subject: Depression Is A Whole Body Disorder! [print this page] Depression Is A Whole Body Disorder! Depression Is A Whole Body Disorder!
Depression is not normal for any age!Growing older can create problems and stress that may lead to depression. Changes like working full-time to going into retirement could set off a bout of the blues that can lead to Clinical Depression specially with those adults that have worked hard all their life. Depression can also be set off by accumilating bills, as well as serious medical complications. Many seniors face the loss of their spouse, they are losing mobility, some may even lose their drivers license. These events can to a facade of reclusiveness, desolation, and ultimately depression.Many of us get the 'blues' or down moods but if these feelings continue for more than several weeks you should consult a doctor or a professional to see if you have Clinical Depression. In all areas of our lives like thinking, sleep, and even physical health can be lacerated by depression. Older adults often face joint and muscle pains that make many of the leisure activities difficult to do. They lose interest in them because of the pain and can end up having depression set in. You may experience a depressed mood after the loss of a companion, or a dramatic change in your life. If you have lost someone you love, grief is a normal process the body and mind needs to go through. Depression often goes with grief but if it lasts longer than a few months, you may have a Clinical Depression.Clinical Depression is a whole body disorder!Depression affects the way you think, your response to situations, and even the way you feel physically. Statistically, depression will strike at least 3 people out of every 100 people 65 or older. It's serious and can lead an individual to suicide. On the up-side though, 80% of Depression sufferers are successfully treated with therapy and medication. Usually it requires both treatment and therapy to achieve the desired relief from Clinical and Manic Depression. Symptoms of Clinical Depression: * Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
* Loss of interest in daily activities.
* Appetite or weight changes.
* Sleep changes. Either insomnia or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
* Irritability or restlessness.
* Loss of energy.
* Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
* Concentration problems.
* Unexplained aches and pains. There are several types of Clinical Depression. Clinical Depression makes it nearly impossible to lead a normal life. Many times, someone with Clinical Depression cannot get him/herself to even gather the motivation to get out of bed. They don't enjoy life, sleep well, and are unable to carry on their normal life. This can happen to a person once in their life, or be something that happens more than once over their lifetime. Therapy is considered important in finding the underlying cause of the problem. A traumatic event that happened years ago may be what is causing the problem. A trained therapist can help you face those fears or traumas and help you on the road to recovery.Manic or Bi-Polar Depression is another form of depression.It is characterized by extreme highs, and extreme lows. This disease is often referred to as Manic Depression Illness. Manic Depression normally starts in the early to mid 20's, but occasionally it can occur in the teenage years. Many Manic Depression disorders are not properly diagnosed until they reach middle age. Sometimes a misdiagnosis of Manic Depression, and repudiated treatment can cause problems in family relationships. Manic Depression needs immediate treatment. If a person has been diagnosed with Manic Depression early, they may still experience recurring bouts for the rest of their lives. If you think you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, they need to seek treatment. This is something that just doesn't go away. It probably will need medication as well as therapy. Don't wait until it destroys your family or causes a suicide.Symptoms of Manic Depression: * Extreme and unreasonable irritability.
* High moods that is excessive in quantity.
* Decreased need for sleep.
* Grandiose notions.
* Easily distracted.
* Increased energy.
* Inability to make good decisions.
* Excess energy, constantly on the move or talking.Manic Depression is so often misdiagnosed, treatment that is suitable for that disorder is not prescribed. The result can be many years of depression and a host of other problems. Manic Depression can also share symptoms with other physical complications. That is why it is so important to have a doctor thoroughly go over your symptoms and history to be sure of a correct diagnosis. A serious physical illness must be ruled out before a diagnosis of Manic or Clinical Depression can be given. Depression occurs in heart attack and cancer patients at a much higher percent as well. Close observation should be given to a loved one experiencing any of the symptoms of depression. Prompt action on your part should be done if you are noticing signs of this disorder as well!