Posted on 08/12/2014 6:58:09 AM PDT by BenLurkin
"Depression is one of the most tragically misunderstood words in the English language," writes Stephen Ilardi, an associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas, in a blog post on the Psychology Today website. "When people refer to depression in everyday conversation, they usually have something far less serious in mind," than what the disorder actually entails. "In fact, the term typically serves as a synonym for mere sadness."
Here are some facts about depression:
•Although major depression can strike people of any age, the median age at onset is 32.5, according to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
•Depression is more common in women than in men, according to Washington University.
•Men with depression are more likely than depressed women to abuse alcohol and other substances... Depressed men may also try to mask their sadness by turning to other outlets, such as watching TV, playing sports and working excessively, or engaging in risky behaviors....
•Men's symptoms of depression may be harder for other people to recognize, and the illness is missed more frequently in men, Goldstein said.
•Men with depression are more likely than women with the condition to commit suicide, Goldstein said. Men with depression may go longer without being diagnosed or treated, and so men may develop a more devastating mental health problem.
•Symptoms of depression extend far beyond feeling sad, and may include: loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities, irritability, agitation or restlessness, lower sex drive, decreased concentration, insomnia or excessive sleeping and chronic fatigue and lethargy, according to Mayo Clinic.
The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
used by life situations.
Then the chemical changes kick in.
You just have to muddle through it and change the situation.
Anti depressesants are poison.
Don’t take anti-depressants unless you want to get worse.
Series.
What I thought was a good woman triggered my depression....by leaving after 23 years of marriage.
“Doesn’t make it better during periods of demoralization and despair In fact, I have come to realize that major depression and other psychiatric symptoms are, in part, my cross to bear.”
I understand, and am sorry. There is a purpose to everything, and sometimes it’s hard to see what that purpose is. I do not personally believe that it was/is God’s plan for you to suffer. II don’t know you, but would guess that because of all you’ve been through you probably have insight into suffering and hurt that many others don’t. This is, in a very real way, a gift that allows you to help others in a way that many cannot.
100% certainty I'd be dead without anti-depressants. I don't consider still being alive to be "worse".
You just have to muddle through it and change the situation
"Situation" has nothing to do with it, for either my mother or myself. A combined 157 years of chronic depression.
That is possible but it is really just the Catholic perspective on suffering. Thanks for your comments.
Thats fine but, I have had my experience too.
Anti depressants were a negative for me.
They made me disfunctional.
My life situation requires that I be functional.
Right now I’m going through a bad spell of depression because
I am unemployed. I know that I need to find a good job, not some damn pills.
The sad part is that in order to get treatment for it, you have to let go of your second amendment rights.
Secondly, depression is treated like a computer program. So-called experts can’t seem to realize that just because you think of doing something, doesn’t mean you WILL do something. Sheesh, how many times as a parent did I think to myself...If I get my hands on that boy I’m going to beat his @$$! But, you don’t. Instead, you talk to him, listen to him, try to learn what he was thinking and then guide him in the right direction.
Well, just because you might think of putting a stop to the pain through suicide, doesn’t make it a viable option. It doesn’t mean you will carry through with it. Its just a momentary thought and you move on to a more reasonable solution.
I’m sure that there are people who’ve lost everything over the last few years, and who entertained the thought of robbing a bank, but didn’t. It’s not reasonable. Instead, they found a job or learned other ways of coping.
Depression ISN”T aways situational. Sometimes it IS biochemical. And when it is, finding the right chemical to counter act it, and restore it to a functioning condition, can be a huge life saver.
Spiritual connection with God is always number one, whether well, or not.
Yes. I emailed a few friends and they had the same feeling. That was the worst day in my life.
Those with depression often come from strained households, such as broken homes & divorce; most drunks, addicts, & the tattoo-laden also come from similar backgrounds
I felt as bad that night as I did the night I held my Dad’s hand as he died. The feelings have not gone away.
We all have that at one time or another. Sometimes repeatedly.
I can relate.
If Nov 4, 2008 was one of those, I feel there will be another one. The "gibs me dat fo nutin" crowd is getting bigger and will never vote for anything but the big gubmint give away dims.
Spiritual connection with God is always number one, whether well, or not.
AMEN, it is ALMOST ALWAYS BIOCHEMICAL, and you are a savior for making that clear. Think of it like vitamins, the meds ONLY increase the production of certain chemicals in the brain, these control mood etc. Please see a Doctor, life will be much better.
Thanks for you very helpful comments.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.