Depression is one of the most
common and most serious mental health problems facing people today.
It is described as being a sneak thief; it slips into a life and gradually
robs the meaning of it. Having emotions such as, sadness, gloominess,
or melancholy is normal, but it is not normal when they last for a long
period of time. If this problem occurs and is untreated people may continue
their sadness for several weeks or even years. Depression can interfere
with a person's ability to function effectively throughout the day or
even to have the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. This should
not be taken lightly.
Depression is so common that over 1 in 5 Americans can expect to get
some form of depression in their lifetime. Over 1 in 20 Americans have
a depressive disorder every year. Depression affects more tan 17 million
Americans each year. It is also the account for as many as 70% of psychiatric
hospitalizations. The suicide risk in people with severe depression
ranges between 15 and 30 percent; with approximately seven suicide attempts
for every successful suicide. Women are two to three times more likely
to attempt suicide, but men are four to five times more likely to be
successful in their attempt. Women are almost twice as likely as men
to experience a depressive episode throughout their lives. Those who
seem to be most likely to experience depression are married women, women
in poverty, adolescents, and unmarried men. Although depression can
occur in very young children, even in those under five years of age,
it is more likely to occur for the first time during teenage years or
in early adulthood.
Sufferers of this disease often don't realize the nature of it, until
they can no longer help themselves, or they may recognize what they
have been through only after they are on their way out of the shadows.
Many people begin to feel depressed as the result of some recent, notable
event to events, which occurred in one's life. Studies also know that
family history and genetics play a part in the greater likelihood of
someone becoming depressed in their lifetime. Studies have also supported
the idea that relatives of depressive patients are more likely to suffer
from bipolar mood disorders than the relatives of non-patients. Increased
stress and inadequate coping mechanisms to deal with that stress may
also contribute to depression.
Some symptoms of depression may include the following: not following
through with things that you do all the time, blowing off your friends,
drastic change in appetite, change in energy level, change in your sex
drive, growing sense of restlessness, irritability, and futility. The
symptoms of depression fall into four categories: mood, cognitive, behavioral,
and physical. Depressed people generally describe their mood as sad,
depressed, anxious, or flat. Victims of depression often report additional
feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, pessimism, uselessness, worthlessness,
helplessness, unreasonable guilt, and profound apathy. Their self-esteem
is usually low, and they may feel overwhelmed, restless, or irritable.
Treatment is available for most people suffering from depression, the
most effective for moderate to severe cases generally being a combination
of biological and non-biological therapies. This usually means making
use of both medication and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is educational in nature and involves helping patients
develop an understanding of various problems, as well as new beliefs
and behaviors, which can ultimately lead to more successful adjustment.
It can take many forms, but all involve a therapist working with an
individual, or with a couple, a family, or a group of unrelated people.
Depression is a very serious disease that can take over ones body and
mind. If anyone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms that were
listed above, you need to help them seek help immediately. They may
be in denial or unaware of what is going on with their mind and body,
so it is your responsibility to look out for them. If you don't, they
could be affected by this for so long that it may result in death.
Work Cited
1. http://mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=5 October 30, 2002
2. http://il.essortment.com/manicdepression_rixz.htm October 30.2002
3. Ainsworth, Patricia. Understanding Depression. Jackson: University
Press
Of Mississippi, 2002