Friday, October 31, 2008

Depression -Do You Have These Symptoms?

By Harold Ulvaeus

Do you ever wonder if you have depression? Many of us will have feelings that fit the definition of depression, but is it really depression? Clinical Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people. Disrupting lives, weaving itself into all aspects of our life, yet the feelings of depression can also be normal. Confusing? Let's look at some of the criterias for depression.

All of us experience blue moods once in a while. We all experience feelings of sadness. It is just a normal part of going through life. When those blue moods turn into a dark heavy persistent cloud, and when those sad and hopeless feelings become your predominant feelings, you may indeed be suffering from depression.

Depression is not a mood that can be alleviated by will power. Depression is a mental disorder that can change how you think. It changes your outlook on life and the future. It affects your beliefs and how, and if, you want to interact with others.

Since normal feelings of sadness, and the feelings of depression are very similar, differentiating between the two is usually by time and intensity. The feelings from depression are much more intense than a normal reaction to a negative event.

Typically, the threshold for diagnosing depression is about two weeks. When we experience negative events, it is normal to want to withdraw, and to feel sad. If after a few weeks you are still withdrawn and there is no relief from the sadness, it is possible that you have entered a depressive episode. Untreated depression can last for months to years.

How is depression treated? The good news is that depression is very treatable. Combining therapy with medication is usually quite effective. Investigating some of the newer "Energy Therapies" such as Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapas Acupressure Technique can bring some impressive results and can be done in conjunction with traditional methods.

Depression can happen to anyone. It is not an affliction of those who are weak. Strong people can get depression as well. if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, remember, the sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. - 16004

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