Understanding and Recognizing Depression
- Date: 2007-11-14 - Word Count: 525
Share This!
One of the most misunderstood things about depression is what causes it. There are those who believe that there must be a reason to be depressed, and this is not the case. It is never that simple, and there doesn't have to be an apparent reason for depression to occur at all.
Another thing that many people don't realize is that short periods of feeling ‘down' or ‘blue' are normal. It is when those feelings are prolonged and start interfering in one's life that it becomes serious, and requires treatment.
These days, most people do recognize the symptoms of depression. They include loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, feelings of helplessness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy, self loathing, trouble concentrating, irritability, and aches and pains. It is important to note that not all people who suffer from depression will suffer all of these symptoms, and the degree to which these symptoms are suffered varies from one person to the next.
There may be a life event that actually causes the depression. This could include the loss of a job, the loss of a spouse through death or divorce, a change in seasons (known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD), postpartum depression (after the birth of a baby), or any other number of life events.
But then, there is the depression that has no apparent cause. When this occurs, the culprit is usually a change in body chemistry, or chemicals produced and/or released by the brain. This is often very serious, simply because nobody expects the depression - including the person who is suffering from it. For example, if a loved one dies, you, your friends, and family members would reasonably expect a period of depression. But if nothing like this has occurred, it is simply unexpected, and often goes unnoticed for a long period of time.
You might assume since there is no ‘reason' for depression that what you are suffering is not depression, and therefore, you may fail to seek treatment. If you are suffering from any of the signs of depression, you should have a medical checkup. If nothing is discovered during that checkup, your next line of defense against depression should be to seek counseling.
Online counseling for depression is a good place to start. A good online therapist will be able to help you discover whether there is a life event that could have brought on the depression, or if in-person care is required to determine whether or not medication may help put the body chemistry back into balance.
The worst thing that one can do when any sign of depression is present is fail to seek help. Depression that is left untreated has many consequences, including not living life to the fullest and potential suicide.
Jennifer B. Baxt, LMHC, LMFT offers online audio/video counseling as well as works with children, individuals, couples, geriatric patients, depression, bipolor, anxiety and substance abuse.Jennifer B. Baxt, LMHC, LMFT offers online audio/video counseling as well as works with children, individuals, couples, geriatric patients, depression, bipolor, anxiety and substance abuse. Please contact jennifer@completecounselingsolutions.com or http://www.completecounselingsolutions.com for any further information.
Another thing that many people don't realize is that short periods of feeling ‘down' or ‘blue' are normal. It is when those feelings are prolonged and start interfering in one's life that it becomes serious, and requires treatment.
These days, most people do recognize the symptoms of depression. They include loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, feelings of helplessness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy, self loathing, trouble concentrating, irritability, and aches and pains. It is important to note that not all people who suffer from depression will suffer all of these symptoms, and the degree to which these symptoms are suffered varies from one person to the next.
There may be a life event that actually causes the depression. This could include the loss of a job, the loss of a spouse through death or divorce, a change in seasons (known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD), postpartum depression (after the birth of a baby), or any other number of life events.
But then, there is the depression that has no apparent cause. When this occurs, the culprit is usually a change in body chemistry, or chemicals produced and/or released by the brain. This is often very serious, simply because nobody expects the depression - including the person who is suffering from it. For example, if a loved one dies, you, your friends, and family members would reasonably expect a period of depression. But if nothing like this has occurred, it is simply unexpected, and often goes unnoticed for a long period of time.
You might assume since there is no ‘reason' for depression that what you are suffering is not depression, and therefore, you may fail to seek treatment. If you are suffering from any of the signs of depression, you should have a medical checkup. If nothing is discovered during that checkup, your next line of defense against depression should be to seek counseling.
Online counseling for depression is a good place to start. A good online therapist will be able to help you discover whether there is a life event that could have brought on the depression, or if in-person care is required to determine whether or not medication may help put the body chemistry back into balance.
The worst thing that one can do when any sign of depression is present is fail to seek help. Depression that is left untreated has many consequences, including not living life to the fullest and potential suicide.
Jennifer B. Baxt, LMHC, LMFT offers online audio/video counseling as well as works with children, individuals, couples, geriatric patients, depression, bipolor, anxiety and substance abuse.Jennifer B. Baxt, LMHC, LMFT offers online audio/video counseling as well as works with children, individuals, couples, geriatric patients, depression, bipolor, anxiety and substance abuse. Please contact jennifer@completecounselingsolutions.com or http://www.completecounselingsolutions.com for any further information.
Related Tags: depression, counseling, seasonal depression, therapy, clinical depression
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Wedding Photographer Outlay
Weddings are special moments that ought to be shared with other people, especially with the future c - Wedding Song: Factors To Consider When Choosing A Wedding Song
A wedding song is a very important part of the wedding ceremony. For instance, songs are usually pla - Wedding Song: How To Choose A Wedding Song
A wedding song is an integral part of the wedding ceremony. The wedding will not be as meaningful or - Why Handkerchiefs Make Great Wedding Accessories
Handkerchiefs are an ideal accessory to add to any wedding because they carry significance and meani - Top 7 Money Saving Tips On Wedding Dresses Ideas
When preparing wedding for the big day, I am convinced that you will come upon wedding dresses choos - Wedding Reception Venues On Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has one of the most striking and memorable beaches on the Florida coast. On the is - Anna Maria Island Wedding Planner
If you are looking for one of the most scenic and romantic spots on the coast line of America to get - Wedding Checklist - How To Get Started
Your wedding checklist will quickly become your bible as your plan everything for your big day from - Ideas To Find The Best Nashville Wedding Venue
Searching for the best place to get married in Nashville? Here are some ideas that you may find help - Colorado Springs Florists
This coming Celebration Season, florists in Colorado Springs will be happy to adorn all your parties
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Getting Married? Don't Feed The Band
So, you've picked out your reception hall and you've signed the best wedding band you've ever heard - Differences in Wedding Customs
There are other differences in wedding customs. In Russia, the bride and groom stay attached to each - When Things Go Wrong at Weddings
Usually at most weddings, something in the plans goes wrong. At our wedding, the limousine didn't sh - Tips on Garden Weddings
The 21st century has brought much change in the world of tradition. Once time honored traditions ha - Pharmacies offer deep discounts for buying Viagra online
The benefits of buying Viagra online (sildenafil citrate) are vast. First, it's confidential. - How to throw a French Themed Bridal Shower
Although the French themselves do not have the tradition of holding bridal showers, there is no rea - How to Dress All Your Bridesmaids to Look Their Best
You want your wedding to be fabulous. Fantastic, even! But there are so many headaches to deal wit - Weddings - A Matter of Perspective
When you decide to commit to someone for the rest of your life, you should start out on a high note - Ring in the New Year With Beautiful Bridal Jewelry for you and your Maids
This coming up year, brides are looking for unique and beautiful bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Mor - and Don'ts for the Bride-to-be
Ladies, when it comes time to plan for your big day, do a little research on wedding traditions, bud