Depression Another Silent Killer Among Us

A Question For You Today: Are You Depressed and Do not Know it?

What is Depression?

Depression is a feeling of intense sadness, feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless that can last for days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally. Depression may also be more than sadness it may be clinical depression and can be treated as a medical condition.

Sadly, about 14.8 million adults in the United States suffer from major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Types of Depression:

• Major Depression
• Chronic Depression
• Bipolar Depression
• Seasonal Depression
• Psychotic Depression
• Postpartum Depression
• Substance-induced mood disorder

Others:

• Double Depression - A condition that happens when a person with chronic depression experiences an episode of major depression.
• Secondary Depression - Develops after the development of a medical condition such as hypothroidsm, stroke, Parkinson's disease, AIDS or after a psychiatric problem.
• Chronic Treatment Resistant Depression - A condition that lasts over a year and is extremely difficult to treat .
• Masked Depression - Hidden behind physical complaints for which no organic cause can be found.

Signs of Depression?

• A depressed mood during most of the day (morning)
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthless or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Sense of restlessness
• Significant weight loss or gain

Physical Symptoms of Depression:

• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Sleep distrubances
• Appetite changes
• Slowed speech and physical retardation ( limited cases)

Common feelings associated with depression:

• Difficulty concentration, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Irritability and restlessness
• No pleasure left in life any more
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings
• Thoughts and attempts of suicide

If you are experiencing five or more of the listed symptoms of depression for more that two weeks or more  you maybe depressed. Please! Please! tell someone (family member, clergy, or friend) and see your physician immediately.

Depression is serious and carries a high risk of suicide for help please call 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For more information go to http://www.webmd.com/; http://www.morefordepression.com/; http://www.depression.com/; http://www.knowmydepression.com/


Live well and healthy today
Doc V