Depression 101

The High’s & Low’s of Life…

The sad thing about it all is very few people feel comfortable being around a ’sad’ or ‘down’ person. The sad thing about that is the ‘down’ person knows that - which makes them sad & ‘down’ even more. Making them feel more alone in their mind than ever before. It takes strength and patience for the loved one wanting to be Mr./Mrs. ‘Fix it’ and make it all better to wait out these episodes. Those who can’t fully comprehend why someone can’t just ’snap out of it’ could unintentionally prolong the confusion going on in the depressed individuals mind. Medication can help speed up the healing, a change in diet also helps (i.e. Natural Remedies like Fish Oil Omega-3 capsules). But for the most part, for me at least I just need time alone to myself. I’ve noticed that the more I write, the more I paint, and sometimes a good nap will speed whatever is occupying my mind - to go away. It’s hard though, because I can feel these episodes coming and the more I push them away the more it actually interferes with everything (or so it seems). What would have been just one day ends up being a whole week feeling down in the dumps or something is not connecting right in the brain. I find it unusually hard to remember things, and the “guilt factor” is unbearable. One moment I’m sad - the next moment I am irritated by nearly everything. Then the guilt comes back because I was ’snappy’ in my reply.

What I find interesting is the Human ‘Ego-System’. “Don’t let them see you down! Stay strong and just smile.” So you end up wearing a ‘happy mask’ letting everyone on the out-side know you’re just fine but inside you’re dying! How healthy is that if you can’t feel you can talk to anyone? Speaking out-loud I feel is the best medication. The best healing process one could go through along with a healthy diet of Organic foods rich in Omega-3’s.

On Wiki.com they define Clinical Depression as:

Clinical depression (also called major depressive disorder, severe depression disorder or unipolar depression) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in a person’s usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure. The course of clinical depression varies widely: it can be a once-in-a-lifetime event or have multiple recurrences; it can appear either gradually or suddenly; and can either last for a few months or be a life-long disorder. The onset is usually in early- to mid-adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the patient’s self-reported experiences and observed behavior; there is no laboratory test for major depression.

Although the term “depression” is commonly used by laypersons to describe a temporary depressed mood, when a person may feel sad or “down”, clinical depression is a serious and often disabling condition that can significantly affect a person’s work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide; in addition, people with depression suffer from higher mortality from other causes. Clinical depression may be isolated or be a secondary result of a primary condition such as bipolar disorder or chronic pain. When specific treatment is indicated, it usually consists of psychotherapy and antidepressants.

Signs & Symptoms

Clinical depression can present with a variety of symptoms, but almost all patients display a marked change in mood, a deep feeling of sadness, and a noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities. Other symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Loss of appetite and/or weight loss or conversely overeating and weight gain
• Insomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Restlessness or irritability
• Psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation
• Feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
• Withdrawal from social situations, family and friends
• Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down” or sluggish
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive chronic pain problems, and
• Decrease/Feeling in motor-speed (time seems to slow down)

Not all patients will suffer from every symptom. The severity of symptoms will vary widely among individuals. Symptoms must, however, persist for at least two weeks before being considered a potential sign of depression, with the exception of suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Diagnosis of clinical depression in children is more difficult than in adults and is often left undiagnosed, and thus untreated, because the symptoms in children are often written off as normal childhood moodiness. Diagnosis is also made difficult because children are more likely than adults to show different symptoms depending on the situation.

While some children still function reasonably well, most who are suffering depression will suffer from a noticeable change in their social activities and life, a loss of interest in school and poor academic performance, and possibly drastic changes in appearance. They may also begin abusing drugs and/or alcohol, particularly past the age of 12. Although much more rarely than adults, children with major depression may attempt suicide or have suicidal thoughts even before the age of 12.

On an interesting note, Clark found this article relating computer usage to depression. Oh no… here goes Clark’s and my day job… yikes!

Nobody wants to admit that somethings ‘wrong’ with them. Everybody wants to be the perfect model of perfection and every thing’s fine. I help YOU not you help ME - right? Who wants to volunteer to be the patient?

I can say that I feel a great surge of happiness when I do service unto others. When I know and can feel that I’ve helped someone else out. Especially with my own experiences where I can honestly say, “I’ve been there. I know how you feel.” Like our relationship with Jesus. We can come unto Him and become humble and submissive and say “Please help me.” because He has been there. He knows and understands our pain and suffering.

Here are some great articles in how to help and understand more fully what is depression and how can I help myself/ or my loved one:

• Why Is My Wife (or Husband) Depressed?
• Rising Above The Blues
• Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope
• When Your Child is Depressed
• When Life is Getting You Down
• “Awake My Soul!” Dealing Firmly With Depression
• How To Stay Inspired

A quote Clark found while I was writing this article:

In the words of Ernest Hemingway, “If you find yourself writing the story, as opposed to the story writing itself, it’s time to stop for the day.” Once you are writing though, don’t stop. Keep going until you find yourself stuck.