Are you depressed?

Depression Clinical depression goes by many names -- depression, "the blues," biological depression, major depression. But it all refers to the same thing: feeling sad and depressed for weeks or months at a time (not just a passing blue mood), accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, and taking little or no pleasure in things that gave you joy in the past. Depression is readily treated nowdays with modern antidepressant medications and short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapies. Don't be put off by the amount of things written about depression -- because it's so common, a lot has been written about it! Read what you need, and leave the rest for another day.

Depression is the common cold of mental disorders — most people will be affected by depression in their lives either directly or indirectly, through a friend or family member. Confusion is commonplace about depression, for example, about what depression exactly is and what makes it different from just feeling down. There is also confusion surrounding the many types of depression (e.g., unipolar depression, biological depression, manic depression, seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia, etc.) that people may experience. There have been so many terms used to describe this set of feelings we’ve all felt at one time or another in our lives, to one degree or another, that it is time to set the record straight.

Depression is characterized by a number of common symptoms. These include a persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, and feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. A person who is depressed also often has feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness. They no longer take interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed; this may include things like going out with friends or even sex. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, and oversleeping are all common.

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain may be symptoms of depression in some people. Many others experience decreased energy, fatigue, and a constant feeling of being “slowed down.” Thoughts of death or suicide are not uncommon in those suffering from severe depression. Restlessness and irritability among those who have depression is common. A person who is depressed also has difficulty concentrating, remembering, and trouble making decisions. And sometimes, persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to traditional treatments — such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain — may be signs of a depressive illness.

Depression can be triggered by traumatic life events, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, allergies, medical illness, lack of exercise, drug and alcohol use, and digestive difficulties. These triggers are known to cause or contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances and depletion.

The key understanding about depression causes — and, in fact, causes for any mental disorder — is that we still do not know what causes these mental disorders. It is generally believed that all mental disorders are caused by a complex interaction and combination of biological, psychological and social factors. This theory is called the bio-psycho-social model of causation and is the most generally accepted theory of the cause of disorders such as depression by professionals.

Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.

In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.

Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as in the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.

Symptoms of Depression

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

DEPRESSION

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

MANIA

• Abnormal or excessive elation
• Unusual irritability
• Decreased need for sleep
• Grandiose notions
• Increased talking
• Racing thoughts
• Increased sexual desire
• Markedly increased energy
• Poor judgment
• Inappropriate social behavior

Depression in Women

Women experience depression about twice as often as men. So what kinds of unique concerns do women with depression face? How may treatment vary because of these concerns?

Depression in Seniors

Depression in older adults often goes undetected or is confused with a general health issue or the condition of aging. Yet depression is not a normal part of aging.

Depression in Children & Teens

Kids and teens can have depression just as readily as adults can. Often times it is missed and just chalked up to a normal part of being a teenage (”Oh, he’s just moody!”) when in fact it is clinical depression.

Is it Depression?

Major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 10 to 14 million adults. It involves disturbances in mood, concentration, sleep, activity level, interests, appetite, and social behavior. Depression can develop in anyone, regardless of race, culture, social class, age, or gender. Many people suffering from depression are not aware that there are natural remedies for depression that are a safe and effective alternative to psychiatric medication. Lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, stress reduction and exercise can also have a positive effect on depression symptoms.

Targeted Amino Acid Therapy (TAAT)

When you fear to face the world, undoubtedly you are depressed. Depression is a growing problem. In last 50-60 years. Its rate has gone much higher. The average age, of people going under depression first, has decreased now; back it was 30s, but data say these days it has gone down under 20. It is because teen age is the most suffering age. United State is the highest rating depressed country. No doubt, it’s just because of fast and restless lifestyle, which is now unstoppable. Although there are several tips and ways are told to the people to avoid depression, which are very useful and many people are benefited by them; still some of people fall in it due to any reason. What, they should do, is here:

The word spa is related with water treatment or health treatment through water and it has various related meanings like balneotherapy, spa towns or spa resorts which offer these treatment or medication or equipment. It is a best way to treat both body and mind. Basically the term Spa is derived from the name of a town in Belgium. In earlier days the illness caused by iron deficiency was treated by drinking spring water. In England the old Roman ideas of medicinal bathing were put into service in health resorts, but in the beginning they were into water drinking rather than bathing and slowly it was lost when many spas started to offer external remedies.

There are situations in a person's life where isolation and lack of happiness is experienced. Depression is a condition where a person feels bored and miserable. This feeling can be troubling particularly when a person seems so low and cannot conquer the obstructions that he is facing.

1) An individual must force himself to go outside. Do not even worry if the climatic conditions are not that good. Try to have a stroll outside, read a book, or even try to write poetry. This can be an efficient idea to conquer the depression rather than staying on the room alone.

2. It is all the time better if there are people that will hold up the person in depression. It is suggested that a person seek for a friend or a friend while he is still in the stage of improving depression. If the individual is not use to such a therapy, the Internet should be a very good resort to find ways how to find ways to treat this kind of ailment. It could be a little embarrassed to find some other people who are facing depression, but there is the likelihood that there are others out there that can relate.

3. It is sensible for the individual to write what he feels at that moment of depression. If there are no friends to tell what the problems are, he may try scripting about the feeling so that the abhorrence or sadness will collapse. Holding the feeling can just add more despair.

4. Meditation can be a good way to fight the depression. Deep breathing and good relaxation can ease anxiety and pressure that may escort to depression.

Depression can be treated if the person understands that he must also do his part on conquering the illness. If these suggested ways do not show any growth to let go of depression then it should be best if the person look for the help of a doctor or a therapist.

The term, ‘mental health problem' covers a wide range of problems which affect someone's ability to get on with their daily life. Causes of mental illness also vary, but may result from genetics, trauma, biological factors such as infections or toxins, or neuroplasticity resulting from psychological or anthropological factors. Mental health problems can affect anyone, of any age and background, as well as having an impact on the people around them such as their family, friends and carers. Symptoms of mental illness greatly vary dependent upon the specific disorder, but may include mild to chronic forms of depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, difficulties with attention, loss of cognitive abilities, or the presence of hallucinations or delusions. Mental health professionals will treat mental disorders differently using one or a combination of psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, case management, or other practices.