You probably know someone who is depressed. You may be wondering about yourself. The way you feel right now--does it fit the definition of depression? Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects millions, so you are right to be concerned. Understanding depression is a good first step toward treatment. Let's see if we can figure this out together.
First of all, having days when you feel down, or sad, is normal. We all have days when we feel blue, or down. It is just part of life. If those sad, blue feelings become your most predominant feelings however, like a dark persistent cloud, your emotions may not be just a "mood" but depression.
Depression is an illness, a mental disorder that overwhelms your mind and body. It is not a transient mood that can be dismissed. The victim of depression is powerless to command it to leave. It changes how you think and how you feel. It essentially changes who you are and affects how you interact with others.
So how can you tell the difference between actual clinical depression and normal feelings of sadness. Essentially it's about intensity and time. The feelings associated with depression are much more intense. Your character and your ability to cope with reality become severely affected. It becomes almost impossible to function on a daily basis.
The threshold for diagnosing depression in terms of time seems to be about two weeks. Being sad and withdrawn for a short period of time is a normal human reaction to significant negative events. However, if your personality and interaction with others fails to return to normal after about two weeks time, then you may have entered a major depressive episode. Depression can last for weeks, months or even years--without treatment.
The great news is that depression is very treatable. Traditionally, a combination of therapy and medication is really quite effective. Today an entire range of alternative therapies have shown impressive results at relieving even long standing, serious depression. Some alternative therapies very effective for the treatment of depression are: Emotional freedom Techniques, Tapas Acupressure Technique, Chi Gung, nutritional supplements and a simple thing such as walking are just a few examples.
Depression can happen to anyone. It is not an affliction of those who are weak. Strong people can get depression as well. if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, remember, the sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. - 30309
First of all, having days when you feel down, or sad, is normal. We all have days when we feel blue, or down. It is just part of life. If those sad, blue feelings become your most predominant feelings however, like a dark persistent cloud, your emotions may not be just a "mood" but depression.
Depression is an illness, a mental disorder that overwhelms your mind and body. It is not a transient mood that can be dismissed. The victim of depression is powerless to command it to leave. It changes how you think and how you feel. It essentially changes who you are and affects how you interact with others.
So how can you tell the difference between actual clinical depression and normal feelings of sadness. Essentially it's about intensity and time. The feelings associated with depression are much more intense. Your character and your ability to cope with reality become severely affected. It becomes almost impossible to function on a daily basis.
The threshold for diagnosing depression in terms of time seems to be about two weeks. Being sad and withdrawn for a short period of time is a normal human reaction to significant negative events. However, if your personality and interaction with others fails to return to normal after about two weeks time, then you may have entered a major depressive episode. Depression can last for weeks, months or even years--without treatment.
The great news is that depression is very treatable. Traditionally, a combination of therapy and medication is really quite effective. Today an entire range of alternative therapies have shown impressive results at relieving even long standing, serious depression. Some alternative therapies very effective for the treatment of depression are: Emotional freedom Techniques, Tapas Acupressure Technique, Chi Gung, nutritional supplements and a simple thing such as walking are just a few examples.
Depression can happen to anyone. It is not an affliction of those who are weak. Strong people can get depression as well. if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, remember, the sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. - 30309
About the Author:
Katarina also writer about recreation and swimming pools. Read her articles about Above Ground Pool Liners and Pool Liner Repair on our site dedicated to the above ground pool owner.
