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Do you or someone you know suffer from depression? Read on to
learn more about the signs and symptoms of depression, how to get
help for depression, evaluating the best treatments for depression,
and much more free help and advice.
Help for Depression
Clinical depression is an overall term that may include many symptoms
and signs. A key to overcoming depression may first involve taking a
depression self test (see more below).
Free depression screenings are often offered at medical clinics, which
also frequently offer depression support groups and other types of free
depression help.
Depression is an illness that has been well studied and documented.
There is no shame in suffering from depression. It can be overcome
with one, or a combination of:
- Medications (SSRI's, others)
- Psychotherapy (Cognitive-behavioral therapy and REBT)
- Online Counseling
- Natural Supplements (Herbal compounds)
- Attention to physical health
- Attention to mental health (stress management, etc.)
The causes of depression may vary from one person to another. Severe
depression or chronic depression occurs in about 25 million people in
the U.S each year. Clinical trials have shown that utilizing medications
and counseling (psychotherapy) offer the best results for treating depression.
Depression is not age particular. Teenage depression and elderly
depression have become more commonplace in recent years.
Trauma may also contribute to depression. Overwhelming grief, chronic
pain, and abuse, may also cause or contribute to depressive disorders.
(Keep in mind there are several types of abuse.)
The signs of depression may happen gradually, but typically include a
prolonged feeling of sadness, a lack of joy, sleep disturbances,
lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and more.
What is the Definition of Clinical Depression?
As part of our every day lives, everyone has times when they feel down,
less optimistic, or even sad. Oftentimes people will credit these feelings
of sadness or lethargy to the onset of depression. But it's important to
understand that medical and mental health professionals have specific
indicators that they use to make a diagnosis of clinical depression.
What Does "Clinical" Mean?
By definition, a condition is clinical if it is “directly observed.” That is, the
professional does not only count on a patient's self-report, but is more
likely to check for symptoms of depression that can be observed and
documented.
“Clinical depression” (usually interchangeable with "major depression,"
"major depressive disorder" or "depression") is used to describe a condition
serious enough to require clinical (professional), and possibly pharmacological intervention.
Clinical depression, according to medical sources, lasts more than two
weeks and is usually not precipitated by anything external.
Let’s say you’ve just been laid off from your job and you’re broke. You may
feel stressed, anxious, panicked, even unable to function. But, most of your
friends and family would most likely reach the reasonable conclusion that it’s
quite normal to feel this way.
The term clinical depression is inter-changeable with the
term depressive disorder.
Although your reaction might match the symptoms of depression, it was
preceded by a traumatic event thus your emotional state would not be
diagnosed as clinical depression.
Clearly, a new and better job would probably end these upset feelings
in no time. (But this would not be the case with someone who suffers
from clinical depression.)
Read More Here on the Symptoms of Depression >>
The possible causes of depression are varied. There is not one single
medical explanation for depression. Causes of Depression >>
One's physical condition may be a contributor to depression. Discuss all
depression concerns with your doctor. You may also want to visit Medline
at the U.S National Library of Medicine to review physical conditions and
symptoms.
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