De…D…Depr…Depres…Dep…Depressi…Depressio…Depre…DEPRESSION

Sometimes saying the word is more work than it is worth especially if you are truly depressed.

“During depression, the world disappears. Language itself. One has nothing to say. Nothing” Kate Millet, Author and Sculptor

What is depression?

Depression can be an illness that robs one of the meaning of their life. It can smother any form of enthusiasm, well-being, sense of purpose, will to achieve and so on.  But one thing to think about, DEPRESSION IS AN ILLNESS!

If you had a cold, would you deny it? Even if it meant you could not breath?

If you had cancer, would you refuse treatment? Even if it meant a possible remission?

Depression, meaning clinical depression, has three primary types (although there are more):

Major Depression- It can last months and if left untreated can reoccur with each episode lasting longer and being more debilitating.

Chronic Depression-It can go on for years. Some people live with it an entire lifetime. Also known as dysthymia (dys meaning disorder and thymia meaning mood), it is a disorder of one’s own mood.

Bipolar Depression- can alternate between being manic or extreme elation, grandiose thoughts, and sometimes inappropriate, destructive behaviors and the polar opposite-unpredicted rapid mood swings.

There are other types of depression including Seasonal Affective Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Atypical Depression, among others. Your medical and mental health professional can determine what kind of depression you may be experiencing and supply the necessary treatment to help you overcome it.

How do you know if you are depressed?

Did you know that sometimes you can be depressed without feeling depressed?  Sometimes it is a very obvious feeling. Persistant sadness or empty mood, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficult concentrating or making decisions, excessive crying, or chronic aches and pains MAY be obvious signs.

But also, moral problems, lack of cooperation, absenteeism from work, alcohol/drug abuse, and decreased productivity can be signs as well.

The best way to find out if you are depressed is GO TO A DOCTOR!

Seeking help DOES NOT mean you lack character, discipline, common sense, or personal strength.  Depression is an ILLNESS. Seeking help for any illness does not imply a lack of mental, physical, emotional or moral character. In fact, it takes courage to admit something MAY be wrong.

Sometimes treatment can include psychotherapy, counseling, or medication. Sometimes just understanding depression can lead to better treatment and long-term care. Other solutions can be increasing exercise, altering food or nutritional intake and making changes to your diet, or redefining your goals and expectations.

REMEMBER: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

Did you know many prominent and famous people suffer depression.

“I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would be not one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better it appears to me” From one of Abraham Lincoln’s personal diaries. Abraham Lincoln suffered depression most of his adult life.

“It’s been troubling me. Now, why is it that most of us can talk openly about the illnesses of our bodies, but when it comes to our brain and illnesses of the mind, we clam up. And, because we clam up, people with emotional disorders feel ashamed, stigmatized and don’t seek the help that can make the difference”  Kirk Douglas

Before you go ONE MORE DAY trying to live with DEPRESSION- SEEK HELP!

Some local agencies in Birmingham are:

Creative Wellness- For Families

Oasis Counseling- For Women and Children

Dr. Alan Swindall- Alabaster Family

Gateway Family Services

Grayson and Associates

Also, check with your local medical doctor for a suggestion.

You can also refer to Wellness.com  or NAMI-National Alliance on Mental Illness.

If you would like to suggest other agencies in the area that offer help and services, please feel free to comment.

Don’t let depression disable you

from living life to your fullest POTENTIAL.