Disclaimer: I am not a health-care professional. The information
contained here is neither intended nor implied to to be a substitute
for professional medical advice. This guide is for informational purposes
only, and is in no way meant to take the place of a visit to and advice
from a health-care professional. Always seek the advice of your physician
or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment,
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing
contained in this service is intended to be for medical diagnosis or
treatment.
I suffer from depression, and I have noticed that quite a few of those
whom I've talked to also suffer from this illness. I've put up this page
so that you who may suffer from it, or know someone that does, can be
better able to identify it and seek treatment. You don't have to feel
like you do, -- and you don't have to bear it alone. If you feel that
the criteria below fits you, then I urge you to seek help. I realize that
with depression being classified as a "mental illness", it carries
a stigma attached to it by the ignorant people in our society. But you
should not let ignorant people stand in your way of getting better! It
takes guts to say, "I need help", but YOU have to be the one
to take that first step; I can only provide some resources to direct you
along your path to recovery.
Being "depressed" does not mean being "insane" or
"crazy". Being depressed does not mean that someone who suffers
from it is lazy or weak or at fault for their illness. Being depressed
is different from being "down in the dumps" or "blue".
In many areas, there are local or community resources that you can get
hooked up with that will help you out if you have a limited income, so
do not let financial concerns stand in your way. You will need to inquire
about what resources are available when you go in to talk with a doctor.
Help is there; all you gotta do is ask for it.
I also have some useful resources at the bottom of the page for some
various other things that people may be dealing with.
THE CORE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION ARE:
- Altered appetite and sleep
- Feeling of physical illness or of being rundown
- Loss of energy and interest
- Lowered mood
- Poor concentration
- Slowing down of physical and mental functions
Depression is an illness, just like diabetes or heart disease are illnesses.
It affects the entire body, not just the mind. One out of every 5 people
will suffer from depression at some point in their life. Depression affects
anyone, whether one is young or old, rich or poor, regardless of race
or sex; however, it affects women twice as much as men. Depression is
the leading cause of alcoholism, drug abuse and other addictions. The
leading cause of suicide is depression.
Though depression is an illness that can be successfully treated in
more than 8 out of 10 people, over half those suffering from depression
do not get proper treatment. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It
is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness; neither is it the same
as feeling glum or blue. People, not understanding that depression is
an illness, often say to a depressed person, "Snap out of it"
or "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps", when it is not something
that they can "snap out of." The depressed person is not to
blame for his or her illness!
THE MAIN TYPE OF DEPRESSION ARE:
Major depression
This disorder is characterized by a mood disturbance lasting more
than 2 weeks. Symptoms include overwhelming feelings of sadness and
grief and loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy.
In general, its the severity and duration of symptoms that distinguish
major depression:
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Changes in sleeping pattern
- Constant fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness and/or irritability
- Inability to think, concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities normally enjoyed
- Observable restlessness or decreased activity
- Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death
The symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement, i.e.,
after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than
2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid
preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms,
or psychomotor retardation.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia (dis-THI-me-uh) is a less severe but more continuous form
of depression. It lasts for at least 2 years and often more than 5
years. Symptoms usually aren't disabling, and periods of dysthymia
can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. People with dysthymia
have increased risk for major depression.
This disorder is characterized by an overwhelming yet chronic state
of depression, exhibited by a depressed mood for most of the days,
for more days than not, for at least 2 years. (In children and adolescents,
mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year.) The person
who suffers from this disorder must not have gone for more than 2
months without experiencing two or more of the following symptoms:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
Bipolar disorder
Some people with depression have recurrent cycles of depression and
elation (mania). Because the condition involves emotions at both extremes,
or poles, its called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder.
Mania affects your judgement and can cause problems, such as spending
money recklessly or making unwise decisions. Some people have bursts
of increased creativity and productivity during the manic phase.
For many, the manic symptoms include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily distracted
- Extreme or inappropriate excitement or irritability
- Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism, and inflated self-esteem
- Impulsive or thoughtless behavior and poor judgement
- Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
- Increased talking and/or moving
- Inflated ego, envisioning of grand schemes
- Poor judgment and reckless activity
- Rapid speech, disconnected and racing thoughts, agitation, and increased
activity
- Rapid, unpredictable emotional change
- Sexual promiscuity
- Unwarranted or exaggerated belief in one's own ability
For many, the manic signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Disturbances in sleep and appetite
- Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, or hopelessness
- Recurring thoughts of suicide
Bipolar support groups are available. For more information, contact
the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (DMDA) at
# 1-800-826-3632.
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of major depression
related to changes in seasons. "Affective" means "emotional,"
and some of the primary effects of SAD relate to feelings. Yet SAD
affects behavior as well. The common signs and symptoms of SAD include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating and processing information
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Increased appetite, especially foods high in carbohydrates
- Increased sleep or need for sleep
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in sex
- Weight gain
Anxiety
Many people with depression have symptoms of anxiety as well. Anxiety
that develops after age 40 is often related to depression rather than
being an independent problem. Exaggerated worry, called an anxiety
disorder, often goes hand-in-hand with depression. With an anxiety
disorder, you may feel apprehension, nervousness and a nagging uneasiness
about your future. In some people, anxiety disorders mimic a heart
attack, with symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and palpitations, sweating
and dizziness. Other symptoms include headaches, insomnia and relentless
fatigue.
HOTLINES & SUPPORT WEBSITES
Depression Alliance UK
Mental
Health America: Online Depression Screener
Mental Health
America: Search for local affiliate - USA Tollfree: (800) 969-6642
Childhelp:
National Child Abuse Hotline - USA Tollfree: 1-800-4-A-CHILD
Crisis Intervention of
Houston (Texas)
Family Violence Law Center -
Contact Numbers
Kid Save - Phone
Contact List
National Domestic Violence Hotline
- USA Tollfree: 1-800-799-SAFE / 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1-800-787-3224
National Runaway Switchboard
- USA Tollfree: 1-800-RUN-AWAY - Helpful
Links
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends)
- USA Tollfree: 1-800-DONT-CUT / 1-800-366-8288 - EMail
SuicideHotlines.com - Lists
hotlines by state
National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service - 1-800-662-HELP
(4357)
~Sanguinarius, Feb 2006 (Hotlines list updated by Sphynx, May 2010)
This site contains articles on various medical
topics; however, no warranty whatsoever is made that any of the articles
are accurate - and even if a statement made about medical matters is
accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms. These
medical articles are provided on a general informational basis only
- nothing on this site should be construed as an attempt to offer or
render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
Even though the authors may be capable of
doing extensive research, it must be understood that neither SphynxCatVP,
nor the rest of the contributors, are doctors, despite the presence
of any books of the medical profession in the personal libraries of
any of the authors. Any such articles are thusly written, in part or
in whole, by nonprofessionals. Consequently, there is absolutely no
guarantee that any statement contained or cited in an article touching
on medical matters is true, precise, or up-to-date.
At best, you can use the article to strike
up a conversation with your doctor or other medical professional ABOUT
your symptoms, and share any concerns you may have for them to investigate.
The medical information provided by this site is of a general nature
and CANNOT legally be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical
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