Depression
The
incidence of depression in our society seems to be on the rise. Recent
estimates suggest that as many as one in three of us will experience
some form of depression within our lifetimes.
Others
claim that depression may even represent a symptom of our times which
are characterized by alienation, lack of strong community bonds, and
hopeless economic situations for many.
It is
normal to feel sad and experience down days occasionally. Most people
go through normal periods of feeling dispirited, especially after they
experience a loss or any other period of stress.
Clinical Depression
But what specialists call Clinical Depression is different from just being “down in the dumps.”
The
main difference is that the sad or empty mood does not go away after a
couple of weeks – and everyday activities like eating, sleeping,
socializing, or working can be affected.
People
who experience depression describe it as agonizing pain that cannot be
shaken and seems to have no end in sight. They feel trapped and talk
about having a dark, empty pit in their chest or stomach that cannot be
filled.
Some depressed people suffer so much that they may even contemplate suicide.
Virtually
all people with depression complain about reduced energy, reduced
concentration, and the inability to complete projects.
About
eighty percent of depressed people say they have trouble sleeping, with
frequent night-time awakening during which they worry about their
problems.
Many people with depression over-sleep during the day-time.
Sufferers
of this disorder report that they have had either an increase or a
decrease in their appetite, sometimes accompanied by weight gain or
loss.
For further information on Major Depression, Bipolar Depression, Dysthymia, and Postpartum Depression Go to NAMI.org The
information on this website is intended to offer general information
only and recognizes that individual issues may differ from these broad
guidelines. Personal issues should be addressed within a therapeutic
context with a professional familiar with the details of the problems.
Laura Dickson, LCSW
The information on this website is intended to offer general
information only and recognizes that individual issues may differ from
these broad guidelines. Personal issues should be addressed within a
therapeutic context with a professional familiar with the details of
the problems. Laura Dickson, LCSW
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