DEPRESSION

* THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF INFORMATION ARTICLES

Depression is one of the most widely known of the mental illnesses. More than 19 million Americans a year suffer from a depressive illness. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the person who is ill. Thankfully there is help and hope available. It IS a treatable illness!

WHAT IS DEPRESSION ?

Depression is a medical condition that affects people of all genders, races, ages, and income levels. People who are depressed feel more than sadness or “the blues.” They feel hopeless and suffer deep emotional pain for prolonged periods. Depression can cause dysfunction in every aspect of one’s life.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Depressive disorders come in different forms, just like heart disease.

- MAJOR DEPRESSION: presents itself by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, study, or enjoy activities that were once a pleasure. A disabling episode might occur once, but more commonly appears several times in a life span.

- DYSTHYMIA: is a chronic, unremitting depression and is less severe. However, it does keep a person from feeling good and functioning well. Many people with this form generally experience at least one major depressive episode during their lifespan.

- BIPOLAR DISORDER: sometimes referred to as manic-depression. It is a series of cycling mood changes which include elated or irritable moods and increased energy. Mania affects thinking, social behavior and judgement in ways that cause serious problems. Mania left untreated can worsen to a psychotic state.

Major depression is more prevalent among women. One-in-four women and one-in-eight men will experience the condition at some point in their lives. Many factors can cause depression, including biochemistry (a chemical imbalance of mood regulation in the brain), genetics, family history, substance abuse, and an illness or other difficult life event.

PERSONAL NOTE: The subject of mental illness makes some people uncomfortable. People who don’t understand mental illnesses such as depression might mistakenly think the person affected by this mood disorder can simply “snap out of it.” Keep in mind that people who are depressed don’t choose to be that way. Depression is a medical illness, not a personal short-coming or character defect.


THE HIDDEN DISABILITIES MINISTRY of Apostles Lutheran Church provides spiritual support and advocacy to individuals, their families and friends, with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Please contact MaryLou for information, personal advocacy, or community resource references at 547-4692 to leave a message or 421-2597.

ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.