|
Depression
Everyone goes through stress and bad days, disappointments and losses.
When someone is feeling down for too long, and it begins to interfere
with his/her regular daily activities, it can be depression.
Depression
is
an illness that results from a chemical imbalance in the brain.
When someone is depressed, the may slowly drop out of activities
they used to enjoy (sports, clubs etc.) and start spending most
of their time alone.
Treatment
For some people, depression will go away on its own. But, if it
continues for too long, then it is advised top seek treatment. More
then 80 percent of depression cases can be treated with medications.
The non habit-forming medication does not produce a high, and so
they aren't abused.
Counseling is
also another way to cope with depression. A counselor can listen
to someones problems without judging them, and help them overcome
their obstacles.
In many cases,
a person will seek both treatments for a successful recovery.
If
left untreated
The consequences of untreated depression can cause permanent damage.
People may start to use alcohol and drugs as a means of escaping
their depression, they may lose their job, drop out of school, and
in many cases commit suicide. Suicide is now the second leading
cause of death among children and adolescents.
There are some
clear warning signs that a person is contemplating suicide. Anyone
who is considering ending their life needs immediate medical attention,
from a physician or mental health professional. It is common for
family and friends of a depressed person to not take suicide talk
seriously. Any symptoms of suicide are serious and should be taken
that way.
Signs
of depression:
- talking
about suicide or wanting to die
- feeling hopeless,
like nothing will ever change or get better
- feeling helpless,
like nothing else will make a difference
- feeling like
a burden to family and friends
- abusing alcohol
or drugs
- writing a
suicide note
|
