Depression
Featured Article
Some people have described depression as a heavy black curtain of despair that envelops their lives. Depression affects your life, and the lives of those around you. It can severely disrupt how you function, eat, sleep, and get along with others. Although most people who suffer from depression feel as though they are suffering alone, roughly 20% of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a disease, and like any other disease, it can be treated and managed. Read on to learn more about depression and what you can do to get help.
Childhood Depression
Kids get depressed, just like adults do. Roughly 5%of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time. Although childhood depression may not occur quite as frequently as adolescent or adult depression, it’s still a serious disorder that needs to be addressed.
Adolescent Depression
The rates of depression worldwide have begun to reach epidemic numbers. Roughly eight million people in North America suffer from the condition, with major depression and bipolar disorder listed as the most frequent diagnoses. In most cases, these conditions first begin to develop or display their symptoms in the teenage years, and most mental health experts agree that early recognition of these conditions will have profound effects on later morbidity and mortality.
Types of Depression
Depression comes in many different forms and varieties. The most common types of depression include major depression, dysthymic depression, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, psychotic depression, and postpartum depression. The intensity, duration and cause of symptoms are often used to distinguish the many different types of depression and determine the most appropriate treatment method.
Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a unique kind of depression that occurs each year during the same season. Most often, it starts in the fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer. This disorder was first identified fifteen years ago by Norman Rosenthal, M.D. at the National Institute of Mental Health. Also known as the “the winter blues,” or “cabin fever,” seasonal depression is often disregarded as a figment of the imagination. However, it’s a very real and debilitating condition, but one that can be managed with appropriate treatment.
Depression and Suicide
In the deepest, darkest moments of despair, many of us have felt a nagging call to “end it all.” But often, even in that dark place, there is something: a sliver of hope that things could be better, a small hesitation or indecision about such a drastic measure. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies are not an indication of a flaw or weakness in your personality. They are a response to intense and chronic pain that is no longer bearable. If you, or someone you love is suicidal, YOU NEED TO GET HELP NOW.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a type of depression that affects more than two million American adults. It is a brain disorder that causes major mood shifts resulting in dramatic ups and downs. It affects a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. This condition can damage relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But the good news is that bipolar disorder can be treated, allowing sufferers to lead full and productive lives. Bipolar disorder typically develops in the teen years or in early adulthood. However, some people see their first symptoms as children, while others do not develop symptoms until later in life. Many people suffer in silence with this condition, as they do not recognize their symptoms as part of an illness.
Holiday Depression
Holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, a time of cheer filled with parties and family gatherings. But for some, the holidays can be a lonely reminder of past sorrows and future worries. Towards the end of the year, many people suffer from holiday depression. If you or a loved one suffers from holiday depression, here’s what you need to know about this condition, and what you can do to recognize and overcome it.
Causes of Depression
People who suffer from depression generally describe the condition as an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and sadness, as if a black curtain hanging over their lives. Some people can experience depression suddenly as the direct result of a specific event. While others become depressed slowly over time. There are several types of depression, such as clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and bipolar disorder. Each of these conditions may be linked to a unique cause or circumstance.
Depression Help
Depression is an exhausting condition. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can make it difficult to reach out for help. It’s important to realize that these negative thoughts and pessimistic views are part of the depression and they rarely reflect the situation accurately. With proper treatment, this negative thinking will fade and a more positive attitude should eventually take its place.
Depression Test
Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Depression has many causes and influences people in unique ways. We all have our good days when we feel on top of the world, and our bad days when we feel sad, exceptionally tired or are have trouble sleeping. Fortunately for most of us, our bad days don’t usually last long and we’re able to bounce back relatively quickly. But when symptoms like these last for two weeks or more, it may be a sign of clinical depression.