Monday, March 15, 2010

An Epidemic Called Depression

By Jasmine Kabra

Depression is the lack of positive thinking or loss of hopefulness. And unfortunately, because of the stigma that still exists concerning depression and its many forms like mental illness, many people who need help do not seek it. Even though there is very clear scientific data that indicates irrefutably that a physical connection exists with most mental disorders, many people still stigmatize others because they stupidly hold on to the misguided beliefs of yesteryear that people with mental disorders are weak or just lack will power.

It is extremely common for people to become depressed over a divorce, and untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide. Thus, a divorce can significantly increase a person's risk for suicide. One study by the National Institute for Healthcare Research indicates that divorced people are three times as likely to die by suicide as people who are married. Thus, if you are going through a divorce, you need to get a strong support network in place. And get into therapy, whether you think you need to or not. Be proactive.

All of the blame is on the criminal--the cowardly perpetrator of the domestic violence--not on the victim.Many domestic violence victims try to change their behavior (even though they are not doing anything wrong) because the horrible attacks leave them hopeless, helpless, and confused. But there really nothing that the victims can do to stop the violence, because they are dealing with a selfish, cruel criminal who does not have a conscience.

Be aware that untreated hypomania can lead to severe mania. Some people with either type of bipolar disorder, who suffer from severe manic or depressive episodes, may experience psychosis. Bipolar disorder I is the classic form of the disorder and involves recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder II occurs when severe mania is not exhibited, instead a minor mania is exhibited, known as hypomania. Hypomania is a milder version of mania, and it makes you feel good, for a while, but the feelings do not last.

Lot many people who have depression do not get help. So please, do the right thing and make those appointments. Again, you may need to take medication. So, please leave that option open. People take medication all of the time for a variety of ailments, why should taking medication for depression be any different? And please understand that when you are depressed that you affect the people around you. So get help for your loved ones as well as yourself. If you need to take medication, then you should do so.

If you are pregnant and think that you may have depression, please make appointments with a doctor and a therapist. Pregnant women who do not receive treatment for their depression are at a high risk for postpartum depression. Untreated depression and untreated postpartum depression can lead to suicide. And untreated depression is the main cause for suicide. Thus it is critical that all pregnant women receive immediate treatment for depression.

You can also ask the doctor and therapist all of the questions that you can think of. And you can do your own research. You can seek a second and even a third opinion. But the bottom line is that you need to do what is necessary to get better. You can get the best of counseling and the best advice that is available for any depressed individual from experts. You need a bit of patience and a bit of hope to overcome your depressed state.

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