Depression
Depression Is Not Just Sorrow
Depression Is Not Just
Sorrow
Science and research has
made amazing progress in helping to unlock the root causes of depression.
Previously, many people believed that depression was simply a case of sadness,
hopelessness and helplessness that was caused by the inability of the
individual to simply "snap out" of these emotions. In fact,
researchers have now clearly established a link between actual measurable
changes in the brain and the development of depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a state of
experiencing changes in moods and emotions as well as changes in your actual
physical being. It is a medical condition that impacts life in a negative way
by creating a continuous or constant feeling of sadness and the inability to
enjoy life on a daily basis. There are several different types of depression,
with major depressive disorder being the most commonly diagnosed.
Major depressive disorder
may also be known as clinical depression and results in multiple symptoms that
occur over extended periods of time. It is estimated by the World Health
Organisation that about 5% of the world's population falls into the category of
having major depressive disorder. The WHO also reports that depression is the
fourth most common cause of death and disability in the world and that ranking
is on the rise.
In the United Kingdom the
National Institute for Clinical Excellence reports that of every 1000 people
between the ages of 16 and 65 about 21 would be considered to have major
depression. It is found at a higher range in women than men and, if combined
with an anxiety disorder, the rate of prevalence increases to about 98 out of
1000.
Unfortunately many people
with depression do not seek help or treatment. They may mistakenly believe that
the symptoms they are experiencing are who they actually are and how they
normally think, feel and behave. This is because the brain chemistry has been
altered and the depressive state becomes the new norm for the brain.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression
tend to become more pronounced and significant over time, but, with treatment,
they can be corrected and reversed. Some people have one bout of depression in
their lives while others may have several and the symptoms can vary from person
to person.
The most common symptoms
noted with most forms of depression include:
• Negative emotional feelings of anxiety
• Pessimism, sadness and loneliness
• Restlessness, irritability and agitation
• Difficulty in memory, concentration and decision making
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Headaches, body pains and digestive problems
• Increase in common illnesses
• Loss of interest in life, including favourite activities
• Avoiding interaction with friends and family
These changes are due to the
increased presence of an enzyme in the brain that breaks down the
"feel-good" chemicals in the brain. These include serotonin, dopamine
and norepinephrine and, by using selective medication, the breakdown can be
corrected.
Treatment
In addition to medical
support to correct the chemical imbalance of major depression, counselling and
therapy is considered a highly effective intervention. Patients can learn effective
ways to deal with anxiety and stress and also learn to modify and correct
negative thinking patterns that may be contributing to the depression. For
patients with lower level types of depression counselling or therapy may be all
that is required to treat the condition and to live a happy, depression-free
life.
Posted by: Philippe Jacquet