many simple ways you can change your lifestyle to influence your mental health. One great stress reliever is regular exercise. Chances are, your doctor or psychiatrist will recommend some sort of exercise routine, and if you follow it you will begin to notice the effect it has on your mood. You will begin to look and feel better physically, which will lead to elevated self-esteem and more energy to do the things you love.
Another similar way to affect your mental health, is eating a healthy diet. You psychiatrist or doctor will most likely examine your eating habits as well as your exercise habits, because physical health is extremely important to mental health.
Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, as it not the fault of the person suffering from it. The best thing you can do for yourself is seek help when you need it, because if you keep it to yourself, the problem will grow. Never be afraid to let others help you carry that load.
Take a quiz:
http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm
Read More About Depression:
http://www.allaboutdepression.com
by: Kim Worpek
