Depression, a Painful Illness

It is said that depression hurts. It is true that depression hurts. People who have entered into that dark chasm called depression will exhibit many different symptoms, both emotional and physical.

On the emotional side there are the dark days that grow and grow in number when there is no reason to have them. There are also the folks who will talk to a depressed person and ask "what do you have to be depressed about"? That is a horrible question. If the reason was known it's a pretty good bet that it would be avoided.

Depression can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic are the ones that are usually exhibited by people with some chemical imbalance that researchers are still trying to pinpoint. A combination of pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy would be a good combination for patients with intrinsic depression.

Extrinsic depression is usually the result of happenings in a persons life. Those things that they feel they have no control over such as illness, job loss, relationship issues, etc. Not having choices in a situation can lead to depression. If you are between the proverbial rock and hard place for an extended period you are definitely subject to feeling low. When it is a prolonged period the lowness has a tendency to increase.

Books are out there to suggest ways of fighting this. It is however a personal battle. What works for Tom, may not work for Dick and Harry. The help of a therapist is usually the best way to get help. With intrinsic depression medication may be a lifelong issue just as it is with diabetes or high blood pressure. There is no shame in this. It's a good thing if it helps. Doctors are more tuned in to antidepressants than they were 20 or eve 10 years ago. The variety of medications is huge with each acting on a different aspect of the illness. Yes it is an illness. It certainly isn't a chosen state.

Therapy is always a good choice but often difficult to accept as a possibility. It is not a sign of weakness but rather one that shows that you have a grasp on reality. One series of sessions may be enough or if perhaps it is truly intrinsic the depression may return and it may be required again. There is no shame to it. Affordability may be an issue, but most cities have a mental health facility that can charge on an income base.

Living with someone who has depression can be a very trying experience. The mistake a lot of people make is internalizing the responsibility for the cure when it is not in fact their fault. Depression is very personal. If a loved one appears to be depressed, gentleness is in order. Let them know you are there for them without making them feel inadequate or worse than they already do.

Symptoms range from the obvious to the well hidden. A lack of interest in things a person once enjoyed, problems with sleep, dietary changes or unusual social behavior are just a few. You may find someone sitting in a room looking at a television that isn't turned on, or crying without obvious cause. It happens a lot and should be dealt with as soon as possible. All depression does not lead to suicidal thoughts, but some do. Therefore action is necessary.

Physical pain is a newly recognized symptom of depression. It can be constant headaches, abdominal pain or a host of other symptoms. When they consistently recur, help should be sought.

These are just a few issues concerned with this very complicated condition. As a retired nurse and patient, I have been there and speak from my education and my experience.