Almost everyone feels a little blue or a little down every now and then. Maybe we had a bad day at work. Maybe we are having a disagreement with a friend or a loved one. Maybe we just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. It happens.
Occasional temporary feelings of sadness are a natural part of life. However if you often feel this way, or if the feelings are too much, you may suffer from depression.
According to NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), approximately 9.5% of the population or nearly 19 million adults in the US suffer from some form of depression.
Depression can be devastating. It can ruin your family life, destroy your friendships and personal relationships and reduce your ability to think, reason and function. Left untreated, depression can rob you of any glimmer of hope or happiness. It can prevent any chance you lead to a rich, whole life. But it does not have to be this way. Depression can be treated!
Many people suffer from depression. They go through a life of struggle, often severe, self-loathing without ever seeking help. Some people suffer for months or even years at a time without asking for help. They fear that asking for help or even believing that confessing to their friends or loved ones that they are depressed will somehow diminish them. Unfortunately, their biggest obstacle to getting help may be their own attitude to their suffering.
Some people, especially men, try to mask or escape from their depression by abusing drugs or alcohol. However, their drug abuse is getting worse. In fact, their continued use of substance abuse is fast becoming a contributing factor to their depression.
Clinical Depression Is Not A Character Flaw
Clinical depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness or failure. This is not something you can just avoid or snap out of either. It is a medical condition and should be treated like any other medical condition. Unfortunately, some people do not know the fact that depression is a treatment for the disease.
The vast majority of people with depression, even severe depression, can be helped. In fact, most people seeking treatment for depression usually feel better in just a few weeks. Often, the treatment of depression leads to a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you think you (or a loved one) may be suffering from depression, do not let the thought of medication encourage you to seek treatment. Many times depression can be treated without the use of medication. But if your doctor feels that you will benefit from the medication, he or she may prescribe an antidepressant. Taking medication for the treatment of depression is really no different than taking medication for high blood pressure, diabetes or indigestion.
There is no shame or stigma associated with seeking professional help for depression. The only shame is in allowing yourself (or a loved one) to suffer unnecessarily without getting help.
Depression Does Not Know No Social, Racial Or Economic Boundaries
Depression has no social, racial or economic boundaries. In fact, many famous people from all walks of life have introduced themselves to the public in their struggles with depression. Not because they seek sympathy, but rather because they hope to inspire and encourage others who are suffering from grief in their success stories.
Causes of Depression
In some people, depression is triggered by a combination of factors (i.e., stress, money problems, marital problems, work situations, etc.). In others, a factor, such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce, can lead to depression. Depression often runs in families. If one or both of your parents suffered from depression (diagnosed or undiagnosed) you are also at a higher risk of being afflicted with it.
Some personalities seem more vulnerable to depression than others. For example, people with low self-esteem and people who depend on others seem to be more vulnerable to depression.
Symptoms of Depression
There are various symptoms associated with depression. Not everyone who suffers from depression experiences every symptom. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience many. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and may also vary over time. Generally though, if you experience four or more of any of these symptoms in two weeks or more, you should seek professional help.
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