Depression Days

Depression is a constant feeling of worthlessness, guilt, and the inability to feel pleasure or be happy about anything.  It interferes with day-to-day living, by causing inability to concentrate and creates changes in how you eat, sleep, socialize and think of life in general. There could also be physical pain when there is no physical illness. There can even be thoughts of suicide. These symptoms are characteristic to a serious condition called Major Depression

Bipolar disorder is another type of mood disturbance involving episodes of low energy-depression, with sadness and hopelessness, alternating with episodes of high energy- mania with irritability and fiery temper.  Mania is an inappropriate sense of euphoria (excitement). There is reckless behavior, little time sleeping, huge amounts of energy, racing thoughts, and rapid speech. It’s an overall out of control behavior. Cycles of depression or manic, can last for days, weeks, months, or even years.

Depression can be caused by low level of a chemical that carries messages through the nervous system in the brain called neurotransmitters.  Major life events, like divorce, death, or broken relationship can bring on symptoms.

The good news is professional help is available.

Depression can be successfully treated in most cases. If left untreated, it could be deadly, because the major risk factor is suicide.

Symptoms of depression can be treated with psychotherapy, medicine or sometimes a combination of both.  A psychologist can work with someone regarding the cause for depression to helping find ways to allow them to feel better.  Cognitive behavior therapy has been effective in treating depression. Depression can be brought on and maintained with negative thinking and this type of therapy can be very effective.

Behavioral Therapy focuses on current behaviors and Interpersonal therapy focuses on current relationships that can affect the illness.

A psychologist or therapist cannot prescribe medicine, so if depression medication is required, (remember the low chemical/brain thing?) a doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, since he can prescribe and monitor medication dosage.

Certain medications alter the levels of norepinephrine or serotonin which alleviates the symptoms of depression.  It may take a week or two before symptoms are noticeably changed and then it may take a few tries to find the medication that works best.

Sometimes medication does not help in severe cases and then a procedure called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used.  It causes a seizure producing a generalized brain activity that releases large amounts of all the neurochemicals.  Sometimes this procedure would have to be done twice a week for a month or more to sustain results that are almost immediate.

If medication does work for you, do not discontinue using the medication without your doctor’s orders.  Many times persons, especially those who suffer from bi-polar disease will begin to feel better and stop taking their medication.  This may lead to a relapse.  Your doctor knows when it is safe to start and stop medications.  Be sure to consult with him or her.

If you or anyone you know suffers from depression; don’t wait! Seek professional help now.

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