amlonging
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Joined: 6/28/2006
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I know this is a common topic, just as slaves vs submissives or tribute or whatever...
But for whom it helps... I hope this jesture is not done in vain.
Understanding Depression
Depression is not just a temporary mood, and it's not a sign of personal weakness. People with depression can experience a variety of emotional and physical symptoms.
For some people, it's a matter of feeling sad, overwhelmed, or stressed out. For others, aches, pains, fatigue, and other physical problems are part of their depression too.
Many researchers believe depression is caused by an imbalance of two naturally-occurring chemicals -- serotonin and norepinephrine -- in the brain and the body. In the brain, these two chemicals are thought to be associated with mood. These same chemicals are thought to be associated with regulating and reducing feelings of pain that come from the body.
If these chemicals are out of balance, the effect can be felt in both the brain and body. You can feel both the emotional and painful physical symptoms of depression.Where Does Depression Hurt?
Depression can hurt everywhere — both emotionally and physically. Someone with depression might think or say any of the following:
- "I feel sad all the time."
- "I just don't feel like myself."
- "I don't enjoy being with my friends or doing any of the things I usually love to do."
- "I feel completely overwhelmed by my life. I can't see a way out."
- "I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately."
- "I keep having aches and pains, and I don't know why."
Research suggests that about two-thirds of people diagnosed with depression talk to their family doctors first about physical symptoms.Linked to Serotonin and Norepinephrine
Many researchers believe depression is caused by an imbalance of two naturally-occurring chemicals -- serotonin and norepinephrine -- in the brain and the body. In the brain, these two chemicals are thought to be associated with mood. These same chemicals are thought to be associated with regulating and reducing feelings of pain that come from the body.
If these chemicals are out of balance, the effect can be felt in both the brain and body. You can feel both the emotional and painful physical symptoms of depression.Family History May Be Important
People with a family history of depression may be more likely to get the disease, but anyone can become depressed. Sometimes the triggers are external – for example, relationship troubles or financial problems. At other times the disease may begin with physical illness or hormonal shifts. Depression also may occur without any identifiable trigger at all.Seek Help
Many people suffer in silence while depression slowly eats away at their quality of life. Some are ashamed or afraid to seek help; others try to downplay the severity of their symptoms. It's important to remember that depression isn't something that's "all in your head."
Learn about symptoms and causes of depression.Take Suicidal Thoughts Seriously
Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it's important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately:
- Call your doctor
- Go to the emergency room
- Call 911
- Call the national suicide prevention hotline, 1-800-SUICIDE [1-800-784-2433]
Who Does Depression Hurt?
Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.¹ More than 32 million people in the United States will experience a major depressive disorder in their lifetime.² This happens regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or income. Depression affects friends and family as well, putting stress on relationships at home and at work.
Unfortunately, many people with depression avoid seeking treatment because they worry what others will think of them. They don't realize how widespread this medical condition is:
- Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide²
- Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression2
- People with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the disease
- People with chronic or debilitating medical conditions may also be susceptible to the disease
- A major life change, even a joyous one like becoming a new parent, increases the risk of developing depression
The fact is, depression affects plenty of people who don't have any obvious risk factors. What's more, those around the depressed person are touched too, including family, friends and coworkers.
To learn if your symptoms could be depression, visit the Self-Assessment Checklist, and the Symptom Body Map and then learn more about talking to your doctor.
To find help if you think a friend or loved one is depressed, learn more about supporting someone with depression. References:
- Simon GE, et al. N Engl J Med.1999;341:1329-1335.
- http://www.who.int/mental_health/management
/depression/definition/en/. April 4, 2005.
- National Institute of Mental Health, "Depression Research at the NIMH Fact Sheet," Nimh.nih.gov, 2002.
_____________________________
BEHIND EVERY GREAT WOMAN...
...is a butt she can learn to love.
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rehashed, but some information on DEPRESSION - 
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