Posted on 08/20/2014 8:50:28 AM PDT by Oldpuppymax
The recent death of Robin Williams has put a spotlight on the matters of depression, how it’s treated, and the role of prescribed and illicit drugs. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression has a variety of symptoms, but the most common are a deep feeling of sadness or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities.”
Three primary types are identified: bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (clinical depression), and persistent depressive disorder. The Association details typical symptoms…
Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or gains unrelated to dieting Insomnia or oversleeping Loss of energy or increased fatigue Restlessness or irritability Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide
Since we are quite free with the word “depressed” in normal conversation, a distinction should be made between normal feelings of sadness or grief—which diminish in a reasonable amount of time—and true depression, which can persist for months or even years. However, making such distinctions is not always easy. Some people really are unhappy (with their life, their job, their marriage) most of the time, and may also exhibit certain of the above symptoms.
To be sure, depression has been known since antiquity...
(Excerpt) Read more at coachisright.com ...
Some meds can cause depression.
I had that experience with Zyrtec.
I’ve never been one to deal with depression like I had at that time, and when I finally figured out what it was, I went off the Zyrtec immediately and within a few days was beginning to feel better.
At the end of 2 weeks, I was a new person.
My daughter has the same problem with Singulair.
They warn you about it and I often wonder just how many people suffering from *depression* are having side effects from medications that they are not even aware of.
It is amazing how simple changes can have a profound impact on the well being of a person. Look at the myriad of OTC drugs and how many people take them every day.
The whole problem with mental illness is that, by definition, you aren’t thinking right and either don’t know you’re ill or so isolated and miserable that suicide seems like a sensible choice. It is near impossible for the mentally ill person to get help themselves. Someone else needs to help them or drag them if need be for treatment. Then there are those depressives who are so good at hiding it and being the strong silent type that no one knows what the person is suffering from. A buddy of mine killed himself after we had all been out having a seemingly good time. Turns out he was deeply depressed and dealing with an abusive wife. None of us had a clue. There were no signs there, he wasn’t a heavy drinker, didn’t take drugs, worked like everyone else. This is just my thoughts on the subject.
Most depression can be cured by alcohol, smokes and hugs.
The hugs are what does it.
Love is what pulls people out. Knowing that they are of value to someone.
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