|
Type
of Depression
There are two types of depression:
Depression
originating from a bad or disturbing event in
your life
Depression which appears without apparent cause
- the most common
The first type of depression is easier for you
to tackle because the cause is known. The first
step is to deal with the event that triggered
your depression. It may have started as a result
of a death, an accident, a divorce or any other
type of setback.
The
second type of depression is more difficult to
deal with as the source is unknown. It is the
most common form of depression. It may vary from
a feeling of the "blues" to a feeling
that life has no meaning anymore. Two things are
important:
-
how much it affects your life
-
how long you have been suffering from it
This
kind of depression is harder on you because others
won't be so sympathetic as they would had there
been an obvious cause.
Winter
Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
This
is very common in countries which have cold, cloudy
winters and little daylight or sunshine. I used
to live in England and did suffer a from this.
Now I live in Turkey and the difference is incredible.
Sometimes the weather is fantastic - sunny and
warm even in winter! It does affect your mood
but everybody is different, if you are very sensitive
to weather change you may suffer from this.
Get
under bright lights for a few hours a day. Try
brightening your home up and making it as light
as possible with warm colours. I don't suggest
a winter holiday to warmer climes as when you
come back you could be in a worse state than before.
Play some summery music!
Postnatal
Depression
This
is common and affects about 50% of mothers in
the first few days after the birth. This is known
as the "baby blues" and normally last
a few days. Hormonal changes, a sense of anti-climax
after all the anticipation and waiting and other
worries associated with the experience of having
a new baby.
10%
however suffer symptoms like restlessness, fatigue,
inability to cope, even hostility to the baby.
Antidepressants are normally prescribed.
Bipolar
Disorder
This
depression is a mood disorder with manic episodes.
Mood cycles vary with each person. Research suggests
strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.
Bipolar
disorder normally begins in adolescence or early
adulthood and continues throughout life. This
illness can be effectively treated and must be
as it's very serious.
Manic
depression
Depression
including abnormally intense or irritable moods,
that last for a week or more, and include behaviour
disturbances and erratic thinking which cause
problems in coping with life.
Manic-depressives
suffer from violent mood swings. Severe depression,
"the blues," and normal mood are all
points on the mood swing.
Should
you be unfortunate enough to suffer from Bipolar
Disorder or any kind of manic depression you must
see a doctor and seek psychological help.
Psychologists
provide support, education, coping skills training,
monitor symptoms and encouragement to continue
medical treatment. The psychiatrist monitors the
medication that is necessary.
Most
people with manic depressive illness can be helped
with treatment
Male
Depression
There
are two general descriptions of depression - Overt
and Covert.
Overt
depression is visible. Covert depression is hidden.
What you see are the footprints or the defences
a man is using to run from it. These can be drinking,
womanising or becoming isolated.
Male
depression is five times more likely to be covert
than overt. Women can be covertly depressed but
generally this is less common as women tend to
be more expressive and open to seeking treatment.
Depression
in men often is the root cause behind violent
men who beat their wives or children.
Depression
is treatable and these men need therapy. Unfortunately,
covertly depressed men rarely seek help. It is
almost always others (who persuade them to initiate
therapy).
If
you recognise this in yourself please get help
- you owe it to yourself and to those you live
with and who love you.
Original
Link
|
