What is depression?Being depressed is one of the most common mental disorders or mental states found in our society today. It is generally accepted that a least one in four Canadians have had bouts of depression severe enough to seek professional help.
The good news is that depression can be treated successfully in most cases. Grief and sadness are a normal human experience. Things happen to all of us that cause brief periods of depression but often time heals, your mood begins to normalize and you feel better. |
Depressive illnesses are quite another thing. When a person stops 'being themselves', by perhaps losing their interests, becoming disconnected, tired all the time, and has lost the strength or will to do even the simplest of things, they are probably depressed and need some professional help—without which the symptoms may stay for months, even years and jeopardize your physical health.
Episodes of depression can happen once, twice or many times in a person’s life. For some it may be chronic and lasting for years, or maybe just a few weeks or months.
Basically depression falls into three common categories and though all exhibit similar symptoms may be treated in different ways depending on the individual and the professional’s judgment. The three major types of depression are:
Often a person with major depressive disorder may be in a constant state of hopelessness, sadness and irritability. They often feel worthless, unworthy of love and utterly useless, and are constantly reminding themselves of these things in their thoughts and will play this “toxic tape” over and over again in their minds. Often the individual will wish they were dead or have the feeling they deserve punishment for who they are. The inability to sleep or the desire to stay in bed not wanting to face the world is common with people who are experiencing major depression. These people need help and sometimes cannot help themselves to get the help they need requiring the aid of others.
Dysthymia (or depressive neurosis) lasts years at a time. It can be confused with other forms of mental or physical illness that produce chronic distress.
Bipolar disorder (once called manic depressive illness) involves cycles of feeling tremendous highs and equally deep lows. They are on an emotional rollercoaster, depending on the cycle; they may be deeply depressed exhibiting the symptoms of major depression or tremendous mental excitement and energy (mania). This mania can be accompanied by very little need for sleep, increased social interaction, promiscuous sexual activity, as well as excessive spending. Often times when a person is in a manic state their judgment can become impaired to the point where they may feel capable of anything, easily overlooking possible harm. About 1 in 10 people with a depressive disorder have manic episodes.
We hope this information has been helpful. If you are experiencing depression and want to talk to a professional, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Depressive illnesses are quite another thing. When a person stops 'being themselves', by perhaps losing their interests, becoming disconnected, tired all the time, and has lost the strength or will to do even the simplest of things, they are probably depressed and need some professional help—without which the symptoms may stay for months, even years and jeopardize your physical health.
Episodes of depression can happen once, twice or many times in a person’s life. For some it may be chronic and lasting for years, or maybe just a few weeks or months.
Basically depression falls into three common categories and though all exhibit similar symptoms may be treated in different ways depending on the individual and the professional’s judgment. The three major types of depression are:
- major depressive disorder;
- dysthymia; and,
- bipolar disorder.
Often a person with major depressive disorder may be in a constant state of hopelessness, sadness and irritability. They often feel worthless, unworthy of love and utterly useless, and are constantly reminding themselves of these things in their thoughts and will play this “toxic tape” over and over again in their minds. Often the individual will wish they were dead or have the feeling they deserve punishment for who they are. The inability to sleep or the desire to stay in bed not wanting to face the world is common with people who are experiencing major depression. These people need help and sometimes cannot help themselves to get the help they need requiring the aid of others.
Dysthymia (or depressive neurosis) lasts years at a time. It can be confused with other forms of mental or physical illness that produce chronic distress.
Bipolar disorder (once called manic depressive illness) involves cycles of feeling tremendous highs and equally deep lows. They are on an emotional rollercoaster, depending on the cycle; they may be deeply depressed exhibiting the symptoms of major depression or tremendous mental excitement and energy (mania). This mania can be accompanied by very little need for sleep, increased social interaction, promiscuous sexual activity, as well as excessive spending. Often times when a person is in a manic state their judgment can become impaired to the point where they may feel capable of anything, easily overlooking possible harm. About 1 in 10 people with a depressive disorder have manic episodes.
We hope this information has been helpful. If you are experiencing depression and want to talk to a professional, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
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