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Clinical Depression is a mental illness affecting more
than 10 million Americans.
In addition, a number of studies have indicated that
one in six Americans
will suffer a major episode of depression in his or her lifetime.
Depression is one of the most common mental
illnesses, occurring in all parts of the world. It has few
boundaries--affecting all people, regardless of sex, race,
ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing. However, research has
revealed that women are two to three times more likely than
men to suffer from depression.
Depression
occurs in all parts of the world, although the pattern of
symptoms can vary. Numerous large-scale studies have shown
that the number of people suffering from depression has increased
worldwide over the past twenty years. Furthermore, people are experiencing depression
at a much earlier age than ever before. Many reasons for this
growing phenomenon have been proposed by Social scientists. Among their theories are the changes we see in typical family structures,
especially with the increase in divorce rates; the spread
of urbanization, and the reduced cultural and religious influences
on a global scale.
In the United States, the National Institute
of Mental Health has estimated that depression costs
our society many billions of dollars each year, mostly in
lost work time. It has been cited as the leading cause of disability
for people five years and older.
The word "depression" is commonly used to
describe temporary states of sadness, loneliness,
or melancholy. However,
these emotions are common and healthy to express when one
has such feelings. They
become significant when a person is so severely depressed
that he or she is unable to perform normal functions of life
such as work or in social situations. For children, they will have problems at school
and/or have poor social interactions.
In either case, this form of depression is called Major
Depression and should be treated by a Mental Health Professional. Another type of depression is called Bipolar Disorder,
what used to be called "Manic-Depressive Disorder." Please click on the name to see more information.
Too often,
people think that having is depression is a sign of personal weakness, however it is viewed as a real illness
by Mental Health Professionals.
Just as you would consult a medical doctor for a physical
ailment, people with depression also benefit from treatment.
Symptoms
of Depression Can Include the Following:
·
Experiencing deep sadness or prolonged grief that seems unremitting
and unshakable.
·
Feelings of despair, hopelessness and/or worthlessness
·
Thoughts of harming one’s self or of committing suicide
·
Diminished interest in nearly all activities
·
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
·
Above average loss of weight or weight gain
·
Changes in energy levels--becoming restless or agitated, or experiencing
fatigue or a lack of energy or uncommon sluggishness
·
Difficulty in thinking clearly, concentrating or in remembering
·
Delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (skewed sensory perceptions)
Depression is one of the most common and usually easiest mental
disorders to treat. Taking
antidepressant drugs has given positive results
for up to 70 percent of people suffering from depression.
Studies also
indicate that psychotherapy can relieve mild to moderate cases
of
depression as effectively as antidepressant drugs.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or
any of the symptoms listed above, please consult your medical
doctor, a Mental Health Professional, or Call the Crisis
Hot Line at 800-479-3339. You do not have to suffer.
@Copyright
2001,2003 by Tarra Judson Stariell,
MFT, CBT
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