Depression is not only a state of being sad, it is a disease that conquers the ability to feel emotion, whether good or bad, whatsoever. Depression not only involves the mind, it also involves the body and thoughts. Depression is not a disease that only influences males or children of the age three to eleven. Every human being is prone to depression. Although women are three times more likely to become depressed than men, men are five times more likely to commit suicide when depressed than women.
Although all age groups are open to depression, teenagers are the most common to be heard of being affected by the disease. This is probably because of peer pressure and the changes in their life. One great risk for becoming depressed is if you smoke. Some scientists hold to believe that smoking may be linked to Depression. Tobacco smoke kills off an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down a nerve cell chemical that activates pleasure seeking behavior. Most experts believe a combination of family history (your genes) and stressful life events may cause depression.
Genes: people whose family members have had depression are more likely to go through a depression period. Life events are a major cause of depression for example the lost of a loved one, had a baby (depression after birth), recently divorced, constant stress, substance abuse, or any other life changing event. How do you know if you are going through a depression? Well here are some symptoms: Sadness and loss of satisfaction in things once enjoyed are probably the most known symptoms. But some symptoms are sometimes overlooked. Guilt is one symptom that coincides with depression immensely.
When feelings of guilt are put on a person they lose what hope they once had. They blame themselves for things that they are not accountable for and have extreme feelings of hopelessness. Other symptoms overlooked are insomnia and loss of appetite. Not getting enough sleep may be linked to stress and guilt. Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty. Losing energy or feeling tired all the time. Having problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions and one of the most important symptom is thinking about death or hurting one self.
Depressed individuals have shorter life expectancies than those without depression, in part because of greater susceptibility to medical illnesses and suicide. There are three different types of depression. Major Depression is the most severe case of depression that there is. The symptoms for Major Depression are just like any other type of depression. To be Majorly Depressed you do not have to have been hospitalized or medicated. Lots of people get depression confused with extreme sadness. Depression is not a term just to be thrown around; it is a evere state of being. The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on the patient's self-reported experiences, behavior reported by relatives or friends, and a mental status examination. Typically, patients are treated with antidepressant medication and, in many cases, also receive psychotherapy or counseling, although the effectiveness of medication for mild or moderate cases is questionable. Dysthymic Depression is a low level of depression that lasts up to at least two years and in most cases longer.
When one is diagnosed with Dysthymic Depression they are very resistant to treatment. Although Dysthymic Depression is not as severe as Major depression it is still very important. Dysthymics will usually undergo a Major Depression episode sometime during their dysthymic period. Bipolar Depression, also known as, Manic Depression, is yet another type of Depression. This type has very different symptoms than that of Major Depression or Dysthymia. The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder are having both very high and very low mood swings.
When one has Manic Depression one day they could be extremely happy and the next in a very severe depressive mood. This change in mood can happen over hours or over a period of time. Sometimes depression can be avoided all together. Having a good home life and a high self-esteem would be primary for people not to be depressed. Although in some cases you are predisposition to have depression, little things do help. Talking about your problems and not bottling them up helps immensely to avoid emotional breakdowns and blowups.
Avoiding extreme “stressers,” like putting yourself in a situation you cannot get out of, also helps. Avoidance of cigarettes and alcohol also helps with staying healthy and happy. Offer goodwill to others, learn to detach from thoughts, keep busy, avoid feelings of guilt, live a balanced life, don’t base your happiness solely on other people, have low expectations, don’t dwell on the negative, exercise, get a regular sleep schedule, have healthy meals, and a very important one is to talk to a rofessional like a counselor or psychologist. [pic] Facts • Almost 10 percent of Americans have depression in a given year. • Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U. S. for people ages 15 to 44. • Depression is one of the most common and treatable mental health disorders. • Major depression can occur in children, teens, and adults. • Most patients who have depression can be effectively treated, and they can return to their normal activities and feelings. • Depression distorts your thinking.
When you are depressed, your mind can play tricks on you. • Depression makes you selfish. It's very hard to think of other people when you're wrapped in a prickly blanket of sadness, and all you can think about is your own pain • People don't choose to be depressed, but they do make a choice about how to deal with it • Depression can be as hard on your loved ones as it is on you • In the United States, around 3. 4% of people with major depression commit suicide, and up to 60% of people who commit suicide had depression or another mood disorder
