Deal With Depression - Don't Live In Misery

Did you know that women experience depression at a rate of 2:1 as compared to men? The reason for this, at least in part, is the large hormonal fluctuations women have throughout their lives. Men can become depressed, too, but it tends to look differently. Men usually become hostile and angry, not withdrawn and inward. They also are prone to avoiding treatment. Men commit suicide at a rate of 4:1 compared to women. The elderly also fall ill and often fail to get treatment. Well-meaning family members may think that the behavior of their elderly relative is just due to the aging process. This is not necessarily the case.

This is a real illness, not just a state of mind or something that someone can think themselves out of. There are several causes, including genetics, trauma history, physical illness (such as not making enough thyroid hormone), certain medications, chronic pain and grief.

Depression is a mood disorder in which signals are not passed between neurons normally. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that are in charge of passing the signals between neurons. Neurotransmitter signals may be too weak or there may not be enough of a particular neurotransmitter, similar to a phone line with a bad connection.

Symptoms include lack of energy, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, restlessness, weight loss or weight gain of more than 5% in one month, intrusive thoughts of suicide and death, guilt and feeling worthless and hopeless, general irritability, inability to concentrate, loss of enjoyment of favorite activities, self-imposed isolation, physical pain, headaches or even digestive upset that does not respond to any treatment. Any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks is cause to see a doctor.

Children can become depressed, although they show their depression through behavior, not necessarily through words. This is why changes in the behavior or a child should be paid attention to. Postpartum depression happens to new mothers, probably due to the huge hormone fluctuations following birth. This is one of the more guilt-producing types of depression and women may think that they are the only ones experiencing this feeling. Seasonal affective disorder occurs in winter, mainly in people who live in the northern latitudes. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, runs in families and is identified by its extremely moody highs and lows.

Depression is treatable. Cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy in combination with medications is a more successful treatment than therapy or medication alone. Eating well and exercising, taking time to relax and regenerate and listening to your body can help ease symptoms and possibly even prevent the illness. Stress management and reduction techniques, such as visualization, meditation and yoga practice are other ways to help manage symptoms. Light therapy is often the treatment method of choice for seasonal affective disorder.

Depression can lead to death by suicide if left untreated. If symptoms are particularly severe or have lasted more than two weeks, see a doctor. There is no need to suffer. Medications and therapy are available to help you. It is a biological issue like type I diabetes and can be treated, but you have to make the first step to get help.

Depression is a real illness. It's not just a state of mind or something that you can think yourself out of. If you want to know more about a self depression test or healing anxiety and depression, visit our website for all the free resources you will need.