Dealing with Depression

Many people will experience some form of depression in their lifetime. Depression can range anywhere from mild and short-term to very severe and debilitating. If you feel yourself suffering from any type of depression, the most important thing you can do is to seek help.

There are several different types of depression. Major depression is the most severe type. The symptoms are debilitating and the sufferer will often deal with it throughout their lifetime. Another type of depression is called dysthymia. Its symptoms are not as severe as with major depression, but it can last for years. Manic-depression or bipolar disorder is another type of
depression. The person with manic-depression swings from highs or manic states to lows or depressive states.

Major Depression

Major depression affects all facets of the person’s life. It can be the result of a stressful experience or it can be an accumulation of many stressful events and can last for many years. It is more common among women than men. Symptoms can include a constant sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, problems with sleeping, and loss of interest in food. Feelings of worthlessness are pervasive. Treatment often includes talk therapy, medications, and in some cases, electric shock therapy.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a chronic type of depression but the symptoms are less severe than with major depression. A person suffering from dysthymia will still be able to function, and hold down a job, but may not feel quite right. It is a type of a low level, constant depression. It affects more women than men. The causes are not known, but may be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Symptoms include a loss of interest in activities that one used to find enjoyable, and a negative outlook. Treatment is usually in the form of talk therapy and medications only if needed.

Bipolar Disorder

With bipolar disorder or manic depression, the person swings between excessively high emotions and excessively low emotions. During the low periods, the person may experience loss of interest in food, difficulty sleeping and low self-esteem. During the high periods they will experience a high level of energy, a short attention span and sleep very little. It affects as many men as it does women. The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown.
It may be a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics or environment. Medication is often used in treatment of bipolar disorder.

Seek Help

Depression in one form or another is a very common illness. It can keep people from leading normal healthy lives. It can destroy families, careers and self-esteem. It is more than just feeling “blue” every once in a while. If you feel you are suffering from depression and it is interrupting your family life or your work life, you need to seek the help of a qualified mental health
professional.

To find a qualified therapist, you can start by consulting your health insurance company for a list of providers. You can also ask your clergy person, or family doctor for a referral. If you are employed, check to see if your employer has some type of referral network. If you feel you are suffering from some type of depression, the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to seek help.