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Clinical Depression
I have suffered from Major Depressive Disorder most of my life, and have been on anti-depressants for over 20 years. While depression in itself is not a cause of physical pain, the emotional pain that is so prevalent often manifests itself physically. Over the years I have been hospitalized over 30 times for depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts. Comments like "Just snap out of it" from those who have never experienced this crippling disease, only serve to make the sufferer feel worse about him or herself. Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance. The sufferer can no more will himself to change his or her mood, than they can will themselves to change their eye color.
If you suffer from any form of clinical depression, my heart goes out to you. If you are the friend or a family member of someone who struggles with this disease, please, please do not underestimate it's crippling effect on your loved one. Please educate yourself on what symptoms to watch for, and on what resources are available in your community. Depression can be, and too often is, a deadly disease. But it doesn't have to be. I am hoping that the links I include on this page will be helpful in themselves, but that they will also be just the beginning of your willingness to learn how to help yourself and those close to you.
Depression is a complex and confusing term that can refer to a state of mind, a mood, an emotional adjustment problem or a serious psychiatric illness.
Almost everyone knows what it is like to feel depressed but not everyone knows what it feels like to experience a major depressive illness that seriously impairs their ability to function and cope with life. Conditions that are called clinical depression, major depression, depressive illness, endogenous depression or 'biochemical imbalance' usually manifest physical symptoms such as persistent tiredness, fatigue, loss of interest and pleasure, sleep problems(too little or too much sleep) and appetite changes(eating more or less than usual). There is usually a sad, negative, pessimistic or even hopeless mood but in some cases only unusual impatience and irritability may be present. Disturbances of concentration and attention as well and memory and decision making may be present.
This is a yahoo email group.
This site answers questions such as: "What does anxiety or depression feel like?" "When should you seek help?"
Includes articles on: Causes, Who's at Risk, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Pain/Illness, Grief and Loss, Panic/Anxiety, SAD, Dual Diagnosis, Self-Injury, Suicide, Drug Treatment, Helping Loved Ones, Online and Offline Support
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