Monday, October 26, 2009
Depression
Major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder) is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Major depression is a disabling condition which adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health.
Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that last for at least two weeks in a row, including sad and/or irritable mood, that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
Depression symptoms of major depression or manic depression:
- Persistently sad, anxious, angry, irritable, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Decreased appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and/or weight gain
- Fatigue, decreased energy, being "slowed down"
- Crying spells
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and/or chronic pain
Depressive disorders make those afflicted feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual situation. It should be remembered that negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime, the following are helpful guidelines and advice for the depressed individual:
- Eat healthy foods and make time to get enough rest to physically promote improvement in your mood.
- Express your feelings, either to friends, in a journal, or using art to help release some negative feelings.
- Do not set difficult goals for yourself or take on a great deal of responsibility. - Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can when you can.
- Do not expect too much from yourself too soon, as this will only increase feelings of failure.
- Try to be with other people, which is usually better than being alone.
- Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
- You might try exercising mildly, going to a movie or a ball game, or participating in religious or social activities.
- Don't rush or overdo it. Don't get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away. Feeling better takes time.
- Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs or getting married or divorced without consulting others who know you well. These people often can have a more objective view of your situation. In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted.
- Do not expect to "snap out" of your depression. People rarely do. Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for not being up to par.
- Remember, do not accept your negative thinking. It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
- Plan how you would get help for yourself in an emergency, like calling friends, family, your physical or mental-health professional or a local emergency room if you were to develop thoughts of harming yourself or someone else.
- Limit your access to things that could be used to hurt yourself or others (for example, do not keep excess medication of any kind, firearms or other weapons in the home).
Family and friends can help! Since depression can make the affected person feel exhausted and helpless, he or she will want and probably need help from others. However, people who have never had a depressive disorder may not fully understand its effect. Although unintentional, friends and loved ones may unknowingly say and do things that may be hurtful to the depressed person. It may help to share the information in this article with those you most care about so they can better understand and help you.
The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This help may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to go away (usually several weeks) or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication for several months after symptoms have improved. Always report a worsening depression to the patient's physician or therapist.
The second most important way to help is to offer emotional support. This support involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Always report them to the depressed person's therapist.
Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, and to the movies and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, or religious or cultural activities. However, do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs company and diversion, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.
Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD and Dennis Lee, MD, 2009,
"Depression", MedicineNet, viewed 26 Oct 2009, <
http://www.medicinenet.com/depression/article.htm>
(i muz be sufferring frm depression. caused by SM.)
10:31 PM
