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Depression can be a very debilitating illness for many people. People need to know that they can be in control of their moods, decisions, and outcomes in life. When they experience a loss in their ability to control moods and choices, then they can spiral even deeper into depression and hopelessness. This depression can severely impact their ability to function on a daily basis. It is a real and painful illness.
Researchers tell us that between 5%-9% of the general population can suffer from major depression at any time. Twice as many women suffer from depression than men and children and adolescents are also susceptible.
SYMPTIONS OF DEPRESSION:
- Persistent sadness, anxious or "empty" moods, or crying spells
- Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of appetite and weight or weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down" or tired all the time
- Restlessness, irritability
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION:
The good news is that there is help for this illness. Many people have found counseling to be an instrumental course of treatment for their depression. Talk therapy is useful in assisting people in understanding their illness, in minimizing shame associated with mental disorders, harnessing resources, referring to community medical providers, and in using forms of therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioral methods. This method examines the ways we perceive ourselves and our world and corrects them toward healthier and more adaptive thinking.
Medical providers such as family doctors, psychiatrists, or psychiatric nurse practitioners can assist with medications specifically formulated for depression. For some people these medications help to ease some of the symptoms of depression such as tearfulness, sleeplessness, irritability, and fatigue.
Other forms of intervention include: exercise, diet, and light therapy.
Depression is a very treatable illness and learning as much as possible about this disorder will help you choose the best course of treatment suited to meet your needs.
Links:
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