Living in an era when most Americans are inundated with news about an economic recession or depression surging throughout the world, there appears to be little or no focus on the resulting stress on individuals and families. This international financial crisis is contributing to an ever growing emotional and psychological depression.
We all know how nations can suffer during an economic decline, of high unemployment, falling prices, low business activity, and widespread poverty. We also know that one can solve financial problems through gainful employment in a growing and healthy national economy. But, do you know that the type of depression defined as a mental illness can play havoc with the health of a nation’s institution of family life.
Depression as a mental illness can have debilitating effects on individuals and families for a lifetime, if not properly diagnosed and treated.
According to the most recent (2009) demographic estimates used for economic and marketing research, the population of the United States is rapidly approaching 306 million residents.
Several studies, including reports from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) show that Depression affects 17 million Americans a year and is rapidly growing. Some research studies indicated nearly 19 million Americans suffered from some type of depressive illness within a one-year period. Another study reported statistics as high as over 25 million Americans treated for depression within a one-year period.
A “National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey in 2006, reported 41.6 million visits made to office-based physicians for mental disorders.” In another survey, 51.7 million “Ambulatory Care Visits to Physician Offices, Hospital Outpatient Departments, and Emergency Departments” for mental disorders, in another year.
Most men, women, and children experience some type of melancholy or loneliness temporarily, or for a brief period. A depression is a form of mental illness in which a person experiences intense sadness and diminished interest in almost all social and work related activities, including activities they once expressed much joy or deep interest.
Depression is not a form of weakness, as many believe, and cannot be solved by using illicit drugs or drinking alcoholic beverages, or by wishing it away. If you are the parent of a child experiencing depression, please know that depression is not something children will naturally grow out of, because depression is not part of a natural stage of growth and development.
A proper medical or psychological examination and diagnosis should be determined, indicating whether you are experiencing a temporary depression, or experiencing what many mental health workers frequently refer to as a major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
A major depression is more intense, prolonged (usually last longer than two weeks) and can cause emotional, psychological or physical health problems, including a change in your attitudes and behavior.
Depression as an illness may vary in length of time and intensity, and in some cases, require long-term treatment. For many, depression is a life long process. Depending on the level of intensity, a major depression is frequently labeled as manic depressive disorder or bipolar, characterized by severe mood swings ranging between feeling highly excited and energetic, or deep feelings of sadness with little or no energy.
The exact cause of depression is still a debatable issue with tons of research and published information about cause and effect. The death of a love one appears to produce the most severe and long-lasting distress, although many researchers believe the loss of a love one is not always the cause of a depression.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, anyone exhibiting the following symptoms should seek immediate assistance of a professionally trained mental health worker:
- Persistent mood swings or drastic changes in how you relate to others.
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anger, or violent outbursts.
- Hearing or seeing things that no one else hears or sees.
- Uncomfortable feelings around others and fearing things that you know are irrational.
- Loss of appetite and an inability to get a restful night sleep.
- Frequent use of drugs or alcohol.
- Feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. (Call 911 immediately)
Proper diagnosis and treatment, in many cases, help reduce temporary episodes of depression and even major depression symptoms. Effective treatment allows most people with depression to return to their everyday functions of family life, work, and the ability to enjoy their social activities again.
Numerous studies report how essential it is to maintain a strong network of positive support systems and routines that minimize stress.
(This article includes revised excerpts from An Attitude of Love: On Life and Relationships, Chapter VIII, Depression, “Coping with Life Crises.” pp.245-254)
Tags: Depression, sadness
Exercising and finding the right people to be around is hard!!!