DepressionAwareness

                                                                 Understanding Depression

Depression, is explained in many sources, as "the common cold of mental illness". It is estimated that 13 to 20 percent of the world population suffers from some degree of depression, at some point in their lives. Depression manifests itself in some, often subtle ways, such as chronic tiredness, fatigue, body aches and pains, sleep disturbances, and significant changes in appetite and/or weight. Often times, depression coexists with other factors, both physical and psychological. Although, the cause of depression is not an exact science, it is believed that it is directly related to our genetic makeup, which hampers our biochemical ability to cope. That is, certain levels of necessary chemicals, in the brain, cannot maintain a therapeutic level, under natural circumstances.

                                                                            Treating Depression

The first step in treating depression, is to recognize the condition, as an illness that deserves quality treatment, just as any other medical condition does. Sometimes this first step is not easily taken, as there are older generations who do not recognize the disorder, while others hold onto a sense of false pride and live in a state of denial , and mask their depression. The next step is to seek out a trusted primary care physician, who is willing to listen to your concerns, and who is ready to implement a plan of treatment, that will best work for you. Unfortunately, for many of us, there is a growing lack of Professional Resources available, in the specialized field of Mental Health. Because of this, some primary physicians have taken on the responsibility, of their patients' mental health needs. While medications have become the first line of treatment for depression, it is just as important, if not more important, to find a support system, to help you through those rough days and "meltdowns". While this step, too, does not come easy, if you look inside your circle, it is possible to find that one link, who will give you the moral support you need, to maintain a steady healing. Above all, it is important to remember that there is no shame in taking prescribed medication to treat depression. Just as we hold no shame in treating Highblood Pressure , Diabetes, or any other illness with medications.

There is not enough time in the day, to explain all of the events that have ocurred, in my life, which have manifested into a life-long battle with Depression. Though it began as far back as my preteens, and perhaps even further, it haunts me still today, well into my adult years. When I was ten years old, I watched, helplessly, as my best friend lay dying, by the side of the road. A victim to a terrible and tragic van/pedestrian accident, that took my friend's life. That day, changed my life forever, as I quickly learned just how cruel and unfair life could be. If you've read "My Bio", you now have a general view, into my Family Dynamics. Let it further be said , without all the gruesome details, that I am an adult child of an alcoholic parent, and a survivor of physical, emotional, and mental abuse. In my early twenties, I struggled with my own demons with alcohol. My late twenties were not any kinder, as I suffered a grueling heartache, over the dissolution of a relationship, with the love of my life. I became a single parent to a brand new baby boy, and battled Post-partum Depression, at the age of twenty-eight. On March 14, 2002, my family suffered the unexpected loss of my sister, Lisa. The following November, my mother lost her sister, my Aunt Dee. There has been a whole host of cruel and unspeakable events and much heartache, both in previous years and there after. For most of us who battle a lifetime of Depression, the pace is always "one day at a time". Each day that I wake up to see the sun shine, is another day of sparring that I have won. My sources of coping are within my family and friends, my interests and my hobbies, my ainmals and my prayers. One of my greatest sources of strength comes from my Shih Tzu, Tessa. She always seems to know when I am reaching a downward spiral, and generously offers up her unconditional support and comfort. It is the collective presence of all of these things, and much more, that gives me the strength to go on.

Midi music is "Hazzard", by Richard Marx.