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Beliefnet's health editor (and my editor) Holly Rossi has pulled together an impressive and comprehensive site called "Living with Depression." Today I'll feature a few things from that page, which you can get to by clicking here.
The first article, called "What is Depression?" is an overview by Sheldon Lewis on the statistics of depression, what causes it, and the different kinds of treatment options. It sort of reads like "Depression for Dummies," which is perfect for folks like me who needed CliffsNotes to get through the classics of literature in high school and college English.
Click here to go to the article. It begins:
Depression is a mental disorder, characterized by continued feelings of sadness and lack of interest or enjoyment in daily activities. In addition to mood problems, people with depression are prone to physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in appetite. An estimated 14 million Americans suffer from major (or clinical) depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Twice as many women as men suffer from depression.What Causes Depression?
While the exact causes of depression are not yet known, it appears to be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, biological, and social factors. Many people experience situational depression in response to stressful or traumatic events or losses. Situational depression often responds to psychotherapy. Clinical depression, however, is triggered by our bodies' brain chemistry and may require additional treatment such as medication. Neuroscientists (who study the brain and nervous system) are learning more about the biochemistry of depression, specifically how the disorder may involve an imbalance of certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Scientists also continue to study the extent to which some people are genetically predisposed to experiencing depression.
To read more Beyond Blue, go to www.beliefnet.com/beyondblue, and to get to Group Beyond Blue, a support group at Beliefnet Community, click here.
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Comments
Hi Ida,
Just-a-note to say: Congratulations on two years sober!!
As B., another wonderful member of the BB community would say,
you sought: "Progress - Not Perfection."
And you did it one day at a time! Now That Is Something To Be Proud Of!!! ^I^
Posted by: Tricia | May 16, 2008 1:48 PM
I should check out this site more. I might be depressed. In the last 6 months or so I've really lost interest in just about everything I've ever enjoyed in life. No music, no reading, no writing, I don't really care for or care about anything at all. But I'm pretty chipper, I get to work every day and do my job very well every day (which is absolutely the thing most important to me in life), do very well in my post graduate classes. I just don't feel anything or like or enjoy anything anymore. And I could probably sleep 12 hours a day every day.
It does make life easier, though, not having any interests.
Posted by: MAR | May 16, 2008 1:59 PM
Hi Debbie,
Believe it or not, you are half way to getting better. You admit you're depressed and that it is affecting your life. As Tricia told you, please get on the phone and call your doctor. Without professional help the road ahead is bound to get worse and your daughter needs a mother who is helping herself, in order to help her.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. The number of understanding, compassionate, knowledgeable, mentally ill people who read Therese's blog are very loving and giving and willing to help you! We are concerned that you get well. Please keep us posted.
Posted by: Julie | May 16, 2008 5:01 PM
Hi Mar.
I can only quote two of our wonderful members in the community:
First - check out the website Recovery-inc.com recommended by ((( PegofMart.)))
Second - I echo what (((Julie))) said in her second paragrarp. :-)
Posted by: There Is Hope | May 16, 2008 8:45 PM
This Beliefnet compilation is a great resource. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: | May 17, 2008 8:13 PM
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