Depression

Any information or advice you happen to see on this site is not professional. Only a professional should make the diagnosis concerning any mental health issue. Always follow professional advice.

We all get the "blues" sometimes. But not all of us have depression. There is a difference between feeling depressed for short periods and suffering from depression. If you get the "blues" that seem to hang-on for two weeks or longer, you might consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss the symptoms you exhibit. There is an online depression screening test you can administer to give yourself a better idea if you should consult professional help or not.

Let's define depression. From the Third Edition of The American Heritage College Dictionary--The condition of feeling sad or despondent. A psychotic or neurotic condition characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of sadness, dejection, and hopelessness. A reduction in activity or force. A reduction in physiological vigor or activity. In down to earth language, you feel deeply sad. Tears well up in your eyes for seemingly no reason. You cannot read any material with comprehension. You can't sleep and when you do go to bed, you do not want to get up again. You want to roll into a ball, pull the covers over your head and not have anyone bother you. You are easily distracted and aggravated. Little problems run you up the wall. Like I said, if these symptoms last for two weeks or longer, seek professional assistance.

One of the good things about depression, and if you remember nothing else remember this, it is treatable. The art of medicine has come a long way in the last thirty years in the area of depression. There are many new medicines to aid the sufferers of mental health problems.

However, if depression is left untreated, it can lead to further complications, even suicide. And we all know suicide is normally the last decision we make.

Did you know teenagers and elementary aged children can exhibit symptoms of depression? Here is a fact I found: 20% of all women, 10% of all men, and 5% of all adolescents worldwide are affected by major, or clinical depression. Depression is the most common psychological ailment in the United States affecting 17.6 million people each year.

Dysthymia is a form of seemingly minor depression that lasts from six months to two years.

Major depression is a serious condition exhibiting the afore mentioned definition of symptoms. This type of depression can have delusions or hallucinations.

Untreated depression can progress to suicide ideation. If this is where you are, seek help from a professional immediately.