Depression is a common emotional disorder. It affects both the body and the mind. It can occur at any age, from young childhood to the golden years of old age. According to the National Mental Health Association, nearly six million children under the age of eighteen suffer from depression. According to Paul Meier, M.D. the depression rate is 300% higher than it was fifty years ago. Why? Researchers point to more broken homes, less religion in the schools, poor nutrition, less connection with friends and family, loneliness and of course, stress. W. R. Spence, M. D. (1992) states that depression is believed to be caused by a combination of biological and psychological forces. Since there may be physical symptoms associated with depression it is often misdiagnosed with only the physical symptoms being treated. In some cases depression may actually have a physical cause. Some drugs, including high blood pressure medications, steroids, or even birth control pills may contribute to depression. About 20% of all cases of depression are caused by an actual physical problem.
Physical Symptoms:
On an emotional level depressed people often experience a feeling hopelessness and helplessness. It can be like seeing everything through a dark lens. Sigmund Freud theorized that depression was a reaction to loss. He saw many similarities between mourning and depression. While there may be no obvious loss apparent in their lives, the severely depressed may be mourning something, even if it is a loss of their dreams. Some mental health specialists feel that depression may also be anger or aggression turned inward. If the person has been repeatedly told that anger is bad and should not be taken out on other people, the anger may turn inward and be taken out on the self.
Clinical depression should not be confused with the occasional bad day that everyone experiences. Sometimes a bad mood may last a week or more. But if the sense of hopelessness lasts for several weeks it can be viewed as a warning signal. A physician needs to be consulted at this point.
Signs of Depression: