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Shvoong Home>Medicine & Health>Danger "D" for Depression or Death Summary

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Danger "D" for Depression or Death

Article Abstract by: Teju    

Original Author: Teju
  • Summary rating: 4 stars (8 Ratings)
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Depression is more than just feeling sad. People who are clinically depressed are not just moody or feeling "blue"
for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very down—or in some cases, very anxious or extremely tired—for several weeks or months. Drug and/or alcohol abuse may also be signs of depression. Because depression can change the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves, it can have negative effects on all aspects of a person''s life, from school, to work, to family and social life. Depression is not a sign of a weak personality, nor is it something to be ashamed of. It is a real disease, like HIV, diabetes, or arthritis – one that needs treatment. The good news is that depression can be treated effectively. In addition to external, societal factors that may contribute to depression, there are other reasons why a person might become depressed. These include traumatic life experiences such as the death of a loved one, living with disease, taking medications with unpleasant side effects, substance abuse, hormonal changes, or a family history of depression. Sometimes the cause of depression is unknown. Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages, and they may also influence a person''s mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can''t communicate effectively. There are a number of possible symptoms of depression. To be diagnosed with depression, a person must have several of these symptoms at once, including depressed mood, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It is not necessary that all depressed patients have all the same symptoms; studies have shown that people may experience the symptoms of depression in different ways. While one person may experience bodily aches and pains, another person may notice a sudden fluctuation in their weight or appetite. It''s important to understand what the symptoms of depression are so the disease can be properly treated. Signs and symptoms of depression may include1: Depressed or irritable mood most of the day—nearly every day Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day—nearly every day A sudden change in weight or appetite Inability to sleep or sleeping too much Agitation or restlessness (observed by others) Constant fatigue or loss of energy Frequent feelings of worthlessness or guilt Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Counseling, or psychotherapy, is often called "talk therapy," and it comes in many forms, but basically it is aimed at helping you develop new ways to cope with problems and stress, and to identify and understand more about your anxiety and how to avoid it in the future. Psychotherapy may take place in individual, group, or family sessions, and as with medication, the process itself may take some time before it is effective.
Published: July 17, 2007
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