hard to believe the merriest time of year is also the cruelest emotional season - depression, a clinical condition that is treatable, is an issue year-round. still, something about the holidays, particularly christmas and new year's, poses grave results for many of us . . . recognize, acknowledge, and care - care enough to help someone get help or get help for yourself


What is depression? Depression is a serious medical condition. Everyone experiences "ups" and "downs," but for some people the "downs" outweigh the "ups." This can cause problems with everyday activities such as eating, sleeping, working, sex, and personal relations. When this happens for more than a few weeks, it is likely depression.

Depression affects a person's physical health, as well as how he or she feels, thinks, and acts toward others. It brings about a mixture of feelings and thoughts that can cause someone to depart from his or her usual behavior.




What causes depression? Although exact causes of depression are unknown, a chemical imbalance in the brain might be the reason. Serotonin and norepinephrine are 2 chemicals used by some nerve cells to communicate. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are thought to be linked to depression. So, medications that affect these neurotransmitters play a role in treating depression.

Symptoms of depression can onset suddenly, for no apparent reason, after life-changing events and medical illness...and it is known that some types of depression run in families, making depression and susceptibility to depression inheritable.

Major depressive disorder v. Bipolar disorder Depression is the common name for major depressive disorder, and it is not the same as bipolar disorder - although, both disorders share some symptoms and both disorders require treatment.

In general, major depressive disorder involves overwhelming feelings of sadness, worthlessness and hopelessness; Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression but also episodes of mania, which has symptoms that can include excessive energy, extreme irritability or "out of control" behavior.

People with depression do not experience manic episodes.

depressive symptoms
Sadness
Excessive Crying
Loss of Pleasure
Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
Low Energy
Restlessness
Difficulty Concentrating
Irritability
Loss of Appetite or Overeating
Feelings of Worthlessness and Hopelessness
Ongoing Physical Problems not caused by Physical Illness Or Injury
Thoughts of Death or Suicide

manic symptoms
Inappropriate Sense of Euphoria
Reckless Behavior
Need for Little Sleep
Excessive Energy
Racing Thoughts

Excessive Talking
Out of Control Spending
Difficulty Concentrating
Irritability
Abnormally Increased Activity
Excessive Sex

Poor Judgment
Aggressive Behavior

everyone will be affected by depression in their life time, whether they suffer from it or know someone suffering from it. depression has many causes and mysterious triggers, learn more http://www.ndmda.org/. because, in addition to affecting about 19 million americans each year, pre-schoolers - yes, our future - are the fastest growing market for antidepressants. and, antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teenagers. there's a lot more to know about depression, and the resources for addressing depression are plentiful, please care enough . . .