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Depression
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Depression is
an illness and it is one of the leading causes of suicidal behavior. Depression is
very common, and in fact, 1out of 5 people experience some form of it in
their lifetimes.
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Symptoms of Depression -
 Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Decreased energy. fatigue, being "slowed down"
Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
Disconnected
and racing thoughts
Markedly
increased energy
Increased sexual desire
Social withdrawal
Types of depression
Major depression
This is manifested by a
combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to eat, sleep,
and enjoy once pleasurable activities.
Dysthymia -
It
involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from
functioning well.
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It is estimated that one out
of three adults experience
some form of depression in their lifetime.
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Bipolar disorder
also called a manic-depressive illness, is characterized by cycling mood
changes: severe highs (mania) and severe lows (depression). Sometimes the mood
switches are dramatic and rapid. Without
treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
Adjustment Disorders:
This is the
type of depression that results when a person has something bad happen to
them.
Causes of Depression
Many types of
depression, is inherited and runs in families. A serious loss, difficult relationship,
financial problem, or any stressful event can trigger a depressive episode.
Depression in Women
Women
experience depression twice often as men do. Many women are also
particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby. The hormonal and physical
changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors
that lead to postpartum depression in some women.
Transient
blues are common in new mothers, however, a full-blown depressive episode is
not a normal occurrence, and may require outside intervention.
Depression in Men
Depression
typically shows up not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being
irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to
recognize as such in men.
Depression in the Elderly
Research
suggests that psychotherapy (talk therapies that help a person in day-to-day
relationships or in learning to counter the distorted negative thinking that
commonly accompanies depression) is effective in reducing symptoms in
short-term depression in older persons who are medically ill.
Depression in Children
The depressed
child may pretend to be sick, cling to a parent, or
worry that the parent may die. Older children may sulk, get into trouble at
school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood.
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