Just as Bipolar Disorder can be represented by a roller coaster so can Depression. It can sometimes seem like a broken roller coaster for it only goes down. This image is a roller coaster in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. It was washed out into the ocean by Hurricane Sandy. To me, this represents depression. Sometimes you feel like you are out there all alone, drowning.
Clinical Depression and Major Depressive Disorder
Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you make up in your head. More than a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days, the symptoms of Depression are severe and debilitating. Depression is characterized by feeling “down,” “low” and “hopeless” for weeks at a time. Factors that can contribute to the onset of Depression include stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, personal loss, relationship difficulties and the presence of other physical disorders.
Depression isn’t always easy to detect, and people with depressive conditions can experience different symptoms. It may be expressed through lack of appetite or overeating; insomnia or an unnatural desire to sleep; the abuse of drugs and alcohol; sexual promiscuity; or hostile, aggressive, or risk-taking behavior.
People with Depression tend to experience:
Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you make up in your head. More than a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days, the symptoms of Depression are severe and debilitating. Depression is characterized by feeling “down,” “low” and “hopeless” for weeks at a time. Factors that can contribute to the onset of Depression include stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, personal loss, relationship difficulties and the presence of other physical disorders.
Depression isn’t always easy to detect, and people with depressive conditions can experience different symptoms. It may be expressed through lack of appetite or overeating; insomnia or an unnatural desire to sleep; the abuse of drugs and alcohol; sexual promiscuity; or hostile, aggressive, or risk-taking behavior.
People with Depression tend to experience:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings;
- Feelings of hopelessness and / or pessimism;
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and / or helplessness;
- Irritability, restlessness;
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex;
- Fatigue and decreased energy;
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions;
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping;
- Overeating, or appetite loss;
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts;
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
-- http://bringchange2mind.org/learn/the-facts/
10 Depression Myths We Need To Stop Believing
and the all important number 11 myth:
People who talk about suicide don't do it or people who never talk about suicide, don't do it.
- Depression and sadness are one and the same.
- It's a sign of mental weakness.
- It's always brought on by traumatic life events.
- It isn't a real illness.
- It's all in your head.
- Real men don't get depressed.
- If your parents have it, you will, too.
- An antidepressant is all you need to feel better.
- You'll need medication for the rest of your life.
- Talking about it only makes it worse.
and the all important number 11 myth:
People who talk about suicide don't do it or people who never talk about suicide, don't do it.
