Depression: The Disease of Sadness
In our never-ending search for happiness in life, is some of the bliss taken away? Have our thoughts for what we want just simply turned astray? Why has the pursuit of happiness left us more vulnerable and sad? Are we a society of "down in the dumps" people looking for happiness, but in the end disappointed with what we find? Does this leave us in a state of depression and instability? Turning us not just into a society of dismal people, but a society of people that are left spiritless, despondent to the events of everyday...Today, depression, the "common cold of mental illnesses," affects an alarming number of people. Estimates project that about 91/2 percent of the general population suffers from a depression disorder, equating to an astonishing 18.8 million Americans. In addition, one out of twenty people will suffer from major depressive disorder this year-a general loss of interest and energy, and an inability to experience pleasure (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2001). The costs of depression are astounding, costing our country 43 billion dollars annually in medical expenses, missed workdays, and premature death-usually suicidal in nature (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 1998). After vi
These may include situations such as prolonged stress at home or work, coping with the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, or childhood difficulties. Prescription antidepressant medication is the most commonly used treatment for depression. They may be more willing to accept that they have emotional symptoms of depressed mood and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. ewing these statistics, one has to wonder what exactly depression is and why is it so hard to control. As a last resort, usually after therapy and medications have failed, another form of treatment can be used-hospitalization. Sadness associated with depression is often described as inescapable, making it more painful than normal sadness, which the person may or may not be able to remember having. Many symptoms are revealed only when treatment begins. Depression can be so overwhelming that a person cannot recognize the symptoms. Through early detection and diagnosis, the depressed person can be more effectively and efficiently treated, allowing the person a safe and speedy return to their pursuit of happiness, putting normalcy back into their lives and the lives of their loved ones. It can hereditarily be passed on, increasing the vulnerability of an individual to become depressed. This may be attributable to the emotional disruptions of growing up in the 1950's and 60's in America, because of its unprecedented rates of divorce and relocation, leading to the disconnection of family, friends, and community. For example, if one twin has depression, the other twin has a 70 percent chance of being depressed at some point in their life (APA, 1998)· Biological causes-these studies currently focus on the body's neurochemical relationships, hormone levels in the endocrine system, and the activities of the limbic system. In addition to the previously discussed diagnosing symptoms, there are some other "key-indicators" to be vigilant of if they are noticed concurrently with any of the diagnosing criteria-withdrawal, violence, pessimism, memory loss, slumped posture, lackadaisical facial expression, inability to concentrate, substance abuse/dependency, appearance and hygiene neglect, and a continual want/need to leave. They are:· Loss of energy-most depressed people experience an overwhelming loss of energy, causing the person to stay home and avoid social interaction, preventing a person from starting or finishing projects, maintaining previous interests, or exercising. Here, therapies are performed in a controlled setting, like a psychiatric hospital, providing the severely depressed person with extended diagnosis, professional support, a safe haven, and more aggressive therapy.
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