Depression.Depression heard people talk about chemical imbalances in

Depression.Depression heard people talk about chemical imbalances in

Depression.Depression is one of the most common psychological problems, affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through depression in a family member. The cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them.

Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person.Impact of Depression:? Causes tremendous emotional pain? Disrupts the lives of millions of people? Adversely affects the lives of families and friends? Reduces work productivity and absenteeism? Has a significant negative impact on the economy.? Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well being. We have all felt sad at one time or another, but that is not depression. Sometimes we feel tired from working hard, or discouraged when faced with serious problems. This too, is not depression.

These feelings usually pass within a few days or weeks, once we adjust to the stress.Cause of depression:Clinical depression is a very common psychological problem, and most people never seek proper treatment, or seek treatment but they are misdiagnosed with physical illness. This is extremely unfortunate because, with proper treatment, nearly 80% of those with depression can make significant improvement in their mood and life adjustment.

You may have heard people talk about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes. However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have psychological components as well. In fact, the chemical imbalances that occur during depression usually disappear when you complete psychotherapy for depression, without taking any medications to correct the imbalance. This suggests that the imbalance is the body’s physical response to psychological depression, rather than the other way around.People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily shocked by stress are more disposed to depression.

Psychologists often describe social learning factors as being significant in the development of depression, as well as other psychological problems. Social learning factors also explain why psychological problems appear to occur more often in family members, from generation to generation. If a child grows up in a depressed environment, in which discouragement is common and encouragement is rare, that child will develop a disadvantage to depression as well. A serious loss, relationship problems, work, stress, family crisis, financial setback, or any unwelcome life change can trigger a depressive event. Very often, a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors are involved in the development of depressive disorders, as well as other psychological problems. When you feel depressed, and don’t know where to turn, talk to someone who can help..

.. A Psychologist.Sometimes people get seriously depressed after something like divorce in the family, major financial problems, someone you love dying, a messed up home life, or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Other times, depression just happens. Often teenagers react to the pain of depression by getting into trouble: trouble with alcohol, drugs, or sex; trouble with school or bad grades; problems with family or friends. This is another reason why it’s important to get treatment for depression before it leads to other trouble.

A lot of depressed people, especially teenagers, also have problems with alcohol or other drugs. (Alcohol is a drug, too.) Sometimes the depression comes first and people try drugs as a way to escape it. (In the long run, drugs or alcohol just make things worse.

) Other times, the alcohol or other drug use comes first, and depression is caused by:? the drug itself, or? withdrawal from it, or? The problems that substance abuse causes.And sometimes you can’t tell which came first..

. the important point is that when you have both of these problems; the sooner you get treatment, the better. Either problem can make the other worse and lead to bigger trouble, like addiction or flunking school. You have to be honest about both problems– first with yourself and then with someone whom can help you get into treatment.

.. it’s the only way to really get better and stay better.Helping Yourself? Depressive disorders make you feel wearied, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. You should realize that these negative views are part of depression, and typically do not correctly reflect your life situation.The most productive way to assist a depressed person is to help him or her get appropriate treatment.

This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until the symptoms begin to decrease (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and along with the depressed person to appointments with the psychologist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently purposeful if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs deviation and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.

A complete psychological diagnostic evaluation will help you decide the type of treatment that might be best for you. Psychologists.Bio…

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..The National Institute of Mental Health Psychology Information Online , developed by Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D.

,provides information about the practice of psychology,features Continuing Education Programs and a Psychology Bookstore,and hosts the National Directory of Psychologists. If you have any comments about the website, please contact us at: emailprotected copyright 1999, 2000 – all rights reservedWords/ Pages : 1,025 / 24