Some Kinda Blog

Comments on everyday issues and other blogs

     A major physchological disease called depression has become more and more widespread throughout the world. This condition affects people of all ages, and many times if left untreated progresses into extreme depression and sometimes suicide. Depression is defined as, "a mental state of depressed mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through dysthymia to major depression." (Online MD) Depression usually has to do with a chemical imbalance in the brain, but sometimes it can be triggered by losses, setbacks, or major trauma. Examples of these would include but not be limited to loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or molestation. Depression is not set to one specific age limit, however, studies show that the most affected group seems to be elderly adults. The older adults also have the highest related suicide rate associated with their depression.

     The good news about this widespread condition is that it is treatable. The National Institute for Mental Health suggests that treatments could include, "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are generally preferred over the older medications, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), because they have fewer and less severe potential side effects. Both generations of medications are effective in relieving depression, although some people will respond to one type of drug, but not another." Other effective treatments include psychosocial or cognitive behavior therapy. Sometimes just going and talking to someone offers the most relief. Depression is a horrible disease that seems like there is a never-ending cycle, but there is help.

posted by: rooster7944 at 12:43 | link | comments (1) |

Comments:

Comments: