Dont be affraid of depression!

There is a stigma in a lot of countries, especially in the United States of America about depression. Many persons have their opinion that if a person is suffering from depression that they may be crazy. No one wants to be called crazy. That is totally understandable! Before you call anyone crazy lets take a look at what depression is. What is depression? Well, it has been defined by one source as the low state of mind that affects a persons thoughts, behavior and feelings. People can feel sad, anxious, hopeless, worthless, irritable, hurt, and restless just to name a few. Many persons around the globe suffer from depression and may not even know it. They may be oblivious to it or just in denial. Every one has their ups and downs, their highs and their lows, which is very normal. The problem comes into play is when you have a low and you have a hard time getting up from that low.

There are many forms of depression. Lets' take a look at them. Major depression - which has severe symptoms that can hinder with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. This can happen  only once in a person’s life, but a lot of the times, a person has several episodes. Persistent depressive disorder - a person with this disorder may have it for two years. A person that has been diagnosed may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for 2 years.
Some forms of depression are a little bit different, or they may develop under special circumstances. They are:

• Psychotic depression, this can happen when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions), or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).
• Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the "baby blues" that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this disorder comes during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. This disorder may be treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce the symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, may not be as common as major depression or persistent depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes—from extreme highs, which is called mania to extreme lows.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

People with depressive illnesses have different systems. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.
Signs and symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

If you know of anyone whom is experiencing these symptoms of depression please do not be judgmental. Give them your love and support and more importantly give them a helping hand! If you know of a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, an associate or anyone who needs help, PLEASE call the hospital emergency room if necessary. You can also contact the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at www.dpsalliance.org or call 1800-273-Talk (8255). There is also a Suicide Hotline you can call @1-800-Suicide. For Postpartum Moms please call 1-800-PPD-MOMS. For Suicidal Adolescence please call The National Adolescence Suicidal hotline@1-800-621-4000. PLEASE DON'T BE AFRAID OF DEPRESSION.