A very serious and important issue.


So much more needs to be done to help the cause.

http://www.nmha.org

Clinical Depression is a common, real and treatable illness.
Basic Facts About Clinical Depression:
Clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year.[1] This includes major depressive disorder, manic depression and dysthymia, a milder, longer-lasting form of depression.

Depression causes people to lose pleasure from daily life, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide.
-Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. Depression is never a "normal" part of life, no matter what your age, gender or health situation.
Unfortunately, though treatment for depression is almost always successful, fewer than half of those suffering from this illness seek treatment.[2] Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn't serious, that they can treat it themselves or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical illness.

Treatments for Clinical Depression:
Clinical depression is very treatable, with more than 80% of those who seek treatment showing improvement.[3] The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences. Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:
Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking

Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Fatigue or loss of energy

Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

Thoughts of suicide or death

If you have five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could have clinical depression and should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help.

Causes of Clinical Depression:
Many things can contribute to clinical depression. For some people, a number of factors seem to be involved, while for others a single factor can cause the illness. Oftentimes, people become depressed for no apparent reason.

Biological - People with depression typically have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals, called "neurotransmitters." Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or contribute to clinical depression.
Cognitive - People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.

Gender - Women experience clinical depression at a rate that is nearly twice that of men.[3] While the reasons for this are still unclear, they may include the hormonal changes women go through during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Other reasons may include the stress caused by the multiple responsibilities that women have.

Co-occurrence - Clinical depression is more likely to occur along with certain illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and hormonal disorders.

Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.

Genetic - A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness.

Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to clinical depression.

shanti0608 said:

indeed!

missmad said:

Part of the problem is that depression has become a bad word. Ppl do not look at it like other diseases like Diabetes.

It is a shame that may ppl are afraid to get help.
It is a shame that many ppl dismiss or over look the signs and symptoms until it is too late.

I need that kind of check up

Thanx Rhonda

shanti0608 said:

right, it is not considered something serious, it is considered almost playful.
I think people may be afraid 2 get help as they are ashamed of themselves, maybe that others will turn their back on them.

The stigma attached to the terms "mental health" in general i think quietens those that want the help but are afraid 2.

Mach said:

i hope all will be ok sweetie.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:


Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Yup

Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking Yup

Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Yup

Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Yup

Restlessness, irritability
Yup

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders) Yup

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Yup

Fatigue or loss of energy
Yup

Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Yup

Thoughts of suicide or death No

So yeah

The last 6 months of my life have been interesting indeed

I am seeing small improvements now

Get help if you need it people - please

I am using non prescription methods under watchful eyes

&

Mach said:

Stymie said:

Thanx babe Many people do not and would not believe Mach could possibly be suffering CD - EVER

So I speak out on it here and IRL to bring attention to it and to help others feel it's Okay ( I hope it helps at least one suffering person )

Mach said:

It's a battle I've had since I was 14 years old. It claimed both of my parents. I can't let it claim me, too.

Stymie said:

I am very new to it I can see how easy it would be to be drug under by it

It's a very hard thing to cope with while a busy family life surrounds you I got so very wraped up in caregiving for so many others I forgot me - maybe

I am determined to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

TY Val

A very serious and important issue.


So much more needs to be done to help the cause.

shanti0608 said:

prb said:

MrsMdiver said:

hi Val