Overview of Depression
Overview of Depression
People can be depressed for short periods of time in a natural manner due to a job loss, a death or a failed task of major importance, for instance. However, when a person’s depression lasts a long time, serious clinical depression, known as an illness or disorder, can be an issue, affecting family, work…nearly everything in the sufferer’s life.
Some of the basic symptoms of depression are:
- Overriding sadness
- Loss of energy
- Loss of hope and pleasure - in life, in others, in working towards your life’s goals…in anything…
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Frequent irrational emotional displays like crying
- Headaches and other types of body-aches and irregularities
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep
- Loss of appetite and weight suddenly
Types and Causes of Depression
Health sciences note different types and causes of depression. Some major types are:
- Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression – this is largely due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, and may be a result of extreme stress or even an inherited condition due to genetics. Symptoms can include sudden mood changes due to the sufferer feeling ‘high’ or at an elevated state one moment, and ‘low’ or at a very low state the next.
- Postpartum depression can have a prolonged state. The sufferer can exhibit extreme sadness, normally after the woman gives birth and physically undergoes the stress of actual childbirth on top of her other important life stresses. For example, the woman could be overwhelmed with a variety of duties, job ‘things to do, family and personal responsibilities, financial woes, past memory- triggered events due to the new baby’s arrival and more.
You can see your family physician or other healthcare provider for helpful resources and treatments with depressions. Some main causes of depression are:
- Exaggerated expectation – too many people try to ‘do it all’ and be like a super-human, working full time plus a part time job and moonlighting, raising children, being a good marriage partner and community supporter, etc.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other disorder – can cause people with them to be depressed. It can be difficult facing and handling treatment, thinking others are healthier and better off, which is not so. Group and individual therapy with a qualified psychologist, and / or a good 12-step program can often help people come to terms with their disabilities and go on to success in spite of them - -with them.
- Seasons – Many people find a decrease in daylight, like during winter time months, can and does affect their internal environment, resulting in depression. Light therapy is said to work wonders in these instances.