Okay..I'm sure you have heard all of the ,though well intended, bad advice concerning depression. You know the advice I'm talking about, the"Just snap out of it","If you would smile you would feel better","You just need to go out and have fun", or my personal favorite,"Stop feeling sorry for yourself". I have come to realize that people don't mean to be so insensitive, they just don't really understand depression. They don't realize that a chemical imbalance may be waging a war inside of you. They don't realize what the fear, anger, confusion,hopelesness,etc. are doing to you, both mentally and physically....Well, you won't find any of that kind of advice here. My intention is to put information on my site that is truly helpful. I will be continually adding new information as it becomes available. There is no shame in depression..You are not alone..There are millions of people out there that feel just like you..
Recognize the Signs Of Depression and Possible Suicide Risk Recent Loss--through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of religious faith, loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed Change in Personality--sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic
Change in Behavior--can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks Change in Sleep Patterns -- insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, nightmares Change in Eating Habits--loss of appetite and weight, or overeating Diminished Sexual Interest-- impotence, menstrual abnormalities (often missed periods) Fear of losing control -- going crazy, harming self or others Low self esteem -- feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, "everyone would be better off without me" No hope for the future -- believing things will never get better; that nothing will ever change Other things to watch for- Suicidal impulses, statements, plans; giving away favorite things; previous suicide attempts, agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness or lethargy.
There are several types of Depression
Reactive Depression:An extension of the normal upset feeling following an unhappy event in a person's life such as death of a close relative or friend, marriage break up or loss of employment. Typically a sufferer will feel low, anxious and often angry and irritable. Reactive depression does not only occur after a major set back as there are certain people who are particularly prone to the complaint and find even minor misfortunes intolerable. In these situations, the individual's personality or early life experiences leave them particularly vulnerable to disappointments. 2.Endogenous Depression: Primarily a chemical or biological complaint, traumatic events will often provoke this condition, the symptoms of which can be summarised as follows: Fatigue Feelings of sadness, anxiety and despair Impaired concentration and memory Loss of interest Social withdrawal Sleep disturbance, decreased or increased Eating disturbance, decreased or increased Suicidal thoughts Sometimes referred to as unipolar depression, the risk of recurrence seems more likely where there is a high rate of depression amongst the patient's relatives. 3.Manic Depression:Also known as bipolar depression, its symptoms are identical with those of endogenous depression, apart from the unique spells of elation or mania with which it alternates. Although usually considered a pleasurable experience, such elation often has devastating effects on a person's life. Its symptoms are as follows: Increased energy with hyperactivity Overtalkativeness Racing thoughts Grandiose plans with impaired judgement Irritability Overspending Limited need for sleep
Some 50% of those who have had a one off episode of manic depression may have a recurrence, and for those who have had a number of episodes, the risk of further recurrence is greater still. Some one per cent of the general population will develop this disorder at some stage in their life, generally between the teenage years and the early forties.
Depression and Suicide
Almost all people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorders, most commonly depression or a substance abuse disorder. Warning signs of suicide: If you, or someone you love, exhibits any of the following warning signs for suicide, take immediate action, as this is considered a medical emergency. Warning signs often include: mood changes, changes in personality, preoccupation with death, giving away important personal possessions, expressed feelings of worthlessness, final arrangements, "cries" for help. What immediate action should be taken to prevent a suicide? According to the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA), the following steps should be immediately taken if someone is threatening suicide: Take the person seriously. Involve other people. Contact friends and family members. Express concern. Listen attentively. Ask direct questions. Acknowledge the person's feelings. Offer reassurance. Do not promise confidentiality. If possible, do not leave the person alone. Contact a mental health professional and/or call 911 immediately. Keep potentially harmful objects hidden. Prepare for possible hospitalization, if the physician advises.
