The term
depression is often misused. Depression is not just feeling sad about
something. Depression is not part of the normal grieving process. True
depression (often called clinical depression) is a physiological and
psychological illness that lasts for an extended period of time and reduces or
entirely impairs a person's ability to perform daily functions. People cannot
wish or will themselves out of a true depressive episode. Many people, upwards
of 25% of women and 19% of men, suffer from a bout of depression at least once
in their lives. Still the illness remains under
diagnosed, mistreated, and stigmatized.
The Warning Signs
It is
normal for people to become sad as a response to certain life events, but when
the sadness begins to make every day life difficult or even impossible, it is
time to seek a doctor's help. Specific signs of depression include changes in
sleep patterns, changes in appetite or eating habits, difficulty concentrating,
uncontrollable crying, loss of interest in all activities, or thoughts of
suicide or death. When
you begin to experience any combination of these symptoms that don't go away
shortly, chances are you are dealing with true depression.
Put Pride
Aside
Realizing
you are depressed is not any sign of weakness. Depression
can happen to anyone, and it takes someone truly courageous and strong to
overcome it. Don't be afraid to admit
to a doctor how you have really been feeling, and what you have really been
thinking. Chances are the doctor has heard much worse than anything you tell
him. Also tell those you love what is going on. Having the support of your
friends and family can be a vital part of beating the illness. You'll probably be
surprised how many of your friends and family have already been through a
similar situation in the past. Many people neglect to open up to everyone about
what they are going through and that perpetuates until you think no one you know
has dealt with anything like depression. The fact of the matter is they probably
have already experienced their own depression or the depression of someone else
close to them, but never felt brave enough to talk about it.
Don't Give
Up
Depression
can be a difficult illness to beat, but you can will over it if you just don't
give up. Depression medications are notorious for not helping at all. Therapy is
amazing, but you can't expect major results over night! If depression were easy
to get rid of, then wouldn't you just do it! Truth
is it is an illness that requires professional help to conquer, so get to the
doctor if you have any question depression is a problem.
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