Feeling down or "blue" here or there is totally normal. But when those feelings intensify and happen for more than a few weeks, and interfere with a persons life, it may be clinical depression.
Very often people use the term "depressed" loosly-"I lost my game! I'm so depressed!" Well someone who is clinically depressed it's a lot more serious. You can't just "cheer someone up" who has clinical depression. You can't just tell them to get off their butt, and get out side. It is an illness, not a weakness and should be treated like any other serious illness.
Depression can progress gradually or suddenly. No two people will experience depression the same way. But there are common signs of depression such as;
Irritability
Decreased Productivity
Feelings of hopelessness
Changes in weight and appetite
Sleeping too much or too little
Obsessive thoughts
Crying for no reason
Withdrawl from regular activites
Neglecting duties (ie paying bills, housework)
Persistent thoughts of death, or suicide or hurting ones self.
Someone who has been experiencing several of these signs for more than a few weeks should seek help. It is SO important not to try and diagnose yourself or hope the symptoms will go away. This is what I did for the longest time. And without treatment, symptoms may last for months even years. And there is a high risk of depression coming and going regularly. There is can also be a risk of suicide.
People with clinical depression must live with their feelings 24/7. Depression touches everyone, friends, family, co-workers. Depression can affect men and women of any age, education, social status. Nearly 3 million Canadians will experience depression at one time in their lives. Most often between the ages of 24-44.
There are so many factors that can increase the risk of developing depression too:
Genetics, physical/emotional abuse, personal trauma, Gender (women are twice as likley to develop depression than men). The most important thing is that there is treatment. If someone you know or yourself are experiencing depression, the first step is key. Getting Help. 80% of people with depression can recover, if they get help.
Talk with a health care professional, or your employee assistance professional. People like this can direct you in the right direction. Self-help groups, counseling, peer and family support, refer you to a specialist who may recommend medication of psychotherapy. These treatments are amazing and highly successful used alone, or in combination.
If you seek help immediately it can make a difference. And like I continue to say. You are not alone.
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