For some reason in today’s society, it’s a almost taboo to discuss mental illness. Let alone admit that someone maybe suffering from any type. This type of blindness has caused so much misconception on how to handle one that suffers from such an illness or to even recognize the signs. To the point that those that require help or even to be diagnosed deny it. Or worse don’t even seek help.
Just so we are clear, Depression is considered a serious illness and is seen as an actual disorder of the brain. The sad thing is that the majority of people that suffer from depression go undiagnosed and untreated, which can become a major issue for them and those that are around them. An illness like this really shouldn’t go untreated. In the U.S alone 6.7% of adults experience this illness. Another little known fact is that women have a 70% chance of actually experiencing a depressive episode more than men.
It turns out there are some that experience depression as early as 13 years old. That’s about 3.3% of the population in the U.S. experiencing this between the ages of 13 – 18. The majority of the population starts to experience signs of depression at about the age of 32.
One of the issues that make it difficult for many to identify a depressive episode is that everyone feels under the weather from time to time. So you really can’t tell the difference from feeling under the weather or an actual episode. What makes it worst is that a lot of the symptoms are suffered internally by the individual themselves. These symptoms are so personal and intimate that most never actually share these symptoms with anyone. Not even their doctor or their family for fear of being labeled as crazy. Which actually is not the best thing to do?
So its really up to those close to the suffering person to try our best to identify those signs and encourage them to get the proper help. We live within the brotherhood of humanity and it is key that we look out for each other. Here are some signs to look out for:
– Persistent sadness
– Anxiousness
– Feeling of emptiness
– Feeling of hopelessness
– Sudden pessimism
– Feelings of guilt
– Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
– Higher irritability and restlessness
– Sudden lost of interest in activities or hobbies they once took great joy in
– Decreased energy or fatigue
– Difficulty concentrating
– Insomnia
– Either a sudden surge of overeating or a lost of appetite
– Thoughts of suicide or even an attempt
There are different types of categories of depression. The types of diagnosis determine the form of treatment. The different types of categories are as following:
= Major Depression – Interfere with ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy life.
= Persistent Depressive Disorder – Can last at least 2 years
= Psychotic Depression – Signs of severe depression with some form of psychosis
= Postpartum Depression – Also known as the “baby blues”
– Occurs after a woman gives birth
= Seasonal Affective Disorder – Occurs during the winter months
Please, whatever you do don’t try to diagnosis any form depression, leave this to an actual licensed professional. They can not only properly diagnose the issue as well as treat it. They can determine the cause of the illness as well. There are many things that can contribute to the onset of a depressive episode:
– Genetic
– Biological
– Environmental
– Psychological Factors
There are several different ways that depression can be treated:
– Antidepressants
– Psychotherapy
– Electroconvulsive
Those that suffer from depression have a difficult time maintaining the basic function of daily life. As the years have gone by more and more awareness is being made about this illness. Even celebrities are coming out and sharing their battles with this illness to assist in bring awareness to this illness:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/31/celebs-with-depression_n_942771.html
Be the friend to humanity that you are and keep an eye out for those that might be suffering silently. If they are there is help out there for them.
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Related links:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/treatment/diet
Looking Outside The Bubble 