Saturday, September 26, 2009

Depression Versus Normal Sadness? -Do You Know The Difference?

By Katarina Uber

Do you ever wonder if you have depression? Many of us will have feelings that fit the definition of depression, but is it really depression? Clinical Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people. Disrupting lives, weaving itself into all aspects of our life, yet the feelings of depression can also be normal. Confusing? Let's look at some of the criterias for depression.

First of all, having days when you feel down, or sad, is normal. We all have days when we feel blue, or down. It is just part of life. If those sad, blue feelings become your most predominant feelings however, like a dark persistent cloud, your emotions may not be just a "mood" but depression.

Depression is not a mood that can be alleviated by will power. Depression is a mental disorder that can change how you think. It changes your outlook on life and the future. It affects your beliefs and how, and if, you want to interact with others.

So how can you tell the difference between actual clinical depression and normal feelings of sadness. Essentially it's about intensity and time. The feelings associated with depression are much more intense. Your character and your ability to cope with reality become severely affected. It becomes almost impossible to function on a daily basis.

The threshold for diagnosing depression in terms of time seems to be about two weeks. Being sad and withdrawn for a short period of time is a normal human reaction to significant negative events. However, if your personality and interaction with others fails to return to normal after about two weeks time, then you may have entered a major depressive episode. Depression can last for weeks, months or even years--without treatment.

How is depression treated? The good news is that depression is very treatable. Combining therapy with medication is usually quite effective. Investigating some of the newer "Energy Therapies" such as Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapas Acupressure Technique can bring some impressive results and can be done in conjunction with traditional methods.

Depression can happen to anyone. It is not an affliction of those who are weak. Strong people can get depression as well. if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, remember, the sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. - 14130

About the Author:

No comments: