Learning About Depression

[J Soland]

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Article Title: Learning About Depression
Author: J Soland
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Every now and then, everyone gets a case of the blues. This is completely natural and should not be cause for alarm. The hormones and chemicals in the body that regulate mood fluctuate on a daily basis and can even change over the course of the day, making it normal to feel little ups and downs. However, for people with chronic depression, there are more downs than ups and the downs last for long periods of time � sometimes weeks or months. Clinical depression is generally described as experiencing a combination of five of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks:

� Dejection

� Sadness

� Hopelessness

� Fatigue

� Anxiety

� Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable

� Guilt or feelings of worthlessness

� Impaired concentration

� Indecisiveness

� Restlessness

� An inability to concentrate

� Thoughts of death or suicide

Getting Diagnosed

If you think you may be chronically depressed, it is important that you get a professional diagnosis from a doctor. Even if you decided not to take prescription medication for your depression, you can talk with your primary care physician, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist about other ways to combat the symptoms that you have been experiencing. Be sure to communicate openly and honestly with your doctor about the feelings you have been experiencing. Describe your symptoms in detail and include specifics about when your symptoms are the worst, if any situational activities or environments exacerbate your symptoms, and if you are currently doing anything to treat your symptoms like taking an herbal supplement or exercising. Your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, your past medical history, your family�s medical history (depression is believed to be genetic), and your symptoms.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Seeking a diagnosis for depression can be stressful and overwhelming. These feelings, combined with the symptoms of depression that you may already be experiencing, can make the prospect of getting a diagnosis scary. The important thing to keep in mind is that a diagnosis is the first step toward treatment and feeling better. Also, the more information you gather from your doctor about depression, the more equipped you will be to make an informed decision about your treatment. To prepare for your appointment, it may be a good idea to write down some questions like the following:

� Am I exhibiting symptoms of clinical depression?

� Do you think I would benefit from medication?

� Do you think I would benefit from counseling or therapy?

� Are there non-pharmacological treatments for depression that I may be able to try?

� If I do decide to take medication, what are the possible side effects?

� Will I have to take medication for the rest of my life?

Finding the Right Treatment

There are ways to manage depression other than medication. If you have severe depression, pharmacological therapy may be necessary, but mild to moderate depression may be managed with other approaches. Certain herbal supplements like St. John�s Wort have been shown to mitigate depression for some people. However, this herb has also been shown to make other medications like oral contraceptives less effective, so it is important to speak with your doctor before taking any type of herbal remedy. Exercise may also help to boost the body�s level of endorphins, which are �feel good� chemicals in the brain. If you do decide to take an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication, be sure to monitor your reaction to the medication carefully and stay in close communication with your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. Common side effects include fatigue, reduced sex drive, a worsening of symptoms, thoughts of suicide, insomnia, and weight gain.


About The Author: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to wellness. http://www.laserspinewellness.com/

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