subject: A Bird's Eye View on Depression [print this page] A Bird's Eye View on Depression A Bird's Eye View on Depression
What is depression and how to recognize and deal with it? Here are some facts and tips.
Depression, in general, is a feeling of sadness. This is a normal reaction to things or events in a person's life. A life changing event where a person or object is lost is usually the cause of depression in most people. The death of a loved one or loss of home or business can cause depression. Another cause of depression results from the inability to cope with the pressures of everyday life such as too much work, difficulty getting along with people surrounding you or being constantly bullied or harassed.
Depression becomes a disease when the duration of depression is excessive, profound and prolonged, if it greatly affects a person's normal function and also when accompanied by other symptoms. This is more prevalent in women than in men but men are more prone to suicide. It can have external causes but there are certain depressions that run in the family. There are several theories about that. Some studies say that there are certain genetic predispositions while others say that it is more of the atmosphere and parental behavior in the home that predisposes a person to familial depression.
Suicide is the most feared consequences of depression, so it is important that depression should be recognized in its early stage and intervention should be done. Recognizing depression may be difficult because of its varied manifestations from one person to another. Sometimes it is not even recognized because it is manifested as a medical condition such as fibromyalgia, abdominal disorders, or skin disorders.
The general signs and symptoms of depression are negative thoughts, moods and behaviors, as well as crying spells, body pains and low libido or energy. Sometimes depression is a part of bipolar disorder where depression is alternate with manic symptoms. This can be more difficult to diagnose since there are different manifestations at different times.
The danger in depression is that it can make diseases worse in people with coronary heart disease, increasing rate of hear
t attacks, arthritis, hypertension, chronic lung disease, and diabetes. It can also be a trigger for development of these diseases in susceptible healthy individuals.
It is important that people surrounding a depressed person be aware of this condition and should be watchful especially in severely depressed individuals. Those who are thinking of suicide or attempting one should be hospitalized for proper treatment and intervention.
Depression can be treated with antidepressant drugs as well as counseling, occupational therapy and psychotherapy. It is also important that the person suffering from depression has a solid support system from family, friends and the people surrounding him. This is important because they are the ones whom the person encounters everyday. The stressor should also be given attention and dealt with in order to reduce the risk of recurrence of depressive episodes.
Other alternative treatments for depression include aromatherapy, acupuncture and acupressure. Depression can also be lessened with yoga and meditation. These can help a person get over his depression and start functioning as a bonafide member of society. This way he can again feel like a normal person and restore broken relationships with friends and family. Learn more about depression and deep guided meditation by visiting http://www.meditate.com.au.
