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What is depression?
Depression is a medical illness that affects the body, mind, and spirit. It affects how you feel about yourself, how you function in your everyday life, and how you relate to others. While everyone experiences ups and downs in life, depression is characterized by a long period of down times, when you are unable to live a “normal” life because of deep feelings that will not go away.

Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or ingratitude. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain and, when left untreated, it can persist for days, months, or even years. Major depressive disorders are usually associated with changes in the brain structure or brain function. People who suffer from depression must seek out help because if they think they will be able to just “pull it together,” they may suffer needlessly for a long time. Furthermore, untreated depression is potentially dangerous because some people who have depression have feelings of wanting to harm themselves and may form a suicide plan.


Symptoms

No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Feeling sad or empty
Crying easily or crying for no reason
Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and unable to sit still
Feeling worthless or guilty
Weight gain or loss
Thoughts of death or suicide
Trouble thinking, recalling things, or focusing on what you're doing
Trouble making everyday decisions
Problems sleeping, especially in the early morning, or wanting to sleep all of the time
Feeling tired all the time
Feeling numb emotionally, perhaps even to the point of not being able to cry
Persistent headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pain, or other physical symptoms
What are the different types of depression?
Depression comes in many different forms, each of which affects sufferers in different ways. The three most common forms of depression are:

Major Depression: Also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, this type of depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms (above) that interfere with the ability to function normally and to enjoy activities that were once pleasurable, including sex. Treatment should be sought if any of these symptoms occur at once, if symptoms persist for 2 weeks or more, or if symptoms interfere with ordinary functioning. Major depression may occur once in a lifetime or may recur.

Dysthymia: This type of depression is less severe than major depression, but the symptoms are long-term and chronic. While a person suffering from dysthymia won't be disabled by the illness, he/she will not function well or feel good. Many people who battle dysthymia may also experience major depression in their lives.

Bipolar Personality Disorder (BPD): This illness is characterized by cycling mood swings with severe highs (mania) and severe lows (depression). The mood swings may be dramatic and sudden, but more often they are gradual. When the person is in a depressed phase, he/she may experience any or all of the symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of mania

Abnormal or excessive elation
Unusual irritability or restlessness
Grandiose notions
Increased talking
Racing thoughts, jumping from one idea to another
Increased sexual desire
Markedly increased energy and reduced sleep requirements
Poor judgment
Inappropriate social behavior
Impulsive activity (for example, spending sprees or drug use)

 

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