Depression
More than just a sad song or something weighing heavy on your heart, depression is debilitating to those who suffer from this illness. Depression is beyond a bad mood. It includes a loss of interest, pleasure, change in a person’s ability to function, interferes with sleep, eating, energy, concentration and even self-image.
Signs of Depression
Anyone showing signs or symptoms of depression should seek help. Such as:
- feelings of persistent sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness
- fatigue
- loss of interest in what was once pleasurable
- aches or pains that aren’t eased with treatment
- over or under eating
- lack of, or excessive sleeping
- difficulty concentrating
Treating Depression
There are a wide variety of treatment options available. Just as depression can be caused by a group of factors, it makes sense that approaches, which focus on a combination of biological, social and psychological aspects are likely to work best.
- Get help. The first step is to visit a doctor or mental health professional. The sooner the better as treatment is more effective the earlier it begins.
- Screen for depression. Once in treatment, symptoms should be discussed and medical conditions that could cause the depression can be ruled out.
- More than pills. Common treatment is a combination of medical and psychotherapy. According to the American Psychological Association, people get better faster on a combination of treatment rather than either treatment by itself.
- Depression is a disease, not a weakness. It is complicated and complex and treatment takes time and patience.
“Depression is a prison where you are both the suffering prisoner and the cruel jailer.” Dorothy Rowe