Depression - Am I alone?
You Are Not Alone! One of the most scary emotional experiences a person will ever suffer during
their lifetime is to experience a form of depression. Over 1 in 5 Americans
can expect to get some form of depression in their lifetime. Over 1 in 20
Americans have a depressive disorder every year. Depression is one of the
most common and most serious mental health problems facing people today.
You Are Not to Blame
Many people still carry the misperception that depression is a character
flaw, a problem that happens because you are weak. They say, "Pull yourself
up by your own bootstraps!" and "You're just feeling blue... You'll get over it."
Depression is not a character flaw, nor is it simply feeling blue for a few
days. Most importantly, depression is not your fault. It is a serious mood
disorder which affects a person's ability to function in every day
activities. It affects one's work, one's family, and one's social life.
Today, much more is known about the causes and treatment of this mental
health problem. We know that there are biological and psychological
components to every depression and that the best form of treatment is a
combination of medication and psychotherapy. Contrary to the popular
misconceptions about depression today, it is not a purely biochemical or medical disorder.
So What Does Cause It?
There are as many potential causes of depression as there are people who
suffer it. Depression is most often experienced as a depressed mood, which
may sometimes be related to some recent, notable event which occurred in one's life.
While depression may be related to feelings of grief after the loss of a
loved one, those feelings are natural. Depression caused by medications or
substance or alcohol abuse is not typically recognized as a depressive
episode. Depression experienced after certain medical procedures (such as
post partum depression) is recognized, though. Family history and genetics
also play a part in the greater likelihood of someone becoming depressed in
their lifetime. Increased stress and inadequate coping mechanisms to deal
with that stress may also contribute to depression.
Some self-care tips for people living with any depression illness
- Establish a relationship of trust with a psychiatrist who is experienced in working with any and all depression illness
- Take your medication as directed by your physician (even at times when you are feeling better -- treatments and their effects are for the long term)
- Eat healthy foods, at regular meal times
- Get adequate sleep on a regular schedule (because mania or depression can be triggered by poor sleep patterns, immediately contact your doctor to secure assistance if your sleep pattern becomes disrupted)
- Establish a routine of regular exercise
- Avoid excessive intake of caffeine
- Don't let yourself become isolated -- seek out support from family and friends near by and far, ( there is support, friendship and Love available to you at the #The_Retreat chat room).
Depression comes in many forms
we have any range of chatters that have just Depression
and then we have those with Bipolar Depression (Manic-depression)
What Do I Do Now?
We have developed the information here to act as a comprehensive guide to
help you better understand depression and find out more information about it on your own.
For more information regarding depression, please see mentalhealth.
Also be aware we have a list of helpful links that may benifit you on our links page.
