The Medical Condition Called Depression

“Depression” is a common word in the English language. Many people will say something that does not raise their mood is “depressing” or if they are having a day where their mood is not a high as normal they will say they are “depressed.” The truth is they are just unhappy and the mood will pass. People who suffer with depression will constantly have a low mood that does not improve, even if they hear good news.

It is believed that nearly 2 thirds of all adults will suffer with depression on some level in their lifetime, but only around fifteen percent will require medical attention. The reason someone suffers with depression varies greatly, for some it may be due to financial reasons, others it may be due to losing a loved one, and for some it may be because of a traumatic experience they have suffered at some point in their lifetime.

If someone is suffering with depression they will normally have very low moods for weeks at a time, the moods will also be so bad that it affects their every day life. When we talk about depression affecting someone’s every day life, we mean that it actually takes a hold of their life, and in extreme circumstances it can control their life.

For those with advanced depression it can stop them carrying out social activities, they may feel like a failure or guilty, some may even feel like life is lost and don’t even manage to get out of bed for days at a time.

With a small percentage it can actually be dangerous, they may be a danger to themselves and others as they abuse alcohol or drugs to take their mind off the problem that is causing the depression, they may even threaten to commit suicide.

Treatment can alleviate the issues involved with depression but there is a large barrier affecting how well the treatment can work, this barrier is the sufferer himself or herself. The reason why a depression sufferer is the biggest barrier is due to the fact that they have to see there is a problem and wish to get help before treatment can commence.

Even after the treatment has started the patient can decide to stop at any point, this is because the treatment normally involves seeking counseling which a lot of sufferers find hard because it involves talking through the problem that started the depression.

If the sufferer keeps up with their treatment then it can take six to eight weeks before real progress can be seen and the patient starts to feel better within themselves, this is because a counselor has to delve deep into the emotions of the sufferer and get them to open up with the hidden memories and feelings that are hurting them.

Overall depression is a life changing condition that can cause conflict not only in the sufferer but also their family and friends, it takes a lot of courage for a sufferer to see the problem themselves and decide to take action.