Depression
February 16, 2005
Depression is an illness that involves feelings of sadness lasting for two weeks or longer, often accompanied by a loss of interest in life, hopelessness, and decreased energy. Such distressing feeling can affect one’s ability to perform the usual tasks and activities of daily living.
This is considered to be clinical depression. It is very different from a temporary case of the blues triggered by an unhappy event or stressful situation.
Depression affects the mind, but this does not mean it’s all in your head. Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain.
Depression is not a weakness of character. Being depressed does not mean a person is inadequate. It means the person has a medical illness that is just as real as diabetes or ulcers. Like other medical disorders, clinical depression should not be ignored or dismissed. A clinically depressed person cannot simply snap out of it any more than a person with an ulcer could simply will it away.
Depression afflicts approximately 17 million Americans, from children to the elderly, in all walks of life. It reportedly afflicts twice as many women as men.
Listed below are links to information about emotional wellness.
This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment:
National Institute of Mental Health - Depression
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Depression – Information and Treatment
SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
