Depression
I've decided to make a page on this
topic. I feel that this is a very important issue. As a
woman who has raised children, worked outside
the home full time and been a wife, it's not hard to
imagine depression of some form for most. This isn't to
say all have it so bad they cannot function, but that
all of us at some time, I feel, have suffered from some
form of depression, no matter the severity. Society is
finally starting to accept that it does not mean a
person is crazy. There was a time when a person would
keep it hidden for fear that people would see it as
a weakness. Yes, maybe to some it is a weakness,
but as a person who has been treated for depression,
I know it was my brain's way of saying it
needed a rest from the stress in my life. When you are
raising a family, working or just life in general, we
are so busy, we don't or won't slow down. Our way of
trying to stay in control. I don't mean this to be a
testimonial but in my case, I always felt I had to be
strong because everyone needed me to be. No, I didn't
break down, but found myself continually crying over
small things and/or snapping, which was not my nature.
Admitting that I needed to talk things out was
my starting point. I had a habit of keeping things
inside, not wanting to make waves. This only
created medical problems in the form of ulcers.
I now know that I have to unload in a positve
manner. If you see any or all of the following, I
hope you will address this with your doctor.
Depression
According to the experts, if you have 4 or more of these
signs and they persist for more then 2 weeks,
then you need to seek help.
1. Persistent feelings of "emptiness"
or sadness
2. Feeling hopeless, helpless,
worthless, and/or guilty.
3. Substance abuse.
4. Fatigue or loss of interest in
ordinary activities, including sex.
5. Change in eating and sleeping
patterns (too much OR too little).
6. Irritability, increased crying,
anxiety and panic attacks.
7. Difficulty concentrating,
remembering or making decisions.
8. Thoughts of suicide; suicide
plans or attempts.
9. Persistent physical symptoms or
pains that do not respond to treatment.
Links that can help
For further Depression screening
Online:
Are You Depressed?
The Depression Test
Goldberg Depression
Questionaire
You Are Not Alone
One of the most scary emotional
experiences a person will ever suffer during
their lifetime is to experience a form of
depression. 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 is one of the most common and most
serious mental health problems facing people today.
You Are Not to Blame
Many people still carry the
misperception that depression is a character flaw, a
problem that happens because you are weak. They
say, "Pull yourself up by your own
bootstraps!" and "You're just
feeling blue... You'll get over it." Depression
is not a character flaw, nor is it simply feeling blue
for a few your fault. It is a serious mood disorder which
affects a person's ability to function in every day
activities. It affects one's work, one's family,
and one's social life.
So What Does Cause It?
There are as many potential causes
of depression as there are people who suffer it.
Depression is most often experienced as a depressed
mood, which may sometimes be related to some recent,
notable event which occurred in one's life.
While depression may be related to
feelings of grief after the loss of a loved one,
those feelings are natural. Depression caused by
medications or substance or alcohol abuse is
not typically recognized as a depressive episode.
Depression experienced after certain medical procedures
(such as post partum depression) is recognized, though.
Family history and genetics also play a part in the
greater likelihood of someone becoming depressed in
their lifetime. Increased stress and inadequate coping
mechanisms to deal with that stress may also contribute
to depression.
Some More Helpful Links
Depression FAQ's
Women and Depression
What Is Depression
Nat'l Foundation for Depressive
Illnesses
Dealing With Depression
Psychology Information Online
Medications commonly Used!
Antidepressant Medications
Holistic Approach to Treating
Depression
I do hope that this page will be a
stepping stone only to help you should you need some
online ideas. *I care!*
Please take time to sign my
guestbook.
Midi: Where there is Faith
Copyright © Chris Nicholson March 2000
All pages in this site ©Chrissy. All rights reserved.
As far as I know, all images not created by me on this site
are public domain. If you see one that's not, please let
me know and I will remove it immediately. It is most definitely
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More on this subject!
RAOK Causes
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