Depression: Causes &Help

March 2nd, 2009 Posted in Anxiety and Depression

Depression is a serious infliction that affects almost 15 million Americans every year.  It’s a proven illness.  Although it is defined as a mental illness this is no reflection on the personal attributes of the inflicted.  Anyone can contract depression.  It has no reasoning for its path.  It can strike the rich or the poor.  Race or religion aren’t important.  The fact that you are suffering from this disease does not mean that you are less a human being.  The historic stereotypes associated with mental illness are meaningless.  Without treatment it will get worse.  It will not simply go away if you ignore the symptoms.  This medical condition will progress until it takes over your whole life unless treated. 

Depression is brought on by many factors in our life.  This illness is more than just feeling sad and confused for a day or so.  The affects of true depression can last for months and years.  The worst effects of depression can be physical illness and even suicide.  Early stages involve feelings of regret.  It’s possible that the disease will steal away the enjoyment you used to have for favorite hobbies.  You can experience loneliness and despair.  You may feel like a failure at life and cannot see where the future is going to get any better.  Day by day your personality changes to the point that your friends don’t recognize your actions.  Work, school, even your home life will feel the sting.  Expect insomnia and increased anxiety. 

There are many causes of depression.  Stress can be a major factor.  Stress caused by the loss of a loved one or from a serious illness that you have been diagnosed with.  Genetics are important. It can result from physical, sexual or even mental abuse.  Much of the time it can be felt because of simply trying to get by financially in everyday life.  There is so much stress in the world today to compete and satisfy those in our society.  Don’t forget that it’s a serious condition.  The good news is that there is help if you choose to seek it.  Only about one third of the 15 million people who have depression will seek treatment according to data.  You have to want help or you have to have someone who loves you seek the help for you.

Prozac and other medications, along with psychotherapy, are a common combination treatment.  However, this can get to be very expensive and the anti-depressants offer as many side affects as the depression itself.  There are natural medications available that contain the ingredient ‘hyperforin’ that are just as effective as the prescribed anti-depressants.  There are support groups that are aimed at assisting those affected by this terrible illness.  Anyone who wants help with depression can find it.