|
|
At this very moment there are millions of people who are in the midst of an episode of depression.
Some of these people have such severe symptoms that they are completely unable to function normally. This is what doctors call major depression. At this level the sufferer requires professional help. A person in this state of major depression will sleep and eat irregularly and feel hopeless and worthless.
S/he will have difficulty concentrating or making decisions and will be unable to gather up enough energy to do anything. Thoughts of death and suicide are common at this level.
The mind tends to be full of negative thoughts which leads to a disinclination to do anything or even take an interest in happenings around.
Of course, as with all health problems there are various degrees of severity and it is possible to have minor levels of depression whereby the problem is more manageable. With help it is possible to function even though feeling bad about themselves and their lives.
There are several types of depressive illness. Some people use the terms interchangeably as though they are all part and parcel of the same illness. Others use terms which they consider to be “better” to use because of the stigma attached to Depression which is a mental illness and therefore a “no-no”. Let me list a few of the terms:
Manic Depression
These days this tends to be referred to as Bipolar Disorder. It goes in cycles through mania to depression and back. Both ends (or poles) need not be as severe as one another and therefore not recognised until diagnosed. The length of the cycles vary from person to person.
Clinical Depression
This results in a depressive episode lasting for two weeks or more. A person suffering from Clinical Depression is unable to function in a way which is normal for them leading him to state that he doesn’t feel like himself any more.
Chronic Depression maybe called Dysthymia
This is a depressive episode which lasts for months and returns maybe after short intervals. If this continues for a period of two years or more that it is referred to as Chronic Depression.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
It involves worries and fears to such a level that they become overwhelming and block normal everyday activity.
Endogenous Depression
arises from within and is experienced for no apparent reason. This may be referred to as biological depression and is believed to arise from a chemical imbalance.
Situational Depression
results from a situation or event such as redundancy, ending of a relationship, death of a loved one. This happens at a very stressful time and can usually be worked through with counselling and/or drug treatments.
Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD)
A depression which occurs at a particular time of year which is why it is often called winter depression or winter blues. It is repeated each year at the same time for the individual.
Psychotic Depression
This is a major disorder and often involves hallucinations and delusions. Also displays paranoia and hypochondria. These symptoms are in addition to those of Clinical Depression.
Melancholic Depression
A subcategory of Clinical Depression. Loss of interest in all things. Generally takes no pleasure in events around. Not sleeping, no appetite and therefore producing weight loss, feelings of uncalled for guilt.
Catatonic Depression
Shown by disturbance of motor behaviour. The patient may remain motionless or move about in a vigorous but random manner. May not speak – either because of inability or from choice. May display peculiar movements. A tendency to repeat the speech or movement of others.
Postpartum Depression
happens after giving birth. Many new mothers experience all kinds of feelings, often as a seemingly weird mixture. Sometimes this is much more severe and is a form of Depression which happens to about ten percent of new mothers. Don’t think that you are odd – just tell your doctor and get it sorted quickly so that you may enjoy your tiny baby.
Anxiety Disorder
covers a group of conditions rather than a single illness. People react in various ways so it won’t always be seen immediately as an anxiety disorder. Of course, most of us get anxious from time to time when we have to face up to some situation in our lives. This is normal and right that we should. However, for sufferers from anxiety disorders it is much more than an emotional feeling which will go away when the situation moves on. For them it can be quite irrational.
Panic Attacks
are an overwhelming dread, intense fear of a situation or indeed nothing. Physical symptoms are displayed such as pounding heart, nausea, trembling and sweating. Episodes can be regular and occur for no known reason. On the other hand, they can just happen out of the blue but the sufferer will always be looking out for them and this leads to anxiety.
As you will see, even from this quick run down, it is difficult to answer the question: What is depression? as it is a very individual illness. For this reason it is essential that a sufferer be encouraged to consult with the relevant medical practitioner.