Information on Depression

Sources including reputable books, magazines and Internet sites all contain useful depression information and depression information is extremely useful if you think you or someone you love is suffering from depression. Depression is a treatable illness, also known as a mental disorder. Some people experience depression as a result of a painful event in their past and others experience it without any rational rhyme or reason.

Depression Information: What is depression?

Depression is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain and is normally characterized by prolonged periods of lethargic, apathetic behavior and a loss of interest in all things including life. While the severity of depression can vary from person to person, depression can be crippling to the point at which a person may no longer want to live, or sees no point in getting out of bed and being productive from day to day. Depression is NOT the fault of the person suffering from it and does not mean there is anything inherently wrong with the sufferer. These thought trains often run through the mind of depressed persons making it harder, over time, for them to have any hope of recovery.

Depression information: What are the signs and symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of depression include but are not limited to the following:

· Problems or changes in sleeping and eating habits
· Thoughts of death, suicide and "wanting to sleep forever"
· Trouble in personal, social, familiar and work related areas
· Loss of all feelings and happiness
· Inability to concentrate or focus
· Decrease in mental functions; slower in speech and thought
· Extreme anxiety, hopelessness and apathy

If these signs and symptoms persist for a continued period of two weeks or longer, you must consult a physician or medical professional to address the condition. If depression goes untreated it only progresses to deeper, more uncontrollable depression and sometimes death.

Depression Information: What treatment is available?

Once depression is diagnosed, there are different ways to go about getting help. People who suffer from depression are often likely to have turned to drugs and alcohol as a dysfunctional solution to their problems. In this case the client must be treated for co-occurring disorders: chemical dependency and depression. Medical practitioners often use antidepressant medications to combat the brain's chemical imbalance. Most commonly MAO inhibitors and cyclic antidepressants are prescribed and monitored by the person's practitioner. Sufferers of depression also find psychotherapy and other forms of counseling helpful. Outpatient treatment and residential inpatient treatment are also options if a depressed person feels as though he/she cannot function in daily life.

Treatment Referral offers options that treat depression and substance abuse. If you are depressed and need a referral, treatment or more depression information, please call us at 800.399.3612