Do Not Suffer On Your Own, Depression Can Be Treated
Did you know that women experience depression at a rate of 2:1 as compared to men? The reason for this, at least in part, is the large hormonal fluctuations women have throughout their lives. Men can become depressed, too, but it tends to look differently. Men usually become hostile and angry, not withdrawn and inward. They also are prone to avoiding treatment. Men commit suicide at a rate of 4:1 compared to women. The elderly also fall ill and often fail to get treatment. Well-meaning family members may think that the behavior of their elderly relative is just due to the aging process. This is not necessarily the case.
This is a real illness, not just a state of mind or something that someone can think themselves out of. There are several causes, including genetics, trauma history, physical illness (such as not making enough thyroid hormone), certain medications, chronic pain and grief.
In depression, neurotransmitters are ineffectively passing messages between neurons either because there are not enough neurotransmitters or they are too weak. This chemical malfunction in the brain is similar to talking on a cell phone with a poor connection. Treatment can help strengthen the connection.
If you or someone you know experience any of the symptoms for more than a two-week period of time, seek medical attention. Some of the symptoms of depression include lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, isolation, difficulty concentrating or remembering, being irritable, feeling worthless and hopeless, gaining or losing more than 5% of your weight on a month, lack of energy, sleeping too much or having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, thinking about death and suicide, physical pain, digestive problems, headache and hurting all over.
Other forms of the disorder include postpartum and childhood depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Postpartum depression can be confusing to new mothers because they feel that they should be happy for having a new baby. In reality, they feel horrible and like they are walking through sludge just to meet the needs of the baby. Children often show that they are depressed through behavior. It is very important to notice and act on any changes in the behavior of children. Children do not usually express how they are feeling verbally because they have not developed the vocabulary to do so. Bipolar disorder runs in families and has periods of elation and dark moods. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is caused by lack of exposure to sunlight. Most people with SAD live in the northern latitudes and experience it during the long, dark winters.
Light therapy is used to treat seasonal affective disorder. Cognitive therapy and medication have been found to be most successful at treating depression when used together. It is important to take care of your body – eat right, exercise, take time to play, particularly when you are starting to feel symptoms beginning. Stress management techniques, such as meditation have been shown to help ease symptoms of this illness.
Depression is not just a harmless illness. It can be fatal if left untreated. It is nothing to be ashamed of and it certainly is not your fault anymore than it is the fault of a diabetic for needing insulin. If someone you know or if you experience any of the symptoms of depression for two weeks, seek medical advice.
Depression is a real illness. It’s not just a state of mind or something that you can think yourself out of. If you want to know more about menopause and depression or healing anxiety and depression, visit our website for all the free resources you will need.
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