What is Depression?

Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.

The dictionary describes depression in the following manner
de-pres-sion (di presh´an) n.

The state of being or the act of depressing; a severe decline in business, accompanied by increasing unemployment and falling prices.
Psych. A condition of deep dejection characterized by lack of response to stimulation and withdrawal.

Synonyms: hopelessness, despondency, pessimism, dip, cavity, pothole, hole, despair, gloom, melancholy, sadness, sorrow, recession, decline, desperation, discouragement.

Antonyms: eminence, elation, optimism, happiness, confidence, elevation, hope.

Various Depression Diagnoses

Major Depression

Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)

Atypical Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMS)

Grief/Bereavement

Manic Depression (Bi-Polar Disorder)

Post-Partum Depression

Unspecified Depression

Medications

Tricylclic's

Prozac Weekly

SSRI'S

ALWAYS REMEMBER
YOU ARE
NEVER ALONE!
THERE IS HELP OUT THERE FOR YOU!

SUICIDE?...
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Felling Better

How To Make Life Easier

1. Recognize that there may be certain times of the day when you feel better and use that to your advantage.

2. Break large tasks into smaller ones; set priorities and take things one at a time; avoid taking on too much responsibility and setting overly difficult goals.

3. Try not to expect too much from yourself so as to lessen any feeling of failure you may have.

4. Activities such as exercise, attending sports or cultural events or participating in a religious or social event can help you feel better. It is important not to overdo it; feeling better takes time.

5. Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed drugs. This kind of self-medication may provide a temporary "high", but in the end will intensify depression.

6. If affected with Depressive disorders, you may feel exhausted, worthless, helpless and hopeless. You may feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these symptoms and negative thinking are part of depression. When treatment begins to take effect, the negative thinking fades.

Links

Online screening test for depression

Self Help for Depression

About Depression

Depression Central

Psychology Info. Online


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Disclaimer: I am not a health-care professional. This guide is for
informational purposes only, and is in no way meant to take
the place of a visit to and advice from a health-care professional.